The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-16
GATHERING OF SHIPS
The Naval Rendezvous In Hamp-
ION Roads.
VESSELS THAT TAKE PART.
The Fleet as Il Will Appear When Start
ins Tor New York.
| GRAND SIGHT FOR LAND-LUBDERS
~. Onicers OF the Men-o'-War That Have
Already Arrived Have Captured Old
Point Comfort and Fortress
Monroe Ia the
week of Festiv-
tiles.
| GRAND SIGHT FOR LAND-LUBDERS

The great naval rendezvous in Hampton
Roads this week, preparatory TO the re-
view at New York. promises TO be the
,-andest affair of the kind ever under
taken. Foreign governments have taken
such general interest in the matter and
the cordial invitations from this Govern
rn,nt TO other nationalitics 10 participate
in the review have been 80 favorably
received that there now remains no doubt
that there will be an imposing turnout
Of the worlds masters OF the deep. and
all the most improved styles OF FIN de
steele ship architecture may be seen
eracing the waters in the vicinity OF that
most charming retreat for artistic hirta-
tons-the Hygeia Hotel.
II has been said that brass buttons have
q peculiar fascination for the fair SEX
and there is no doubt that these formula
bic little buttons gistoning on handsome
closely-ntting uniforms. which array the
men who look after Uncle Sans interests
on the high seas. have a remarkably
magic effect on the huttering hearts ana
vinsome ways Of the bewitching coquettes
who have so numcrousiy dropped down at
the Hyecia for purposes known only 10
srheuing mothers and ambitious chape-
Tons. 49,,
The army man, formerly the dread oil
the civilian al receptions, balls and other
delicious pastimCs. has gradually taken
a back seat. and. 10 use a slang phrase
&c mot in it, for the present. The CIVIL
Gar. too. who once strolled on the beach
VITA the fair bellies In the afternoon, and
assumed an air Of dignity in the ball
-m only TO be eXccllcd by the grim
eraaarance Of his subdued-looking clothes'
,v lounges about all alone, and gazes
v.+b envy on the delicate nattery his old
sweetheart pOurs out on the suPPoseu
ursuspecting navy man.
There Is no doubt that the navy officers
have taken entire possession OF the Point.
They present most attractive appear
ance and ia this respect do credlt 10 the
mower they represent and the represen-
fafives OF Uncle sam are receiving most
~ the HOMAGE from the fair ones. \
Snanish cavalier is all good enough, and
his easy flow OF eloQuence clothed in
language full Of melody is sufficient 10
melt the hearts Of the haughtiest society
woman. But few American girls are
unCuists and after conversing with one
Of these fascinating Spaniards for while
they often ind themselves saying deep
down in their hearts, Where am l at
This rrosaic thought knocks all the
romance out Of the Irritation, and Uncle
Sans man again comes into demand.
Various theories have been advanced
f. regard to the cool reception which
the Russian officers have had al the hands
Of the Americans al the Point IT is true
the Russians might have been more
warmly welcomed. and ought 10 have re-
ceived more OF those delicate courtesles
which produce favorable impressions on
the visitors. But then. one must remem-
Der that when q native Of Russia springs
on YOU one Of those long sentences com
posed exclusively Of consonants. the aver
age conversatiOnalist doesn't exactly
know where he is standing. or course
the women can't talk Kussian-that Is
many Of them cannot. interpreters are
ont Of tho question: for the average in
ternretor has "a good deal OF the spirit
Of humor I'm his make up, and NOBODY
knows when he may accept bride IRON
ambitious mothers to secure husbands
from St Petersburg or other RUSSIAN
cities "
The Russians, however, seem deter
mined 10 have a good time, and they are
never so happy as when they run across
a Trenchman AT the Point with whom
70 exchange ideas. They are nearly al
handsome men. with commanding hgures
Their uniforms are plain. except th'
great fat-topped white caps that are
stunning In me eyes OF the ldui'S' iN"''''''
was the first Of the foreign nations u
have a representative in the Roads.
When the American vessels were or
dered TO sea for few days cruise las
week, there was a forlorn look on IN
physiognomies Of most Of the ladies. .
course a great deal Of feminine influence
was used 10 have the cruise made a brle
one The cruise was for the purpose
giving the feet practice in fleet evolutlons
and in the work Of marching In CLOS