The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-12
WHITE SQUADRON SAILS
WITH MANY A FANTASTIC TWIST
AND TURN ON DEPARTING.
Much Social Intercourse Between the
Naval Officers-The Russian
Commanders.

OLD GOlNJ COMFOKI, VA, April L.
Special.-At 10 o'clock this morning the
White squadron filed out to sea. with
many a fantastic twist and turn between
here and the capes. a four days drill
is ordered to insure perfect review.
About two miles out the feet met the
Bancroft steaming into the Roads, so
that only the Philadelphia, Admiral
Gherardis flag ship. and the last conner
remain to receive other vessels.
Commander Resobrasoff and Lieuten-
ant Ivanoff, of the Russian ship Cen
eral Admiral, came ashore this morning
to pay a ceremonious visit to the post
commandant The Dmitri DoskOi is
hourly expected into port TO join the two
already here.
Secretary Morton, Of the Department
of Agriculture, visited the flag ship
Philadelphia. and was accorded salute
of fifteen guns.
The Russian officers are thoroughly
enjoying social affairs at the Hygeia.
At first the American dances seemed
a little too much for them, but late in
the evening they were proving them
selves thoroughly equal TO the occasion
Every young girl who meets the naval
officers wears the band of her favorite
ship on her hat The names of the Rus
sian vessels are sometimes put on up
side down. but no one seems to realize
the difference.
II is source of great disappointment
to the army officers that an appropria-
ton was not given them for the enter
tainment Of the foreign officers They
have very pretty club-rooms, but thus
far they have dined and wined visitors
at their own expense.
The search-light drill OF the feet last
night was a grand sight. There were
four lights on each Of the eleven vessels.
Arches were formed, rays were crossed
and recrossed I'm rapid succession, until
the whole heavens seemed TO be dancing
a minuet. ColOred lights flashed in ana
out, the whole reminding one of the
Aurora Borealis on a grand scale. The
two black ships Of the Russian fleet look
ed dark and forbidding in the midst OF
the sea Of light
The electric railway running between
old Point and Newport News is having
more business than II can accommodate.
Many come from the adjoining counties
to witness the sights, while large num-
bers Of Hygeia guests, on pleasure bent
take a ten-mile ride over the picturesque
road Equestranism is the fad among
the young people.
4 middle-aged bachelor who visits the
Hygeia every spring is again noticed
among the throng. As he is a lover Of
pretty girls and has a cool million or
dollars at his call he is very much petted.
AS he is connected with a well-known
children's periodical. he goes by the
name Of "The Youths Companion
John Habbertoh, of "Helen's Babies
fame. is trim. natty-looking young
man. rather handsome. Dozens OF chill
dren are playing on the beach. rosy
checked. plump and happy, and he has
an admiring look for each one.
The new hand-shake is proving most
distressing, as there are as many Varle-
ties of shake as there are languages
spoken. While a common language has
been invented, a common method ol
shaking hands has become an absolute
necessity.
The thick weather which prevailed here
last night began 10 clear this morning,
and at o'clock the fleet got under way
and stood out to sea. with the Newark
fving the flag Of Rear Admiral Benham,
en- the lead. She was followed by the
Chicago. Baltimore, San Francisco, At
lanta. Charleston. Concord, Yorktown
and Vesuvius. the Philadelphia and dis
patch boat Gushing remaining in the
roads.
The new practice ship Bancroft was
observed coming in from New York at
o'clock. and passed the fleet down the
bay. She reached the roads at $3.50
o'clock and anchored a short distance
west Of the has ship. Her arrival com
pletes the American squadron.
When the Bancroft came into the
harbor this morning and signalled for
permission to anchor Admiral Gherardi
directed her TO take two or three turns
around the flag ship before doing SO.
She made three complete circles, which
were WATCHED by the admiral and staff
and every jack tar on board.
The Bennington which has been under
repairs at the Norfolk navy-yard for the
past three weeks. arrived ut the Roads
al 3 2. NJ. and saluted Admiral Gherardi's
flag ship. She looks as clean and neat as
fresh paint and hard work can make
her.
on signalling for orders. she was di-
rected TO proceed to sea and Join the
fleet outside the capes for practice drill.
The officers Of the Rynda (Russian) came
ashore to-day and called on Captain