Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1893-04-21
A ONCE MIGHTY MAN.
THE "SHIP'S WRITER" WAS AT ONE
TIME A VERY GREAT POWER.

The new pay table regulating the emolu-
ments of the enlisted men in the United
States navy shows some very interesting
things. Among others, il illustrates how
the mighty have fallen. Time was when
that person known as ships writer was
man Of considerable importance on ship
board, and one whose worth received recog-
milton in a high rate Of pay. To the crew
the first lieutenant is regarded as the pow
er behind the throne but in many cases
his writer was power that was greater
than the throne itself
The monthly acquisitions for money are
made out by him, and it was part Of his
duty to see that none Of the men obtained
more than their conduct entitled them TO-
Then Of all those who serve in the navy
is of course regulated by "a higher author
ity, but the commanding officer of "A ship
always LAYS down certain rules which must
be observed by the men if they want to
draw from the paymaster their full month
lyallowance
Nearly every mau-ofwarS man has some
reminiscence to relate of the writers with
whom he has served One of these tells of
how an ancient bueiacket once presented
himself, cap in hand, at the writer's Office
That individual, 10 appears, was busy at the
time, and after Hn Intellectual attempt to
gain hearing the man went forward. He
made another effort and again failed. A
third time he tried 10, only to be sharply
told by the writer 20 90 forward, as he did
not have time 10 talk to him.
He only went a. far forward rs the main
mast, the place where all grievances on the
part of the crew are carried. The officer of
the watch, who was silently pacing the
quarter deck, soon observed the quiet figure
standing at attention near the mast, and on
approaching him asked what was the
trouble.
81 would like to speak to the first lieu
tenant, said the mau carrying his hand to
his cap
"What do you want TO speak to the first
lieutenant about,' inquired the officer,
somewhat nettled that the nature of the
complaint had not been disclosed to him.
We'll sir, it is an important matter, and
would like TO see the executive person
ally about it,"
The officer hesitated a moment, and then
remembering that the navy regulations pro
vide that no audience with the executive
officer must be denied stalked off, knocked
on the door of the executive and told him
there was man at the mast who wished to
see him. The executive walked forward
and after returning the salute of the man
was astonishod TO learn that he simply
wanted his permission to speak to the cap
tain.
What in the name Of creation do you
want to see the captain about asked the
dumfounded officer as he hastily recalled
the punishments he had caused to be in
fiicted without his superior's authority
"Oh, it's merely "a private matter, sir"
was the reassurng response, but it is
very important one TO me. and would like
to speak to the captain about it,"
But can't / settle ts" asked the execu-
tive after satisfying himself that he had
not exceeded his authority and wishing to
save his commander annoyance. Tell me
what's the trouble aud viii lay the case
before him "
NO sir, - persisted the man Il want to
see the captain personally
After that there was nothing more for
the executive to do but to send the orderly
to the captain with the message that there
was a man at the mas, who wanted to
speak to him II was an unusual request, |
and that officer did not know hat to make /
of it. However, he came out of the cabin |
and walked 10 the mast. accompanied by
the executive and the officer of the deck.
"What is il you want. my mani" he in |
quired as the seaman carried his hand to
his cap
IF you please, sir. replied the latter, 81
would like your permission to speak to the
admiral"
what the deuce-what do you want to
see the admiral about gasped the aston
ished commander
We'll, sir, 1t is an important matter, and
he is the only man who can decide it, and |
ask your permission to speak to him"
The trio Of officers paced the quarter
deck in silence for a few minutes. What
the man wanted none of them could i'm
agine. The captain said he had never heard
of such a request being made before, and
the officer Of the deck, fresh from the ma
val academy admitted that he never had
either. After hearing how the man had
gone through the regular and prescribed
channels to gain an audience with the adj
miral the captain concluded that it was
best to notify the admiral that there was a
man at the mast who had asked TO speak
to him.
Admirals are not easily accessible, and
the request was such "A singular one to
come from such a source that the admiral
could hardly credit it when the orderly de
hvered the message. The captain was sent
for, but he assured his superior that the
formal request to speak to him. No, he
couldn't say what he wanted to see him
about. The man seemed to think that il
was matter of such Importance that only
the admiral should hear it,
The gray bearded officer arose from. his
chair. donned his uniform--for it would
not do for him to appear upon the deck of
his flagship except in the prescribed uni
form of the day-and then, after drawing
on his gloves, he sent word to the captain
that he was ready to see the man. The
captain came on deck and accompanied by
the first lieutenant and officer of the deck
the two proceeded to the mast, where the
figure Of the seaman was outlined against a
group Of his wondering companions, who
bad assembled in the gangway curious to
know what it all meant
well, what's the trouble with your"
asked the admiral as the man touched his