The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-04-20
When Admiral Visits Admiral.

Fort Monroe Letter In New York sun
1t will interest the Suns readers to know
just what occurs when an admiral visits an
admiral. To be sure, il is like every other
blessed thing that 10 done aboard ship. 1t
Is ell arranged for Ia the naval regulations,
and never varies hair any more than q
stated ceremony in Masonic lodge. But
when it Is seen only once this sfereotyped
regulation character that 1t has is not as
apparent as it is to the sdmirsls who take
part in it. To begin with. the English
admiral decides to visit tho American
admiral as soon as both have had their
luncheon. That repast over. the English
admiral has signals sent aloft TO ask
the Philadelphia il Admiral Gherardi is
aboard. The PhIladelphia replies by signal
that he Is. Then the Blake makes some
more flags talk to the effect that Admiral
Hopkins is about to visit his American
cousin. At that bugle blows on the Phil
adelphia, the marines are drawn no in two
ranks on the after deck opposite the gang
way mp which the admiral must climb.
They stack their rifles In front of them.
and the band of the flag ship assern bles
smidships on the gun deok The American
admiral hurrIes into his coat and hat of
beaver and gold, and buckles on his sword.
He looks like grizzled veteran. wears his
gold lace proudly. and gives America no
country were in command OF the white
fleet.
HAS he left his ship yeti" our admiral
asks.
'.Yes. slr: he 10 just rounding her stern in
q steam cutter, SIR"
Our admiral elevates his eyes. Perhaps
il IL because admIrals and captains seldom
60 visiting by steam. They usually have
themselves pulled about BY brawny sea-
man. Presently the Blake's boat IS close
to the stern of the Philadelphia. On her
stern seats are four men in cooked hats
shining with gold braid. They are the
English admiral, his flag officer, hlg captain
and Junior officer. Each 10 in full dress
with white gloves and q sword. As they
rise TO step up on the gangway OF the flag
ship il Is seen that they have been seated
on rugs of lambs wool laid on the bench
around the cutter. and that q great rug of
white lambs wool 10 under their feet.
Tara the bugler
calls. The admiral and Captain Bridg-
man and Flag Lieutenant Potter and q
younger officer all advance and stand OPP
their guns and hold them at present The
EnRlisbmen mount upon the deck and
stand there. while the bugle blows and IL
followed by strains from. the band. which
tune, a. II merely to prove that we have q
band. that It Is real band and not lot of
tars with trumpets in their hands. and that
1t really could play a tune II It wanted TO.
The English officers put ND their hands.
palms ont. and touched their chapesus
with their little fingers.
Good afternoon" says the English ad-
miral. Il have called TO see you."
Thank you very much." says the Amer
lean admiral. II arm indebted to you. sir."
"lt 10 q fine day." says the English adj
miral.
Yea" says the American admiral.
Won't you be so good as TO walk into my
cabinp
"Oh, thanK you very much," says the
English admiral He looks very much sur
pris-d and pleased As he says this and no
one would believe that 1t Is oil part of the
regulations. and is precisely what he said
only two hours before on his own ship 30
our admiral. Each set of officers pairs off,
and two by two. an American beside each
EnRhshman. they walk into the cabin.
Perhaps they have glass of grog. who
knowsf