Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-04-17

FORTRESS MONROE, VA, April 10
The broad green, white and red bars
with a snowy cross on scarlet shield, the
fag OF Italy, and the Tri-COlOr Of
France, float to-day over the white
capped waves which reStlessly rise and
fall in Hampton Roads.
Two new foreign vessels have arrived
the Giovanni Bausan, and the Jean
Bart, making seventeen men-of-war now
IN the harbor.
An this afternoon aud until the set
ting sun caused the shadows OF the pro-
trudlng cannons 10 fall like dark index
fingers aslant the dazzling sides OF the
ships, brilliant picture was presented.
The launches and cutters OF the ves-
sells, each displaying the snowy eolors
Of it's nationality, sped TO and fro across
the waters, carrying lively parties TO
the men-Of-war and back again.
The Bausan was sighted early this
morning, but not too early for the
usual burning of powder. Sne is not
stranger 20 American waters, having
participated in the last review IN New
York, but her arrival is nevertheless
the occasion for much ceremony.
Ere the formality Of the Bausan's re-
ceptiOn had been concluded the quar-
termaster on the bridge OF the Philadel-
phia cast his weather eye over toward
the wide stretch OF water between the
CaDes and sighted another man-of-war
inward bound. II was the French frig-
ate Jean Bart. Splash and rattle
went the anchor OF the Frenchman
"a. n = ~
the glorious stars and stripes
were run up 20 the summit Of the main
mast, Just underneath the slender pen
nant. The gentle southern breeze ten
derly caught the national emblem to
caress II, while underneath the big
guns hOnOred the flag with the inter-
national salute Of tWenty-One guns.
The echo of the firing had not Lied
away when asreverberating boom from
the distant fort thundered back a
recognition and a welcome.
Just at this instant the officers OF the
Jean Bart ran 70 the side 10 gaze Curl
ously upon a strange craft that had
come up unObserved behind them and
was silently sliding by. It had the
form and build OF q torpedo boat, with
rounded deck, scarcely above the level
OF the water and sheathed with metal,
painted brown. Over its stern was q
house on stills not much larger than
hen coop Of respectable size. 1t was
whaleback, common enough on the
great lakes, but decidedly unique 10 the
Frenchmen'S eyes.
While they were still lost in wonder
at the unique specimen Of naval archi-
lecture, significant Incident hap
pened. Even while the Frenchmen's 5
guns were paying their loud tribute to
the American flag, the captain Of the
General Admiral stepped into his gig
aud started as rapidly as four oars
could carry him towards the new ar
rival, reaching the latter's side while
the boarding officer from the Balti-
more was still some distance away
and being received with due honors.
There is a general impression among
naval officers that the ostentatiOus haste
of the Russians 10 welcome the latest
arrival was meant 10 emphasize the
friendly relations which Russia desires
TO cultivate with France. Admiral
Walker, however. in speaking to your
correspondent OF the incident, was not
disposed 20 regard 10 In this light and
said that any vessel could thus formally
welcome another, there being no esta6-
lished rule Of precedence.