The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-20
OFF TO SEE THE SHIPS.
MANY RICHMOND PEOPLE VISIT
OLD POINT THIS WEEK.
The Great Vessels Are Attracting Much At
tention From virginIans-Those Who
Have Gone and Those who win Go.

Perhaps the largest crowd in the his
tory OF that resort are now enjoying
all the gayeties and attractions at Old
Point.
Everybody has n great deal OF curiosity
In the appearance OF the worlds great
navies, now lying in Hampton Roads,
and the shores of that lovely sheet OF
water now present a scene OF activity
and animation never before equalled.
The German squadron has arrived on
the scene. the British representation are
Inspiring the spectators with feeling of
wonder the French men-of-war are
subject OF much favorable comment. the
Russian cruisers show w with less i'm
posing pi oportions than any of the ships
in the feet. the Italian boats are attract
ing much attention. while Uncle Sans
snow-white cruisers. fiag-ships and gun
boats are source of satisfaction TO
every typical American at the Point.
Immense throngs are hurrying to the
festive scene every day. and the Norfolk
and Western and Chesapeake and ONO
railway companies have their hands full,
10 say the least
Perhaps the busiest man in Richmond
to-day is John ID. Potts division pass m
ger agent Of tho Chesapeake and Ohio
railway. l found him at his office yester-
day morning. and / really felt deal of
sympathy for the railroad man. He was
literally besieged by constant stream OF
customers anxious to complete their ar
rangements for the trip 10 the rendez-
vous. But ne was equal TO the occasion.
and when an immense crowd wants 10 go
anywhere Mr.. Potts is the man 10 give
satisfactory information and advice. He
understands his business In every particu-
lor nd crowd
he will handle them with skill such as
few railroad men could cope with.
II haven't had time for breathing
spell since last night" remarked Mr..
Potts. when I called at the Office. Every
body wants 10 go down TO Old Point.
and I'm rushed to death to accommodate
the crowd"
But I'm ready for them. no matter how
big the crowd"
He Informed me that the Chesapeake
and Ohio were running a train to Old
Point at in the morning. and an hour
later three different sections left the
depot a few minutes apart. all for the
Point. Besides these another train left at
3 +. NJ, and every train was crowded.
over one thousand people went down
yesterday and to-day equally as many
will go Mr. Potts says he has fifty extra
coaches he can put into service on short
notice. The trains make the run in two
travel during the past week. every train
has been on time. both going and coming.
The vestibue train which leaves Rich
mond at 9 o'clock in the morning is hand
somely equipped. and for speed and COM
fort is all that can be desired.
Travel to and from Old Point and Nor
folk yesterday was very heavy. The Dan
Vile Military Institute cadets, numbering
about thirty, under the command Of Cap
tain w. G. Penn. passed through Rich
mond at 9 A. NJ. for the rendezvous.
They looked very picturesque in their
close fitting uniforms. and are evidently
jolly. good crowd. with plenty Of life.
At 3 o'clock in the afternoon the
Pythians left for Norfolk. There was
a large delegation on the trip.
This morning the First Virginia regi-
ment about 400 strong will leave at .
o'clock in special trains. They will go
TO Old Point via the Chesapeake and
Ohio railroad. Tomorrow the public
school children and teachers Will leave
for Old Point on special trains at A.
NJ. There will be about 500 in the party.
At the same hour the young ladies of the
Richmond female Institute will go down
in special coaches; also the Henrico Light
Guard.
Considerable interest in manifested in
the proposed trip Of the Westmoreland
and Commonwealth clubs. These organi-
cations have made arrangements TO take
in the rendezvous on Saturday. They will
carry down many of their lady friends
and there will be about $50 in the party
At Old Point they will secure a steamer,
and visit the ships, returning on special
trains Saturday night.
The grand international ball TO be given
IN the new armory building. Norfolk
Friday night will be n magnificent affair.
There will be between 200 and 800 naval
officers present. and some Of the mem
bers Of the Cabinet will be in attendance.
Music will be furnished by the United
States Marine Band and a band from the
Naval Academy at Annapolis. Thc
steamer Luray will leave Old Point at 8
p. NJ. Friday for Norfolk reaching
there at 9 O'Clock. 1t will leave Norfolk
at A. NJ. on it's return TO Old Point
Governor Mckinney and Mrs. McKin-
ney and the members of the Board Of
Public Works, Colonel Morton Marye.
Auditor Of Public Accounts Treasurer
A. w Hartman; Secretary c. Lee Moore
and their ladies, and Colonel Cazneau
Mcleod. private secretary Of the Gov
ernor. and Mrs Mcleod will leave this
morning at 9 o'clock over the Norfolk
and Western railroad for Norfolk. The
party will travel in private car rendered
by Mr.. ID. w. Flockwir. general super
fntendent OF the Eastern division of the
road In Norfolk the party viii board
the oyster steamer Chesapeake and make
a trip TO the various men-of-war.
The Committee on James River I'm
provement, Of the City Council and a few
Invited guests win leave here for old
Point I'm the two city tugs William T.
Craighiil and II. Christian on Friday,
April 2lst. The two boats will leave the
Ariel dock at A. NJ. sharp The party
will be gone several days and will each
evening return 10 Hampton, whore Sleep
ing accommodations have been secured.
A