The morning call., 1894-12-31

not nave been in the minds of the ones author
lzing the order 10 be promulgated, but there
are some who are so constituted as to think
they can see thing with their eyes shut.
The Petrol at New Chwang, as stated couple
OF weeks or so ago. in which was given a
description OF her novel method of being placed
In drydock and housed over, is now ice bound
IN her winter quarters. The men .and officers
nad quite tile experience the Othel day,
when 1t was reported that the japanese army
was approaching New Chwang and were not
more than twelve miles away. The men not
only on the Petrol, but those on the British
Warship Fire6rand, lying about 100 yards
away, were called 10 quarters and the guns In
the tops which they had built were loaded,
and every preparation was made for battl-
and TO guard the American and English resi-
dents IN The town. Their services were not
required and they returned 10 their Ice bound
quarters and were piped down.
II was most pleasant affair the Christmas
festivities AT the navy-yard, thanks In great
measure to Mrs. Captain. howison. wife OF the
commandment OF the yard. and The rest of the
ladies aud many OF the officers at the station,
chief among whom being Lieutenant g. M.
Stoney. who is one of the best-Bnown officers
on the coast. The sail-lofJ was elegantly
trimmed and the tree was bountiiully laden
with presents for all.
New Years day much calling will be done, as
to all.
A large lot of lumber has just been received
at the yard for work of various kinds, and
feduisltions are out for the purchase OF still
more 10 come.
lie seems that the Secretary OF the Navy has
seen Ut TO censure the captain OF the Cincinnati
Tor running the cruiser at a high rate of speed
al the time she struck a hidden rock in Long
Island Sound. 1t would have been better had
ne commended him for it in place of reprimand.
ing MIN, as had he been steaming along at
ShalPs pace she would probably have struck
ana settled down on the rock and torn her bot.
tom out, instead OF skimming over IL aud break.
Ing few plateS
Saturday afternoon the two gentlemen ap-
pointed on by the Board of Trade, James Roney
ana George j. Campbell Jr., left Vallejo for
ashing ton, to be present at the opening OF
congress to use their efforts in having a battle
snip included in the appropriation bill TO be
built at the Dayy-yard, Mare Island, The
money was raised by the voluntary contriDu-
ions OF the people here in sums ranging from
5O cents 10 $3.50. the most given by any one
person. All have common interest in seeing
mat snip Is ordered built ar the Davy-yard.
Inc gentlemen intend to use their influence in
the way OF explanations why 1t would be policy
on tne part OF the Government TO have a ship
under construction at the yard They have no
money TO waste in feasting represent atives
and 1t is farthest from their thoughts that they
VIII have TO resort to any such old and obsolete
methods.
With the exception of the sailing of the gun
Doat Bennington few days ago no orders have
peen received regarding The movements of any
Mohlcan, Ranger, Alert, Albatross and Patter-
son. The two latter cannot he classed as war;
ships, the Albatross being in the Fish Commits
sion and the latter in the Coast Survey service.
There Is nothing TO keep The former three from
being ordered out, though our people dislike
much TO see ship leave the navy-yard, as it
means the departure OF an excellent class OF
people and The ceaslng of considerable money
being left In town. All classes of merchants
feel material difference in their sales whether
fleet of sbiDs are in port or not.
The otf1cerS messes are well supplied with
the very best the market affords, and when
they or their men come on shore 1t IN. ans their
leaving more or less money here. But with all
this II is looked upon as somewhat astonishing
that no orders nav been received for ship 10
go TO Honolulu. One will go there, and Il will
sound, is often spoken of as being perfectly
cap bic OF going anywhere. and il would not
be al all surprising IL the Secretary should
order her there. Captain Kempff In command,
says she Is perfectly capable OF going there, or
10 China II need be, ana he would undoubtedly
be glad To have The opportunity to let the
world know that we build monitors for sea as
well as coast duty