The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1896-03-25

There was a peculiar looking fla.
bark Orient Sunday, and it's peculiarly
stimulated several people to ask ques
tions of men aboard that vessel The
captain refused to say anything fol
some time, and tried TO pass the matter
off by changing the subject, until in
self-defense he was forced to make an
explanation.
| Yes, Christensen is my name, as
you have probably read by the newspa-
pers, and it is very seldom that he likes
to talk about matters in which he has
been concerned, but if you promise to
keep what have to say a matter of Sc
crecy, I will tell you a few things.
''The tiag flying at the fore topmast is
made of silk, and was presented to me
by the crew of a wrecked Chinese
schooner, whom [ saved from drowning
in the Formosa channel.
1T was in the month of August, 1892,
and terrible typhoon was raging in
the FoTmosa channel. Early one morn
ing, while the bark Orient was sailing
toward Hong Kong, we heard the awful
shrek of human voices, and later saw
the distress signals of Chinese vessel.
From what we could discern she had
sprung leak and was sinking rapidly,
while the poor Chinese crew aboard
were crying out for help in the most
agonizing tones have ever heard is
sue from human lips.
Our stoutest boat was manned with
the most trusty men of our crew, and
soon she was alongside the rapidly
sinking vessel.
In two trips the entire crew of six
teen men were safely placed aboard our
own staunch bark. and in very few
minutes the unfortunate vessel gave
one great plunge and was never seen
again. The gratitude expressed by the
crew when safely aboard our vessel al
most brought the tears to our eyes
After arrival at Hong Kong 1 received
the flag you see flying at the fore top
mast as a token of the gratitude of the
shipwrecked crew, and upon Sundays
you will always see it flying.
mo. that is not the only recognition
received as master of the Orient. One
day was notified that my presence was
required at the German consulate.
thought over the events of the past, but
could not recollect having been guilty of
any misdemeanor in regard to matters
connected with my vessel, and so, put
ting ON bold front, went to the con-
sulate.
Il was met with the greatest courtesy
and Informed that the Emperor of
China wished to make some recognition
of my services in saving the lives of
sixteen of his subjects, and had done SO
through his minister in Pekin. With |
this l was presented with this commu- |
written in German.
The communication referred to was |
divided into four heads, and gives to |
Captain Christensen favors that very
few other than very high class Chinese |
can claim in China. They were as fol- |
lows:
Il. You are herewith presented with I
a medal making you a Mandarin of the /
second class, for your gallant services |
in saving sixteen Chinese sailors from
drowning, at the risk of your own life |
and certain of your crew.
g The rank of your family entities
you to be on a footing of familiarity
with all the Mandarins in the North of |
China. When you travel through their
part c. the country they shall take you
into their homes and treat you as one
Of the family.
Upon demand you shall be furnished
with six horses and eight soldiers at the
expense of the Government.
"a. Orders have been given to the
Duke Kau Choi to assign you seat No. 9
at the Emperor's table, next to Her
Royal dighness, All Stu Kiu."
Yes, 1 have other papers, but 1 will
lot show them to you, because notoriety
If any kind is very distasteful to me-
Now, then, come along with me and see
ny funny pigs" And the interview was
1t an end.