New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-05-11
CROWDS SEE THE SHIPS.
THE WAR VESSELS SURROUNDED BY SMALL
BOATS-WHY THE FLEET is HERE


The combination of a desire to the white war
vessels anchored off Staten Island and an attempt
to get away from the torrid heat OF the city re-
suited In an enormous Increase Of travel yesterday
the Staten Island ferry and the trolley lines
leading to the Brooklyn shore below Bay Ridge.
Rowboats, steam launches, yachts of all descrip-
tons except some of the big steamers which are
not yet in commission, and even tugboats belonging
to city firms. impressed into the service Of
carrying visitors off 10 and around the nucleus
Of the big fleet, and the one wish universally ex-
pressed that the remainder OF the vessels be-
longing to the station would hurry up and take
their places in the white line which is destined to
stretch down through the Narrows.
On board the ships the usual Sunday calm OBJ
served. the visitors being mostly those who had
relatives and friends on board. Much speculation
was INDUCED in to what particular reason
brought the ships TO this port, but for the benefit
Of the and tmid IT may be said author-
tatively. that the main object of the gathering Is
be able TO have shore leave without danger 10
themselves or demoralizng the town. The posi-
bility OF sudden call to action was not considered
in the transfer the call. If there should be one,
would be in an probability for service in Cuban
waters, and Hampton Roads nearer that OBJ
jective point by several hours steaming than New
York Harbor is. .
hands on warship when the vessel Is in port
The old sailors rule. You are always sure OF your
four hours on deck but you can't be sure of your
watch below holds good in the service as well as
in the merchant marine. When Jackie" is at sea-
he does not worry about shore leave but 10 be
cooped up In harbor and kept on board ship all
the time is the form Of punishment which
follows infractions Of discipline and violations Of
the rules. The natural result Is that those men
who have clean records and in the upper ella
anxious to have all the shore leave to which
they are entitled. and on their having Il depends
to large extent, the efficiency and Willingness Of
the when the call OF duty comes.
Another point raised by OF the officers yes
terday is that in a small town like Norfolk, when
a number of sailors get ashore, they are harassed
by the police for every little infractlon OF the
municipal ordinances. and sometimes the attempt
on the part OF four five policemen TO control a
hundred sailors out for good time results in a
free fight and consequent trouble for all hands
In New-York. when Jackie" gets ashore, as the
officer put 1t. the police know how II is themselves
and instead OF clubbing the men and kicking up a
generally when the sailorman takes more on
board than he carry and have fun with, they
steer him TO some place where he can sleep 1t off
and where his comrades look out for him.
New-York policemen may have hard name. but
they deal gently with our boys, and the result is
that you seldom a bluejacket up in the police
courts. and the boys know enough not to impose
good nature. That's why much prefer be-
Ing in New York Harbor for the summer"
The Cuban question is not a subject OF discussion
among the officers Of the feet The possibility Of
being sent South does not worry them in the least
They are not looking for fight" but II the fight
comes the ships are ready. and are the men.