The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-09-03
LIPS TRIP TO WEST POINT.
While on the Dolphin He Saw and
Said Some Interesting Things.
I,rar.. M.

From the New York Herald.
When the viceroy caught sight of the
Brooklyn bridge his curiosity was raised
to the highest pitch. He ratified off ques-
tions faster than Col. Grant could answer
them. His countrymen were also inter
ested and gathered closely about the in
terpreter. Does the bridge pay? Who
built it? Does he get pension? Who
owns the bridge? When was it built?
How long will it last? Ever been an ac-
cident on it? Is 1t used much? Any
charge for crossing it? These were a few
of the questions which Col. Grant had
to answer. Then the queries turned to
finances, and the viceroy wanted to know
if New York city bonds were at a pre-
MUM.
1T is wonderful structure" said Ii,
as the Dolphin passed under the bridge
''Fhe Americans are great people; their
ingenuity passes all bounds"
Now, your excellency." said Gen Ru-
ger, 1--WE are coming to Governors Island
/ do not own the island, but the island
practically owns me-"
But the viceroy's eyes had caught sight
of old Castle Garden, and he wanted to
know if that were not a fort. Then the
tall buildings in Broadway attracted his
ton for them, but expressed fear that
they were not safe He said he had heard
of them even in China, and was certain
the accounts had not been exaggerated.
Former Minister Seward at this point
came up to show some point OF interest
to the viceroy. He had no opportunity
What business are you in now?" said
Ii, quickly.
II am in the insurance business" was
the reply.
''Then you will insure my life. I want
to be insured"
81 am sorry" said Mr. Seward, but
the law restricts my business. l would
not be permitted to give you an insurance
policy"
Ugh" said the viceroy, with a smile.
YOU'RE afraid because I'm "A years old.
I'll live longer than many a younger
man."
Then Vice President Thompson of the
Pennsylvania road came in for his share
of the catechism.
How many accidents do you have on
your road?"
They are not very frequent"
why" saaid Ii, in apparent astonish-
ment, "the president of big railroad in
England told me that they had no acct
dents there; that they all occurred in
America"
After the laugh which this remark caus-
eu ndu SuDSlueu lne NlceTOy asked MT.
Thompson his age, which was told him.
How much do you get year,"
Mr.. Thompson evaded this question, and
then was asked how many miles of rails
the Pennsylvania railroad owned.
About 5000" was the reply.
'iAnd yet you have not told me how
much salary the vice president of an
American railroad 5000 miles long re-
ceves'
Let me tell you about the coming use
of electricity" laughed Mr.. Thompson.
I'D rather have the salary question
answered. insisted Ii.
I'm whisper it, was the reply Mr..
Thompson then went over TO the interpre-
ter and whispered few words. The in
terpreter went up to Ii and marked some
Chinese characters on a piece of paper.
which he handed to him. Ii looked at
Mr.. Thompson and smiled The interpret
er looked at him with a broad grin on
his face. From their looks II was evident
that the vice president received enough
to keep him from want, though the
amount will be kept secret.
During the trip up the Hudson river Ii
was very much interested in conversation,
| and apparently did not seem to notice the
shore at all. That his keen eyes took in
everything, however was manifest when
Riverside pagk was reached.
When Grants tomb came in sight Ii
arose to his feet and stood facing the
shore, with hat in hand. He had seen
the tomb and recognized II at once. All
the ships company stood at attention,
and the ensign was dipped as a salute
81 have seen the tombs of Peter the
Great" said the viceroy, impressively,
land of william l. Gen. Grant was a
greater man than either OF them"
Ii remained on his feet until the tomb
was passed and then began TO make in
nufrfaa about the mnuumpnt 10 cafI
frankly that the temporary work should
be torn down and that the finest monu-
ment II was possible to get should be
erected.
Shortly after Riverside park was reach
ed the rain began TO fall but Ii remained
on deck almost all the time till West
Point was reached. BY this time the rain
came down In torrents. Then Ii said:
West Point pretty place; hard to get
at. much like heaven"