The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-02-24
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RETURN OF THE RESERVES.
Naval MiIitia's visit to the White
Squadron.

Squadron.
The second division of the naval militia
under command of Lieut.. H. S. Colding
returned yesterday morning from their
visit to Charleston and the white SQUAD
ron. They report splendid time. The
trip was a continued round of pleasure
from the time they boarded the train here
early Sunday morning until they return
ed.
The advance guard of reserves left here
Saturday morning for Charleston to make
arrangements for their comrades. The
Savannah boys arrived in Charleston at
noon Sunday and were met and welcomed
by their hosts and comrades, the Charles
ton reserves. A short march brought
them to the armory of the Lafayette di-
vision OF South Carolina naval militia,
where arms, accoutrements and baggage
were stored and collation. was had The
sailor lads were then dismissed and scat
tered over town. During the afternoon
Il. x. Dubois of Lafayette division dinod
the officers of the visiting command and
an enjoyable evening was spent at his
home.
Next morning a steam launch took the
Savannah party aboard the Amphitrite.
where Capt. Wise and his officers gave a
nearly welcome to their last summers pu-
plis The men were shown over the YES
sci, and the handling of the big guns was
explained in detail. In fact, nothing was
left undone to make the stay pleasant
From the Amphitrite launch conveyed
the militia to the Puritan the largest
monitor in the navy. Before reaching her
the Terror, a vessel of the same class,
was passed. On board the Puritan the
militia were welcomed by Capt. Bartlett,
veteran of the late unpleasantness. Soon
the entire party was scattered throughout
the vessel The big Pinch guns were eX-
amined and admired, as well as the ingen-
ious hydraulic mechanism by which the
turrets revolve and $50 pound projectiles
are hoisted into place. The reserves were
impressed with the device for counteract-
ing the recoil resultant from a discharge
from these loud mouthed long Toms. 1t
was also hydraulic and on the plan of
the pneumatic attachment which prevents
door from slaming. All the power for
similar manipulation aboard the Terror
are pneumatic.
Capt. Bartlett entertained Lieut.. Colding
and Ensign Dickinson at breakfast in his
cabin, while the remainder of the officers
were equally as well taken care of in the
ward room.
During the breakfast a young officer
told OF the result or the recent attempt TO
blockade the port, adding that on a dark
night, particularly a foggy one, vessel
knowing the channel could run in, since
the fleet was entirely too small to efec-
tivey blockade the port. During the war
the fleet off Charleston often numbered
between IS and 100 vessels of various de-
scriptions.
After hearty leave taking the party
once more boarded the launch and steer
ed for the nearest dock. The parade was
formed on Marion square Monday after
noon, and at o'clock Adjt. Gen. Watts
began his annual inspection.
The column moved at 5 o'clock and
marched direct to the Battery, where the
parade was dismissed. Along the line
the Georgia boys won many encomiums
for their appearance and drilling. Many
were the recipients of flowers from the
fair spectators along the route.
Lafayette Division, S. c. Naval Re
serves and it's guests assembled in its
armory at 8 O'Clock, where banquet,
was spread following. which speech-mak-
ing was INDUCED in until 1t was time 10
take the train for home.
To Capt. Bartlett and the gallant Off
GERS under his command and the no less
gallant reserves, the Savannahians owe
debt Of lasting gratitude for trip re-
plete with pleasure and instruction, and
it is their earnest hope that they may
soon have the pleasure of returning the
compliment. To Lieut.. Colding, who
Manned and carried out the trip, too
much credit cannot be accorded. 1t can
he said without exaggeration that a bet
ter behaved set of men never boarded
a train.