The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-04-25


locker. He moves about with his weather
eye open. looking for squalls. and steps
on the gangplank with the assurance OF an
admiral and with every indication that
he considers the gun deck a far superior
and pieasanter place to the little back par
Tor at home, where, perhaps a lonely
mother sits sorrowing over the future of
her wandering boy. These thoughts. OF
course, do not disturb him. for ne now
thinks himself sailor. When thus fully
rigged out according to regulations he is
classified and quartered. and at once made
to enter on the duties OF his future life
work
When called TO quarters the lads present
a pleasing appearance. While allowed TO
mingle socially with the old sailors on
board the Independence. they are never
theless kept strictly separate in their
meals and in their sleeping quarters. The
routine and regulations of the training
service IS such that the boys are never al
lowed much time In which 10 concoct any
mischief and idieness is not encouraged.
Each hour of the day IL divided into q
~ rtes OF drills. studies and exercises cal
cuiated to improve them mentally and
physically, and TO inculcate habits of
obedience. cleanliness and self-esteem,
good order and rigid discipline. The in
strnctions embrace the common English
branches seamsnship. boating. gunnery.
and the various small arms and other
drills pertaining TO the needs OF soldier
and sailor. The boys are taught to mead
their own clothes. and can learn how to
make them II so inclined; they also have
20 do their own washing. They take turns
about In the kitchen. during which time
they have TO walt on the other boys These
periods. however. where there are so many
boys. do not come around frequently. and
as IL is only for one week at a time tho
boys don't mind 1t much. while some like
Il.
The messroom of the Independence sup
plies the boys with the very best the mar
ket Affords. The quantity is unlimited. the
cooking IL of the best. and the variety
always plenty. Fruit is served in season.
and the physical wants OF these growing
boys Is carefully looked after. DR. Hiboett
attends to their health and a well-appoint-
ed sick ward. under his control. furnishes
everything needed by those who report at
sick call
The financial wants OF the boys are also
well looked after. They are allowed ce--
tain sums each month for spending money.
and given liberty 10 go ashore Saturd1ys
and Sundays II their records are clear OF
dement's. They are given an opportunity
% depositing each month part OF their
earnings tn a savings bank, created by tho
government especially for these boys
which deposits draw per cent. interest,
ard compound interest; habits Of thrift
honesty and economy are thus inculcated
aud encouraged. 50 that when a boy en-
tering az "a reaches his ma iority he does
50 with a good bank account well equip
, ped ia all branches OF the naval service
and qualified 20 enter the merchant service
in some responsible position. or 90 con-
tinue with Uncle sam in lire for further
promotion.
\ large playground on shore, near the
/ Independence. lifted up with swings. ira
p, zc bars. etc. we'll shaded by llnc Of
fragrant eucalyptus trees. affords a pleas
ing diversion and recreation 90 the boys
after tho routine duties or board are over