The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-02-01
Rhode Island Coast Has
Been Fortunate.
The Coast Guards at the Pier
and Point Jude.
Assistant Superintendent Knowles
and His Souvenirs.

1u0 recent btOrm6 WHICH proven SO
serious on the shores of Long Island, did
not, which Is most surprising to long
shoremen in this section, visit our Rhode
Island shores with any serious damage.
Although there were no disasters on
our coast, there was every indication early
q week sgo, of it's being one of the
worst storms OF the season, and such 1T
proved, although OF short duration.
The brave and hardy coast guards, or
life-savess, were, as has always proven, on
the alert, ready to perform any of the
heroic duties which they are constantly
being called to perform all along our
coast.
It was one Of those wild mornings
which, every life-saver knows, means
most vigil wstch is necessary, and ss they
pstrolleo the beach with an eye constantly
to seaward they expected ana almost
feared at any moment to see some unfor-
tunste vessel at the mercy of wind and
wave thrown upon the rocks. That
such was not the case seems almost mirac-
ulous on account of the suddenness and
severity of the gale, and the quarter from
which it blew.
Those who have ever visited a life-sav-
ing station will heartily cherish the
memories of such a visit. The genuine
kindness and hospitality with which they
were received BY those brave men, every
one of them q hero, will slways be remem-
bered.
1t was the privilege OF the writer to
visit and to remain for Q short time with
the hardy and stalwart crew under the
.sptainsChurch of the life-ssving stations
at Narragansett Pier and Point Judith,
just after the recent storm.
The services Of the life-ssvers ere the
least appreciated by people in general of
any OF the men 10 the employ of our gov
ernment, either city, state or national.
Theirs Is hard life with few privileges,
and comparatively small pay, and they ar
liable any moment to be called to face
death In its most tragic form.
1t isn't the terrible experiences they
have to pass through so much that
shortens the lie OF man In the service,
although as is sometimes the case The
experience of one night may perhaps take
of ten years OF mis- life. 1t is the irreru-
larity of the time for sleeping and eating
that pulls down the constitution of these
hardy men.
For instance two patrolmen take the
first watch, which is at sunset ;one patrols
TO the westward three miles the other to
the eastward the same distance. They
get back aobut s O'Clock, then two more
start out, and 60 onward through the
night until o'clock, when the first two
start out again. These first two men have
what is called the'' double watch" Every
man has one night q week In which be
has the "double watch"
In stormy weather the men patrol the
shore both Gay and night, but I'm fair
weather the last pstrolman goes out at 4
and gets bsck 10 the station about q
o'clock. Bot even in good weather at
Point judith, there Is always a watch
kept. There Is on top of. the station a
cupola built and a man Is constantly on
the look OFT here and taking count Of ali
vessels passing, either incoming or out
ward bound.
A vessel often In passing, especially II
overdue, may want her owners to know
sue has arrived ell right, and in this csse
she will signal by the use OF the code. and
these at the station will notify the
owners.
To much cannot lie said fer the brave
men OF the life-saving service; IL tho ret
OF the crews in the service sre made OF the
kind Of stuff as those under the Captains |
Church at Point judith and Nsrragsnsett |
Pier the government may we'll be proud
Of tbem. On the wild shore Of Point
Judith. and within mile or two OF tie |
station, lives old George sher-
man. better known as Captain "Dilly."
lie Il quite q character to say the least, and |
would be good subject for the artists |
brush, II te possessed that civil nature
Which is somewhat necessary Tor an