Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-06-05
ward without the slightest sign of cessa.

ward without the slightest sign OF cessa-
tion.
To-day bids were opened for supplying
100000 cartridges: two more transports
were purchased and arrangements were
made to use four of the large Spanish
steamers captured az prizes for the trans.
portations of troops to Cuba and Porto
Rico
Naval Constructor Hobson. whose name
is or every lip in Washington tonight, is
well known at the navy department, as he
served in the bureau fof construction fol
several years. ~
His associates regarded him as ,combin-
ing great ability as a student with the
eccentricity often accompanying genius. 1t
of the department tonight that Hobson
was a man who held naval regulations
concerning matters of form in contempt
and was oblivious to official rules.
These dare devil characteristics were on
set. however by; his recognized ability in
all branches, of naval sciences particularly
naval architecture. Although the young
est man in his class at the naval academy,
he graduated at the head Of the class.
This led to his being sent by the govern
ment for a course in the naval schools of
Europe. Here he gained new honors. On
returning to this country he served with
the department, and also saw sea service,
ana about ayear ago became instructor in
naval architecture at the naval academy at
Annapolis. When the wdr broke out he
asked for active service. and at the same
time insisted en- 4aIila9 the three hayal Ca
dets of hts clAssv viii Asa h. Sfss chat
they might Eaia ~ 9 \ = = . ioal
experiences on stfrbrsrd d1ssne tnss war!
AS q reslif he. and Ills fSfSl cadets were
assigned Sor service on Admiral 4, lsonss
flagship. .tsy ss;-s. Z. - r.. -
It wan the prevailing expression at the
department tonight that Hobson was just
the character to take the lead in such a
hazardous feat as that Of sinking the Mer-
rimac. 1t is presumed that ADMIRAL samp-
son chose him from among many .yolun-
teers; owing to the fact that his expert
knowledge of naval cohstructionfw would per-
NIT him to sink the Merrimsc in such po-
eition as to prove most effective in block
aiding the channel.
From naval sources q full sketch Of Con-
structor Hobson was secured as follows:
Richmond Pearson Hobsou, born August
IL, 1870. at Greensboro. Hall county, Ala.
where he also graduated from the Southern
university at the head of his class; ap-
pointed to naval academy. on competitive
examination in May. less and although the
youngest man of the class. graduated al
its head in 1885, His erst cruise was in the
squadron of evolution on the flagship Chi
cago. with Admiral Walker. in the Mediter.
ranean. Later he made cruise 70 Bra1l
when the flag of the new Brazilian repub
lie was recognized. He was ordered to q
special course abroad. spending one yeal
at the national school of mines at Paris
and two years at the school Of maritips
science in Paris. sstNsA Asss
The summer vacation vas spent in the
French ship yards. He received diplomas
from the French school for distinction hi
naval construction and design. both Of hulls
and of engines. He also spent some time
in the English ship yards. Assigned to
duty at the navy departmsnt in 1884, in Of
fee Of naval intelligence bureau of con-
struction and repair. While on this duty
he wrote report on his observations
absoaaS siF2sa' report oh. disappearing. gum
fanoat, which was discussed BY nasai' ex-
perts on both sides of the water. In 1856
he was on duty at, New Ark,6av yard al
assistant to the naval. constructor. Later
he Joined Admiral Bunces' flagship New
York.
~
As result Of this service he inaugurated
the new system OF giving sea duty 20
naval constructors. sApfsl IT he xaS az
signed 20 duty as constructor for theSfees
at Key West.
Constructor Hobson. 4s q gseat-neplsesv
Of Governor John Moy1Asaa,ss. North tCkf-
olina. His father wassn. yell sEnrlEn siaN.
yer and Judge of thatstate 1n the matef-
nal line he is a grandson M Chief .Jusdrs
Pearson, Of North CarelsAa saal = -nspassl
of Representative Peafs6ns ~ North car,
clina. He is great-srands6l. df E,orne,
Senator Williams. of Tehheseee.s = s,ss Z {.
-----~ss{ *. = 60 lSSssss =