Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1898-12-02
COMMODORE PHILIPS CALLERS
ais skirmish with an Autosraph
Hunter-Clammy Farewell Of
HOOdOO Woman.

Among the trials which the officers
Of Admiral SIMPSONS fleet have en-
countered since they returned from the
war is the persistent young woman
who means we'll but doesn't know. This
young woman has been much in evil
dence in the Brooklyn navy yard, and
tic officers are becoming used to her.
An illustration of her persistency oc-
CURED on board the Texas day or two
after Commodore Philip had received
his new commission.
A Sun reporter whose acquaintance
with Commodore Philip was of several
years. standing was sitting with him
in his cabin looking over the newly-ar-
rived parchment. The ship was quite
crowded with visitors. Commodore
Philips cabin-he was still captain OF
the vessel-had been stripped of fur
nithre and hangings, but an orderly at
the door to his private apartments kept
those out who were not callers. This
orderly was kept pretty busy and oc-
casionally the door to the captains
room was left unguarded. At such
times visitors roaming about the ship
would stop to look into the room, but
beyond staring at Commodore Philip
caused him little annoyance.
While the reporter and the commo
dore were looking at the commission,
which had just arrived, the orderly
stepped not more than ten feet from
the doorway on trifing errand. Sud-
denly swish of skirts was heard di-
rectly behind the commodore's chair.
He swung around and there stood a
perturbed young woman embarrassed
as to language, but with firm purpose
in her mind.
"Well," said the astonished commo-
dore, with something of seadog's
frankness.
evil you please give me your au-
tograph?" said the young woman, ap-
parently unconscious of the fact that,
in stepping into the captains room,
she had actually invaded his bedroom
and had been as much guilty of impro'
priety as if she had marched into Com.
modore Philips den in his own room
without knocking. She evidently
thought that Office building etiquette
prevailed on warship, and that she
was simply stepping into an office,
where there was no necessity of OBJ
serving formality.
Commodore Philips said: "Huh!" to
the young woman, and, after pause,
which did not add to the composure of
the autograph seeker, said: young
woman, are you alone on this ship?"
mo, sir. I have some friends there
at the door," pointing to two women
who evidently were timid about COM
ing in. 2
They'll want my autograph. too.
won't they?" asked the commodore.
after another pause.
ooh, I think not" was the answer;
"but I should like to have it,"
"You would"
"Yes, sir"
"Huh!"
Just then the orderly came in. He
saluted, and told the commodore that
some one who had been expected was
at the door. The commodore jumped
for the door, giving the reporter Pc
culiar look. which said: "Stay where
you are" When he reached the pas
sageway he disappeared. The young
woman remained about five min.
utes and then edged her way out. In
five minutes more Commodore Philip
came back, peered about cautiously
and when he was sure that the young
woman was gone sighed and. sat down
without comment.
Just before the Texas went south to
the war Capt. Philip had another pc.
culiar woman caller. 1t was only few
moments before the Texas started.
There was some confusion on board
and woman entered his cabin unan-
nounced. She slipped up to him and
said:
Captain, may shake your hand?"
THE pleasure is 1nlne," said the cap.
tain, as he grasped her hand.
Captain, I want to tell you," said the
woman with some show of satisfaction
and pride, II was the last person to
shake the hand of the captain of the
Huron as he sailed from port to be
wrecked"
Capt. Philip was amazed. The Texas
had "hoodoo" then. Pulling himself
together, he said, with some spirit:
Madam, the Texas is coming back!"
"Oh, is she?" responded the caller,
listlessly, and then she went out.
Just before Commodore Philip left
the Texas for the New York he found
his cabin swarming with visitors on the
ship. 1t was day when they had the
run of the public parts of the vessel.
They had crowded into the captains
apartments during his absence. Com.
modore Philip had an important en-
gagement in this borough, and he
wanted to change his uniform for citi-
zen's dress. He had only few min
utes in which to do it. He gave some
outspoken hints in a strong voice, but
the women wouldn't go. Finally he
grew desperate. He stood in a corner
and fairly shouted:
Ladies, if you will kindly give me
possession of this room for about five
minutes while change my trousers,
you will oblige me, and then you can
have the room for the rest of the day."
IN. Y. Sun.
A Fifth Season.
In northern Russia the month of Oc-
fOher is characterized nv eaf11reS n 70.