Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1898-07-28

washing COuy d uky Il. AlCul. AAoO
son, the hero of the Merrimac, arrived
here yesterday and reported at the
navy department.. The officials had
not been notified of his approaching
visit except through the newspapers.
Consequently when he reached the
railway Station at 2:38 O'Clock in the
afternoon there was no official there
to meet him and his reception was
truly democratic. He succeeded In es-
Gaping observation as he passed
through the train shed, coat and UNI
brella in hand and followed by
porter proudly carrying his baggage,
but before he emerged from the sta
ton some one spied him, hurrah
went up, and in a moment the station
resounded with vociferous shouting.
The cry Of "Hobson, Hobson," rang
out and the crowd closed about him,
shaking his hand and pushing him
about until he was rescued by the po-
lice and escorted to his carriage. He
stopped long enough to announce that
all Of the men who formed the crew
of the Merrimac were safe and in Ia
The Best of Health I
and that after he had made his ~
port to the navy department he expett-
ed to return Immediately to New York.
The officer was driven at once to the
Army and Navy club, and after brush
ing himself up he drove over to the
navy department. This time he car
ried with him under his arm large
official envelope which bore in the
corner the inscription: "North Atlantic
Squadron" AS he approached the Of
lice Of the secretary of the navy there
ensued another demonstration. A
large crowd had gathered about the
doorway, and the hearty welcome ~
gave the young officer brought bushes
to his cheeks. Secretary Long came
out Of his private Office, and, grasping
Hobson with both hands, said with
sincerity: "Lieutenant, am glad,
very glad, to see you" Then he, drew
him into his office, where the lieutenA
ant was introduced to Assistant Sec-x
rotary Allen and was greeted by Capt.
Crowninshield, Capt. Bradford and
Pension Commissioner Evans, who
happened to drop in. He spent half an
hour in conference with the secretary
and then returned to the club to rest.
Secretary Long stated that Hobson
did not bring the
LOng-Expected Report
from Admiral Sampson and his BROTH
err officers on the destruction Of the
Cervera fleet. The exact purpose Of
his visit was explained by the follow
ing order under which Lieut.. Hobson
had come to the United States:
United States Flagship New York,
Off Santiago de Cuba, July 17.-Sir:
You will proceed north in the st. PaEi
to New York, thence you will proceed
to Washington and report to the Sec
rotary of the navy and acquaint him
with the object Of your visit as set
forth in my letter to him Of this date
regarding the work upon the Cristo-
bal Colon. Explain to him fully the
position and condition of that Ship
and receive his instructions regarding
it.
Second - Be as expeditions as pos
sible in bringing the matter to ter
minaton in order that, if it is practi-
cable to do so, this fine ship may be
saved to the United States navy.
Third-When this duty is completed
you will ask for orders from the secre-
tary of the navy. Otherwise you will
return to duty on board this ship.
Very respectfully,
w. 7. Sampson, Rear Admiral.
About 5:2O o'clock Lieut.. Hobson
went to the White House to pay his
respects to the president. Secretary
Long accompanied him, the two walk
ing over to the executive mansion
from the navy department. The pres
ident received them in the cabinet
room. He gave Lieut.. Hobson most
cordial greeting, and paid him high
tribute for what he regarded as one
Of the most conspicuous acts Of gal
lantry in the history of naval warfare.