Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-03-19
SHE FLOATS OLD GLORY NOW.
Brazilian Cruiser Amazonas Formally
Turned Over to the United
States Yesterday.

Gravesend. England, March 1s.-The
cruiser Amazonas. built by the Armstrong;
for Brazil and purchased by the United
States, was formally transferred from the
Brazilian flag to the stars and stripes
shortly after II o'clock this morning.
The ceremony was simple and dignified
and, to the Brazilian officers, it was some
what pathetic. -!
Lieutenant Commander Colwell. United
States naval attaohe. accompanied by En-
sign Roberts, Assistant Engineer Morris
and Consul General Osborne, arrived on
board shortly before II a. m. The chief
officers of the coast guard and number
of custom officers, all in uniform, were
already on board. Lieutenant Commander
Colwell and his party were received at
the gangway by Lieutenant Santos, and
were escorted to the captains cabin, where
they were received by Commander Cores.
In reply to Lieutenant Commander Col
wells inquiry, Commander Cores said he
was ready to transfer the vessel forth
with, and Messrs. Colwell, Roberts and
McMorris donned their uniforms and, pro-
ceeding on deck, gathered near the flag
staff from which the green flag Of Brazil
was flying. Then Lieutenant Commander
Colwell, saluting Commander Cores. said:
Captain, 1 have here a contract Of sale
to which you were a witness and whereby
this vessel is to be transferred to me in
behalf of the United States"
Commander Cores replied through an
Interpreter, saying: "In handing over the
ship, desire to say that it is done with
the sincere friendship of Brazil
Lieutenant Commander Colwell, saluting,
replied: IN behalf of the United States,
1 thank you for the sentiment"
A Brazilian sailor then brought down
Brazrs starred pennant from the top Of
the mast, carrying it In his teeth.
In the center of circle of officers Of
both nations, Lieutenant Commander Col
well then faced the Brazilian flag flying
from the cruisers stern, and, as the officers
barred their heads the flag of Brazil was
hauled down at 1110 a. M. after which,
facing about with their heads still un-
covered, Old Glory was run up the main.
Lieutenant Commander Colwell and the
Brazilian officers then shook hands. Com
mander Cores invited the party into the
cabin to drink to the ship. and the BRAZIL
ian captain showed the party over the ves-
sci and furnished them with inventories Of
the supplies.
Great interest was taken in the ceremony,
which is said to be unique in naval his
tory, by which one power transferred a
warship to another in the harbor of
third power.
arrived here at $50 p. M. passing the
Amazonas, after saluting Tilbery fort. the
band played The Star Spangled Banner
with the crew standing attention"
Commodore Howell. who was received
by Lieutenant Commander Colwell the mo-
ment the San Francisco reached her moor
ings, ordered 600 tons of coal for the San
Francisco and 800 tons for the Amazonas,
which is coaling and is expected to COM
plete the work On Monday. when she will
go to Holhaven to take on ammunition
which is waiting for her there. Thence
the Amazonas sails, presumably for Key
West. the San Francisco going to New
York Commander Nazaro takes command
of the Amazonas and seven other officers
of the San Francisco will accompany him.
Stokers and some seamen will be shipped
here.
There was another picturesque ceremony
here to-day when Alfred C. Harmsworth,
proprietor of the Daily Mall hoisted the
stars and stripes over the Arctic steamer
windward which is moored few yards
from the Amazonas. She is on her way to
the United States. having been presented to
Lieutenant Peary, the American explorer.
The stars and stripes was hoisted at . p.
M, and all on board saluted as Old Glory
went up, with three cheers and wishes for
the success of the explorer. The Windward
sailed from here at this afternoon.