The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1898-07-29

Washington, July "a. - Lieut.. Hob
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 ut 2:3S 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 a
porter proudly carrying his baggage,
but before he emerged from the sta
ton some one spied him, hurrah
Went up, and in Il moment the station
resoundcd 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 Do-
lice and escorted to his carriage. He
stopped long enough to announce that
all of the men who formed the crew
of the Merrimac We're safe and in
The Rest of Health
and that after he had made his re-
port to the navy department he expect
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 Il large
official envelope which bore in the
corner the inscriptions: "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 it
gave the young officer brought bushes
to his checks. Secretary Long came
out of his private Office. and. grasping
Hobson With both hands. said with
sincerity: "I.ieutenant, l am glad,
very glad. to see YOU" Then he drew
him into his office, where the lieuten-
ant was introduced to Assistant Sec
rotary Allen and was greeted by Capt.
Crowninshield, Capt. Bradford aud
Pension Commissioner Evans. who
| happened to drop in. d. He spent half IN
hour in conference With the secretary
and then. returned to the club to rest.
Secretary, Long stated that Hobson
| did not bring the
Long-Expccted Report
from Admiral Sampson and his BROTH
| err officers on the destruction of the
Cervera feet. 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. Paul
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
mination 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 800 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.
BOLD TRAIN ROBBERS.