The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-23

The Hero Welcomed at Navy Depart-
ment and White House

WASHINGTON, July o. = Lieutenant
Hobson, the hero of the Merrimac visited
the Navy Department this afternoon The
officials were not informed of his approach
ing visit, except through the newspapers.
Consequently, when he reached the railway
station here at 1888 o'clock this afternoon
there was no official there to meet him and
his reception was purely democratic. He
succeeded in escaping observation as he
passed through the train she'd coat and
umbrella in hand and followed by
porter proudly carrying his baggage, but
before he emerged from the station some
one spied him and in a moment the station
resounded with vociferous shouting The
cry of "Hobson. Hobsonv' rang out and the
crowd closed about him, shaking his hand
and pushing him about until he was res
cued by the police and escorted to his car
riage. He stopped long enough to announce
that all of the men who formed the crew Of
the Merrimac We're safe and in the best of
report to the Navy Department he expected
to return Immediately to New York.
The officer was driven at once to the
himself up, he drove over to the Navy De-
partment. This time he carried with him
under his arm a large officiaI envelope
which bore in the corner the inscription
North Atlantic Squadron. AS he APP
preached the office of the secretary of the
navy Lnere enSueQ another demonstration,
A large crowd had gathered about the door
way, and the hearty welcome 1t gave the
young officer brought bushes to his cheeks
Secretary Long came out of his private Of
flee, and. grasping Hobson with both hands
said with sincerity: Lieutenant, / am glad
very glad-to see you. Then he drew him
troduced to Assistant Secretary Allen and
was greeted by Captain Crowninshied.
Captain Bradford and Commissioner Of
Pensions Evans. He spent half an hour in
conference with the secretary and then re-
turned to the club to rest.
Secretary Long stated that Hobson did
not bring the long-expected report from
Admiral Sampson and his brother officers
on the destruction of the Cervera fleet. The
exact purpose of his visit was explained by
the following order, dated July IT, under
which Lieutenant Hobson had come to the
United States:
''Sir-You will proceed north on the ST.
Paul TO New York; thence you will proceed
to Washington and report to the secretary
OF the. navy and acquaint him with the OBJ
TO him of this date, regarding the work on
the Cristobal Colon. Explain to him fully
the position and condition of the ship and
receive his instructions regarding it.
'Second-Be as expeditions as possible in
bringing the matter to a termination. in
order that, if it is practicable to do So this
fine ship may be saved to the United States
navy
Third this drty is completed you
the navy. Otherwise you will return to
duty on board this ship; Very respectfully,
wv. T. SAMPSON
About $50 o'clock Lieutenant Hobson
went TO the White House to pay his re-
spects to the President. Secretary Long ac-
companied him, the two walking over to the
executive mansion from the Navy Depart
ment The President received them in the
Cabinet room. He gave Lieutenant Hob
son most cordial greeting, and paid him
high tribute for what he regarded as one of
the most conspicuous acts of gallantry in
the history of naval warfare. The lieuten-
ant modestly acknowledged the compli-
an1afn Of dARat Az
turned the conversation to the object of his
mission to the United States at this time
the effort that is being made to save TO the
navy OF his country some Of the vessels of
Admiral Cerveras squadron. The subject
was discussed at some length. Lieutenant
Hobson freely expressing his views upon it,
After remaining with the President for
half an hour. the secretary and Lieutenant
Hobson left the White House, the former