Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-03-19

Gravesend, Eng, March 1S.-The
cruiser Amazonas, built by the Arm
strongs for Brazil, and purchased by
the United States, was formally trans
ferred from the Brazilian flag to the
Stars and Stripes shortly after II
O'Clock this morning.
The ceremony was simple and digni-
fed, and to the Brazilian officers it was
somewhat pathetic
Lieut. Commander Colwell, United
States naval attache, accompanied by
Ensign Roberts, Assistant Engineer
McMorris and Consul General Os-
borne, arrived on board shortly before
II a. m. The chief officers of the coast
guard and number of custom Off
GERS, all in uniform, were already on
board. Lieut.. Commander ColwelI and
his party were received at the gang
way by Lieut.. Santos, and We're escort
ed to the captains cabin, where they
were received by Commander CORES.
In reply to Lieut. Commander ColwelPs
inquiry, Commander CORES said he
was ready to transfer the vessel forth
with, and Messrs. Colwell, Roberts
and McMorris donned their uniforms,
and proceeding on deck, gathered near
the Flagstaff, from which the
GREEN FLAG OF BRAZIL
was flying. Then Lieut.. Commander
Colwell, saluting Commander CORES,
said: Captain, have here a contract
of sale to which you were a witness.
and whereby this vessel is to be trans
ferred to me- IL behalf of the United
States
Commander CORES replied through
an interpreter, saving ...sv handing
over the ship. l desire to say that it is
done with the sincere friendship of
Brazil"
Lieut.. Commander Colwell saluting.
replied: In behalf of the United
States. thank you for the sentiment"
A Brazilian sailor took down the
blue-starred pennant, carrying it in his
teeth.
In the centre of a circle of officers of
both nations, Lieut. Commander Col
well then faced the Brazilian flag fly
ing from the cruisers stern. and as the
officers barred their heads, the flag of
Brazil was hauled down at lilo a. M.
after which, facing about, with their
heads still uncovered, Old Glory was
run up the main
Lieut.. Commander ColwelI and the
Brazilian officers thereupon shook
hands. Commander Cores invited
them all into the cabin to drink to the
ship and the Brazilian captain after
ward showed Messrs. Colwef, Roberts
and McMorris over the vessel and fur
nished them with inventories of the
supplies.
The AmaZonas will remain in charge
of Ensign Roberts and Assistant En-
gineer McMOrris until the United
States cruiser San Francisco arrives
here.
Great interest was taken in the cere-
mony, which is said to be unique in
naval history, by which one power
transferred a warship to another in the
harbor of third power. Several
American flags were hoisted at Grave
send after the Stars and Stripes were
unfurled over the Amazonas.
The United States cruiser San Fran
cisco arrived here at 3: so p. m. Pass
ing the Amazonas, after saluting Til
bury fort, the band played THE Star
Spangled Banner" with the
CREW STANDING ATTENTION"
Captain Leary said he had pleas
ant voyage from Lisbon. Off Deal he
received dispatches. and thought at
first that there might have been
declaration of war.
Commodore Howell, who was re-
ceived by Lieut. Commander Colwell,
the moment the San Francisco reach
ed her moorings. ordered six hundred
tons of coal for the San Francisco and
three hundred tons for the Amazonas,
which is coaling and is expected to
complete that work on Monday, when
she will go to Hole Haven to take on
DOafQ neT du w Is wall
ing for her there. Thence the ANA
zonas sails presumably for Key West,
the San Francisco going to New York.
Commander Nazro takes command of
the Amazonas, and seven other officers
of the San Francisco will accompany
him. Suckers and some seamen will
be shipped here.
There was another picturesque cere-
mony here to-day when Mr.. Alfred c.
Harmsworth. proprietor of the Daily
Mail. hoisted the stars and stripes over
the arctic steamer Windward, which
is moored a few yards from the Anna
zonas. The Windward is here on her
way TO the United States. having been
presented to Lieut.. Peary the Amer
lean explorer The stars and stripes
was hoisted at 2 p. M, all on board
saluting as Old Glory went up with
three cheers and wishes for the sue
cess of the explorer. The Windward
sailed from here at O'Clock this after
noon.