Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-08-20
NAVAL offlceas' UNIFORMS.
They Arc Matters Of Great sslicituds and
Their Cost Is Not lew.
(From the washington Post

the bridge of the flagship Olympia,
during the memorable engagement at
Manila, he wore what is known in the
navy as the service" coat. This is a
coat of dark navy blue cloth or serge
shaped to the figure. to descend to tor
of insaam of trousers. There ia a Silt
over each hip extending on the right
side as high as the sword belt. 1t was
single breasted. with fiy-front. fitted
with plain fiat gutta percha buttons
and a standing collar
The collar and edges of the coat were
trimmed with lustrous black mahair
braid ~ inches wide, laid on fiat. Be
sides this at distance of VI of an inch
vas shown a narrow black silk braid
* of an inch wide. with an overland
turn " of an inch in diameter. 1t is
needless to state that the lady readers
will understand this much better than
the male ones. The coat was worn
closely buttoned.
Commodore Dewey wore pair Of
trousers with stripe of gold lace down
their outer seam one inch in width.
The eommodore's rank was shown by
his shoulder straps. collar devices, and
braid on the sleeves. Being a commo-
dore. he had a silver star and a silver
foul anchor on each side of the collar.
On the sleeves was a Pinch broad braid
| with gold star above. On his head the
heroe of Manila had new style broad
top cap with gold strap and gold orna-
ments, consisting of anchors, silver
shield with eagle above. The visor was
trimmed with gold oak leaves.
Last December, Commodore, then
Captain. Dewey went to his tailor in
Washington to have his clothes retrim-
med. for his promotion in rank. as far
as possible. He was forced to buy a
full dress coat and frock coat for his
rank of commodore. and also a cap.
The latter cost SIS.
No swell who walks up Connecticut
avenue, or the avenue, with an income
of from 100000 to $4,000 q year, is a
whit more particular in regard to the
selection of his suits than an ensign in
the navy. The chances are he has
more of them. but they are of no bet
| ter quality and cost no more each than
do those of a naval officer. One Of the
! first things that a naval cadet is taught
is to keep his uniforms in good condi-
| ticn. He must have a number of them
for special occasions. The regulations
IF the navy are most strict and exact
ing in regard to the dress of its officers.
1t takes most of a young officers salary
to keep himself looking as his superior
officer thinks he should appear.
Naval officers are 30 per cent. more
particular about the making of their
uniforms than those of the army. The
reason is plain. Naval officers are con
tinually cruising about the world AMI
may enter foreign port at any time.
In order to uphold the honor of the
country which they represent they
must he fifty attired, and according to
the regulations, which fill a good-sized
pamphlet laid down by the depart
ment, must have at least four or Ave
different coats, such as the special full
dress, full dress. social full dress, frock,
service dress, besides caps, chapeaux
helmets. gloves. boots and shoes of the
best quality Of special designs
When the Gunboat Helena was in
Washington several months ago it
was explained Ito visitors that there
was no ship in the navy that was bet.
ter fitted for the accommodation of its
officers. After everything had been
pointed out, the young officers would
point with pride to the chests under
meath the hunks provided for the uni
forms, SO that no possible damage
could result to them. Electric fans.
statiopary washstands, and other con-
veniences were all we'll enough. But
ii was really the clothes chests which
caught the fancy of the officers most
When the United States naval Off
GERS lost their belongings in the terri
bic Storm at Samoa several years ago.
"a bAl was introduced to reimburse
them. Estimates We're asked from
tailors for the cost Of an officers out
fit. 1t was figured ont that that of a
lieutenant could be taken as the basis.
and the amount could be decreased or
increased. according to rank The
wearing apparel of lieutenant was
figured at 1895. that of an ensign was
fixed at about $lO5O, and the rear adj
mirals at about $1,000.
There is a tailor in Washington who
had been supplying the uniforms for
naval officers for nearly so years.