The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-12-24
CARRY THE FLAG
TO NEW LANDS.
The Gunboat Wilmington to Start
on an Interesting Cruise.
MAY COME TO RICHMOND YARD.
The Chesapeake aud Ohio Steamer
Louise To he over Hauied-Two
Large Frcightcrs Building For
the {. and ..

NEWPORT NEWS. VA, Dec. %
Special. The body found just above the
city yesterday afternoon, and then lost
again by the Bloodheld authorities. was
rebound this morning. IL proved TO DO
that Of a colored boy, sixteen years old,
BENJAMIN Douglas lie had been work
ing for II. III. Johnson, an oysierman
and the theory IS that he was murdered
by tramps while guarding the keys to his
employers house The coroners jury
brought in the usual storcotyped verdict
OF death at the hands of persons 10 the
fury unknown. This probably ends the
matter. as the police have not the slight
est clue 10 the murderers, whoever they
are.
THE FLAG TO NEW LANDS.
one OF the most interesting cruises
over undertaken by an American war YES
sel IS that which begins In the morning
with the departure OF tho gunboat VIII
snington from Hampton Roads she IN
under orders TO explore waters and visit
settlements which never before saw the
flag flown by American vesscis. The OBJ
sect OF the voyage is 10 open mp closer
commercial relations with several South
American countries and the United
States. II will occupy about year.
The Wilmington will first visit some Of
the West Indian ports. after which she
will proceed directly south TO the ORR
soco river. up which she will steam as
Gar as II is possible for her TO 90 with
tafety. The natives along the way will
be invited 10 engage in trade with this
country. and United States Minister
Loomis accompanies the expedition to
look after the diplomatic end Of the pro-
ceedings
This voyage complete the Wilmington
will return. enter the Amazon. and pro-
coed as far up that great river as posi-
Die. When she reaches her journeys end.
she will he very considerably nearer the
Pacific ocean that the Atlantic
Visits Will be made 10 the seaport cities
OF Brazil and Uruguay. and voyage will
be made up the Rio de Ia Plata.
The Wimingtons sister ship the
Helena. also built at the Newport News
plant, Is now on her way to the Philip
pines.
LOUISE MAY COME HERE.
The building Of a new steamer by the
Chesapeake and Ohio 10 take the place
OF the old Louise. which plies between
this port and Norfolk. has been post
poned again. this too In spite OF the fact
that the construction Of such a vessel had
been decided upon by the officials OF the
company and the contract all but let
II seems. however. that while the ma
tority Of the officials approved the plan.
President Ingalls, opposed It's execution
for the present. and that settled It, 1t
Is understood that the Louise will be
overhauied and thoroughly repaired. and
II is also learned that this JOB will be
given 10 the new shipyard Of William r.
Trigg in Richmond. If the Louise goes
TO Richmond. and there seems TO be no
doubt about il. this will be the first pri-
vate contract awarded 20 the Trigg Com
pany. and If the work is done satisfac-
torily. II IS not unlikely that hereafter
Oil the floating repair work If the road
will be given to this firm. an announce
ment the significance of which viii be
readily understood by business Teople of
the Capital City.
TWO BIG FREIGHT Frs.
1t IS learned that one of the two great
freighters now building at the II mess
yard in England for the G. & o. will be
called the James, in honor of the historic
river from whose mouth she will ply.
DR.. Pettus United States quarantine Of
ncer. IS now at Chamberlin's resting up
after his arduous labors. During the
closed months OF this year 4ol vessels
were Inspected. and II We're disinfected.
In addition TO watching the merchant
marine. 60 United States vessels were
boarded and inspected.