Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-07-20
TRADE IN MAINE RELICS.
Streak of Luck for q Coal Barge's
Skinner.

BOSTON, July 10. The big iron coal
barge Lone Star OF the Boston Towboat
Company's feet, leads the general perlpa-
tetic existence Of craft of the class and is
liable to be found almost anywhere along
the coast. Just now she attracts special
attention in whatever port she happens
to tie up. The accommodations on board
the barge are limited in the extreme for
anything but coal or whatever her cargo
may be- The quarters of the Captain
and crew, as well as the pilot house, occu-
py the single deck structure known as
the forward house, although there is no
other house after amidships. Upon the
house a placard is hnug out when oppor-
tunity offers which reads: Relies of the
Battleship Maine for Sale Here. Warrant
ed Genuine"
Captain William Swain Of the Lone Star
is in luck for once In his life. His craft
was one OF those sent 10 Habana 10 bring
home what was recovered from the wreck
Of the Maine. The captain picked up at
odd moments pieces Of old junk and stow
ed them in his cabin. while tons were be-
ing swung into the hold of the barge by
the big derricks When the work on the
Maine was abandoned the Lone Star
went to the Brooklyn Navy Yard with
carried, less than 500 tons Of material
Captain Swain gave away a number OF
his relics. but his friends multiplied so
fast that he saw all of q sudden chance
for a speculation. and established price
current on Maine war relies when has
prevailed without cut on the barge
Lone Star up to the present time.
The Captains cabin is a Z by 3
affair, big enough under ordinary circum-
stances, but the Maine museum at present
located there somewhat crowds II. The
little room resembles a dunnage locker.
as, scattered about the floor laid about
on the furniture and shelves. and hang
ing on the walls are bits OF old junk,
the lot worth, perhaps, figuring on an or
binary basis, some S. There are several
lengths of badly twisted copper-plpe,
davit tackle-block. several iron-pulleys.
part of gun swab parts Of copper re-
frigerator tank, and a bit or electric ap-
paratus. some steam-hose, bits of rigging,
and battered and bruised powder can.
which in its normal condition was some
three feet long.
BY means OF a hack saw Captain Swain
puts his stock into marketable con-
diton. Nothing from the Maine sci s
for less than % cents. The most
pipe. which is made from bright metal.
This is cut off in inch sections, which
are bought for napkin rings. They are
used as they come, with the tarnish and
rust of sea water. or highly FURNISHED
and engraved. For quarter can be
procured a piece of pure copper from the
refrigerator tanks. IL takes s. TO get
possession OF one Of those thin and mar
row pieces OF sheet copper These strips
are capable OF as much elaboration as
desired, and some have been finished with
engravings OF the Maine and patriotic in
scriptions Captain Swain thinks he
should get so for the davit tackle-block.
which is OF the patent trip hook pattern.
A little less money will buy a stanehion
cleat and from 81 TO e will buy one Of the
several iron awning pulleys and whip
blocks. A number Of brass pipe coup
lings have brought 30 cents quick for
paper weights, and several steel forgings
from the repld-hre gun-carriages have
been sold for 81 for the same purpose.
The steam-hose sells slowly, but the relic
broker hopes TO dispose Of IL in lump
AS TO the cordage, that has not been put
upon the market as yet. and the skipper
sees a good big sum in IL when the right
man comes along.
II suppose these relics are strictly gen.
uine?" asked a visitor.
The Captain looked AZ the visitor, and
then. with an injured air. turned to his
sea chest and brought out a well-worn
volume.
Genuine? Yes. sir Every piece; and /
am willing TO swear on this here Bible"
Then. laying one hand on the book and
raising the other he began: Il swar. on
this here Holy Bible that eyery-Ayast,
there This haln't the Bible at ali, It's
the Epltome." Another dive into the
chest. and the right volume came up.
The skipper solemnly took long
and comprehensive oath. calling
upon himself all kinds Of tortures
II be was not telling the truth. And