The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-03-19
{ AMAzONAS TRANSFERRED


brazilian Officers Somewhat Pathetic.
GRAyEsEND. Eng. March 1s.-The
cruiser Amazonas, built by the Arm-
strpngs for Brazil and purchased by the
United States, was formally transferred
from the Brazilian flag to the stars and
stripes shortly after II o'clock this
morning. l.A
The ceremony was simple and digni-
fled, and to the Brazilian officers 1t was
somewhat pathetic.
4 Lieutenant Commander CoIwelI,
United States navy attache, accompan-
led by Ensign Roberts, Assistant En-
gineer McMorris and Consul General Os-
borne arrived on board shortly before II
a m. The chief officers OF the coast
guard, and a number Of customs officers,
all in uniform, were already on board.
Lieutenant Commander Colwell and his
party were received at the gangway by
Lieutenant Santos and were escorted to
The captains cabin, where they were re-
cetved by Commander Cores. In reply
to Lieutenant Commander Colwell's $ In
quiry. Commander Cores said that he
was ready to transfer the vessel forth
with. and Messrs. Colwell, Roberts and
McMorrisy donned their uniforms and
proceeding on deck, gathered near the
flagstaff from which the green flag OF
Brazil way flying.
Then Lieutenant Commander Colwell,
saluting Commander Cores, said: cap
tain, have here q contract OF sale to
which you were q witness and whereby
this vessel Is to be transferred to me,
In behalf OF the United States"
Commander Cores replied, through ar
Interpreter. saying: I'm handing over
the ship, I desire to say that 1t is done
with the sincere friendship OF BRAZIL
Lieutenant Commander Colwell, salut-
Ing. replied: In behalf OF the United
States, l thank you for the sentiment"
A Brazilian sailor took down the blue
starred pennant, carrying It in hlo teeth.
In the centre OF a circle OF officers OF
both nations. Lieutenant Commando.
.ColYell then faced the Brazil
ian nag flying from the cruls-
er's ssorn, and as the officers
barred their heads, the flag of Bra
I'll was hauled down at 11:10 a. M, after
which facing about with their heads still
uncovered, "Old Glory was run up the
main. : Z .s.; li x III
u Lieutenant Commander Colwell and
the Brazilian officers thereupon shook
hands. Commander Cores invited them
all to the cabin to drink TO the ship and
the Brazilian captain afterwards show
ed Aessrs. Coiwell. Roberts and McAfor-
ris over the vessel and furnished them
with inventories OF the supplies.
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.
a Several American flags were hoisted
at Gravesend after the stars and stripes
were unfurled over the Amazona5.
The San Francisco arrived here at $50
p. m. Passing the Amazonas, after salut.
ing Tilbury fort. the band played, "The
Star Spangled Banner" with the crew
Standing attention"
Isl Captain Leary said he had pleasant
voyage from Lisbon. Off Deal he re-
ceived dispatches. and thought at first
that there might have been q declaration
OF war ~
Commodore Howell, who was received
by Lieutenant Commander Colwell, the
moment the San Francisco reached her
moorlngs, ordered 600 tons of
coal for the San Francisco and 200 tons
for The Amazonas, which Is coaling. and
Is expected 10 complete that work on
Monday, when she will go to Hole
Haven, TO take on her ammunition,
which is waiting for her there. Thence
the Amazonas sails presumably for Key.
West, the San FrancIsco going to New
York. Commander Nazro takes COM
mand of the Amazonas, and seven other
officers Of the San Francisco will accom-
pany him. Stokers and some seamen
Will be shipped here.