Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-09-17
Fine Vessel.

The VIRGINIA naval volunteers will be
tho solo rcrrcscntatives of the Old Do
minion az the Dewey reception in New
York.
The Norfolk Division, under Command
az Harry Cannon. and. possibly. the
Hampton boys. also. will leave Norfolk
the 26;h of this month on the Siren,
bound FOR New York. The Siren is the
converted yacht loaned by the United
States Government 10 Virginia for the
use of the naval militia. The trig little
vessel viii be in the marine parade car
wing the Sic Semper Tyrannis flag
Her officers Will call upon Admiral
Dewey in O body and present the invita-
ZION Of the Norfolk Board of Trade 10 the
Admiral to visit that city with his flag
ship.
Captain W. W. Barrow, Assistant Adj
jutant-Gcueral, will accompany the Vir-
g.nia sailor boys. Captain Barrow has
had much experience at sea, being him
SELF an accomplished navigator. and
has all along taken the deepest interest in
The naval militia.
THE SIREN WELL OFFICERED.
Captain Barrow has just returned from
Norfolk. whittier De went TO examine
several officers OF the naval battalion for
iler commissions. The examination was
IeI iu the ward-room Of the Siren. and
Der officers and men took her out as far
.s pc Charles. Captain Barrow is eX-
lusly complimentary in speaking of
o.. practical as we'll as the theometical
Wedge of the officers ard men.
the siren is commanded by Commander
Harry J.. Cannon who holds a United
States certificate as master of steam
y,s-IsJ with Lieutenaut-Commande
E.-lr Z. Adams, second in command.
O4e %. the Junior officers is Lieutenant
C.r0w. who served as executive officer
and navigator in The United States navy
l4uus the war with Spain. The chief
engineer is Lieutenant Mayer. a graduate
I'd the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, at
Lacksburs a gentleman who has made
special study of marine engineering and
s Well up in his profession.
The men vi The naval battalion have
shown immense improvement since they
have had the use of their practice vessel,
and have already become one of the
finest and most sertic,able organizations
ln The State. They rendered meritorious
service during the late yellow-fever
quarantine, Waen the Siren. under the
mmau4 of ieutenant-COmmander
Adams. was the flagship Of a fleet Of
EIGHT vessels.
Is a GRACEFUL CRAFT.
Captain Barrow describes the Siren as
"a very graceful craft of considerable
speed. She was formerly the private
yacht of Mr. Cassatt, president of the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company; was
purchased by the United States at the
outbreak OF the war with Spain. and was
used as a dispa,ch-bOat on the Cuban
COAST during the blockade. She was built
u England; is 10 feet in length, with
araugat of 1913 feet; has two masts,
rrles three boats Ca lfe-bOat, cutter,
and dngy) and is Quilted as completely
H amy o. the smaller men of war in the
United states service. Her engines
are very fine, indeed, being Of the triple
expansion type, and she is provided with
.u electric-ught plant and an evaporator
i0r converting salt water into fresh.
The officers quarters are amidship, and
arc cosy and comfortable. The quar-
'.,s for the petty officers are forward,
and those of the crew are aft. she has
accommodauOns for eight officers and
1lty men.
The anchor is raised by a steam hoist
iUe apparatus, and on the bridge Is
powerful search-ight and megaphOne.
Electric wires run from the officers
ward-room 10 all parts Of the ship, and
e. complete system Of electric signals ope-
rate between the bridge and the en-
gine-TO0m.
Forward Of the funnel is a well-appoint-
ed cooks gallery. The vessel is sup
piled with very fine set Of charts, navi-
eating Instruments, nautical books, and
signal flags.