The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-09-06

the flagship from the steep ladder that
hangs over the New York's side, and as he
dld so the entire squadron belched forth
the Presidents salute of twenty-one guns,
or lZ5 guns in all. The bands of all the ships
simultaneously played Hail to the Chief.
The PRESIDENT was received at the gang
way by Rear Admiral Sampson and the staff
officers of the ship. who were in special
dress uniform The rail was manned by
the men during the formal greeting. The
call TO quarters was then sounded and
place just as though an engagement was
about TO start. The sight greatly pleased
the President Mr.. Mckinley was then
shown over the whole ship, starting at the
aft turret, in which two eight-inch guns are
located. Standing within the small inclos-
ure OF the turret were eight men naked TO
the waist, who were going through the
motion of loading. sighting and firing the
guns. The President watched the proceed
hour TO go over the vessel, and so interested
did the President become that he expressed
wish to visit the other ships. As he
left the New York the entire feet again
fired the Presidents salute.
Captain Taylor was at the gangway when
the chief executive came aboard the In
diana and was greeted again by twenty
one guns. The battleship. like the New
York. was also cleared for action, with am
munition up. Captain Taylor conducted the
President to the great thirteen-inch guns
aft, and the latter nimbly climbed 10 the
top of the turret. While ne stood on the
turret ii was swung around, the big guns
were sighted anu the entire IucCudflsLl VI
the turret was explained to him. From the
Indiana Mr.. Mckinley was rowed TO the
Massachusetts. Brooklyn and Texas. He
did not inspect these vessels, but merely
contented himself by greeting the COM
manders Of each. On all these vessels the
men were drawn up along the rails, and
all the officers were in full uniform.
The return of the President TO the shore
was an inspiring one. The Texas was
moored farthest up the river and the presi-
Dental party had to pass each OF the great
vessels on its return to shore. The river
was alive with craft crowded to their ut
most capacity, and a great noise was being
made. AS the barge neared the flagship
the signal was given to salute and Sig
big ships again belched forth a terrific
salute. Every man and officer on the ships
stood at attention" and the bands added TO
the din by again playing Hail to the
Chief. The barge was stopped while the
salute was being fired and after 1t had
ceased the twelve brawny sailors pulled for
the shore, closing one of the most patriotic
scenes that has ever taken place on the
river.
President Mckinley proved to be good
sailor. The river was very rough because
of the large number Of steam vessels In the
vicinity of the squadron. The barge con-
stantly pitched violently. but the President
rather enjoyed the shake-up.
A noticeable feature of the visit to the
fleet was the Presidents cordial greeting of
the men on each ship. He never once for
got the boys" and bowed to them upon
boarding and leaving the ships. The party
reached the hotel at $50 and preparations
for the evening were made.