Arizona republican., 1899-01-01
Arizona Day by Day Live News Taken From Territorial Exchanges

of some one Of these lads of the sea is made known by accident.
 Perhaps the most romantic incident Of them all was that of the first ser geant of marines upon one of our shlps in eastern waters who under remark able circumstances came to De offered an unusual Christmas gift, which he would not accept. This first sergeant was the iGr7al soldier, a German by birth, neat. trim, an excellent discipii- marian and favorite with the men. who, however, were never familiar with him. There W3S something about the sergeant that made it impossible for his comrades to treat him flippantly, as seafaring men usually do each other.
 The cruise was drawing to close and the ship was lying in a tropical port on Christmas day with a boiling sun overhead and 3 sea of glass about her. Christmas trees rose above the maStheads and bunting decked the yes sel fore and aft, while th5 men beneath the awnings on the cool white deck were enjoying their Christmas sports of athletic games with the first ser geant as referez. A Christmas dinner laid on tables on the forward deck awaited the ending of the sports, and 300 jolly faces watched the fun and made bets upon the results.
 ''The German consul s coming along side, sir reported the quartermaster on watch to the officer of the deck. -Four side boys" sang out the latter, and the bJatswain's S mate piped the side as tka German consul came over the gangway. He was escorted to the cabin, and the interrupted sports went on. The prizes were awarded and the Christmas spread duly enjoyed at the A,l l,1 .I-,. was granted, and the first sergeant had just lighted his pipe when the messen- ger of the watch came to him and said: 'The officer of the deck wants to see you, sergeant" Dropping hls pipe. he went aft to the mainmast, where he was surprised to find awaiting him not only the officer Of the deck. but the cap tain and a civilian, who proved to be the German consul.
 Sergeant" said the captain, this gentleman has som 9thing to say to yOu," and while this well-drillsd ma rine stood at attention the consul said: Baron von Schrader, I bring you q Christmas gift The first sergeant did not forget he was a soldier, and, al though his face expressed the utmost surprise, he saluted and said, interrog- ativsiy, Yes. sir?'' Your lather. the old baron, and your elder brotheT,' continued the consul, have both been dead for six months, and we Lave been all this time trying to find you-a diff cult task, since, as it proves, you en- listed under an assumed name. How ever. we have accomplished our task and it gives me much pleasure to hand you these papers which prove your right to the title and the estate of your late father"
 The first sergeant took lne papers mechanically, but stood at attention, a soldier still
 Now, sergeant" said the captain, "of course, you will want your dis charge. How much longer have you to serve?"
 -Four months, sir answered Baron von Schr2der the first sergeant
 Well, I think it can be arranged said the captain, and now that you are so great a gentleman" he continued Smilingly, "Of course, you will not care to take your place among the crew"
 The first sergeant hesitated, then sl- lutcG and said: Sir, l do not think l am a greater gentleman now than 1 nave been, and, if this matter can De kept from the crew, sir. l would rather serve out my enlistment.'
 The captain thought a moment and unen S3iu- very Well SGfS -lnI, you may go forward
 And serve out his enlistment he did, this strangely offered Christ mas gift, and no one forward was a whit the wiser. TOT did they learn that their serg 5ant was a baron until he had put aside with honor the uniform of Uncle Sam and entered into his new estate in his Rhenish home.-New Or leans Times-DemOcrat