New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-14
DIR. BECKER's FINE RECORD.

simple fact is that after months of almost unin-
terrupted work which made vast demands upon
him mentally as well as physically he is tired
and in need of rest. Few men have the ability
to endure that the President possesses in so
marked degree Without apparent effort he
accomplishes the greatest undertakings and it is
almost impossible for his subordinates to keep
up with his energy and industry. Happily he
has the power OF recuperating rapidly, and 1t is
not to be doubted that after fortnight spent
at Hot Springs. whittier he went early in the
week. he will feel as we'll as ever. 1t is an ideal
place for an outing. The scenery is diversified
and beautiful the drives are charming and the
streams and woods furnish abundant occupation
for the sportsman.
The thirty ninth session of the American So
cety Of Engineers, which met at the Airing
ton Hotel on Tuesday, attracted hundreds of
people TO the city who practically took posses
sion Of it during the meeting. The local COM
mittee had for weeks before the arrival of their
colleagues arranged a programme which was
carried out without variation, and won for them
warm thanks from the visitors, who felt that
nothing had been neglected that could in any
way conduce TO their profit and pleasure.
The two social incidents of greatest impor-
tance were the reception at the old Corcoran Art
Gallery on Tuesday evening and that given by
Mrs. Westinghouse. who Is of Washing
tons most pubhc-spirited hostesses, on Thursday
evening. Unhappily the reception planned to be
given at the White House did not take place, ow-
ing to the absence from town of the President,
but many of the delegates visited the White
House, and their remarks regarding its shabbi-
ness, smallness and total inadequacy for the
residence of the Chief Executive of this great
Nation would be instructive reading for Con-
gress.
George Wallace Melville, Engineer-n-Chief OF
the United States Navy. is president of the
American Society OF Engineers and makes a
most acceptable officer. Despite a life full OF
hardships dangers and service OF the most
exacting kind, Mr.. Melville retains his early
thusiasms, and is able to inspire others with
them. He has truly magnetic personality
and his love for the profession TO which ne has
devoted his life, and in which he has attained
such great distinction makes him an ideal lead
err for his associates in that calling.
To few people has greater honor been meted
out His gallant service in the Civil War was
supplemented by Arctic explorations which
have made his name immortal For these he
advanced fifteen numbers. De Long wrote Of
him. in his famous Ice Journal melville is
more and more treasure every day. He is
not only without superior as an engineer but
he is bright and cheerful to an extraordinary
extent He sings well, is always contented and
brightens everybody by his presence alone He
is always self-helpful and self-reant, never
worries about the future, is ready for any
hoe nj
night and morning and is in fine. tower of
strength in himself"
Chief Engineer Mevne's gallant part in the
capture Of the Florida, which he visited in
nufti in broad daylight previous to the attack
upon her is still remembered and his action on
that occasion fully illustrates the sense of duty
and LOYALTY which has always inspired him. The
plan finally adopted Of ramming the Florida
was antagoniZed by some Of the staff Of Cap
tain Collins commander Of the Wachusett. who
contended that when she struck the Florida
the shock would start the boilers from their
fastenings break steam joints and fatally scald
all below Melville successfully cOmbated this
idea and said in conclusion: Il do not think
that the boilers will break loose; but If they do,
there need be but one man sacrificed, for, after
the engines are started, | can work them alone.
and will order all hands on deck. He was not,
however, allowed TO remain alone on that haz-
erdous occasion, faithful and devoted fireman
having bravely refused to leave his chief in
peril.
Among the recent advance sheets Of the CON
sular reports, Marshall Halstead, Consul at Biz
mingham. has AN interesting paper on the labor
conditions in Great Britain, which shows that
he has made an intelligent study Of the subject.
He comments on the fact that Free Trade Great
Britain owing to the LOYALTY OF the British nen-