The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1899-02-03
REFUSING A BARONETCY.
a First Sergeant in the United States
Marines Who Wanted to Re-
main lncOEnitO.

All SORTS anu cOnultlOHS OF men go 10
make up the enlisted personnel of a
man-of-war, and, as a rule, nothing is
known of the ante-nava history of
most of the n-owarsmen. who come
from every walk of life. 1t is not sur
prising, therefore, that now and then
bit of romance is'revealed when the
history of some of these lads of the sea
is madS known by accident.
But perhaps the most romantic Incl
dent of them all was that of the first
sergeant of marines upon one of our
ships in eastern waters, who, under re-
markable circumstances. came to be of
fered an unusual Christmas gift. which
he would not accept. This first SER
geant was the ideal soldier, a German
by birth evidently. neat, trim, an eX
cellent disciplinarian, and a favorite
with the men, who, however were
never familiar with him. There was
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 tropical
port on Christmas day, with broiling
sun overhead and a sea of glass about
her. Christmas trees rose above the
mastheads, and bunting decked the
vessels fore and aft, while the men be-
meath the awnings on the cold-white
deck were enjoying their Christmas
sports of athletic games. with the first
sergeant as referee. Christmas din
uer 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 is coming along
side. sir" reported the quartermaster
on watch to the officer of the deck.
-Four side. boys" sang out the latter.
and the boatswain's mate piped the side
as the 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
various tables. and nowhere more than
at the table of the master at arms
mess. of which the first sergeant was
member. Permission to smoke was
granted. and the first sergeant had just
lighted his pipe when the messenger of
the watch came to him and said: ''The
officer of the deck wants to see you,
sergeant" Dropping his pipe he went
aft to the mainmast, where he was
surprised to find awaiting him not only
the officer of the deck. but the captain
and civilian. who proved to be the
German consul.
Sergeant" said the captain, this
gentleman has something to say to
YOU" and while the well-drilled marine
stood at attention the consul said:
Baron Won Schrader. l bring you a
Christmas gift" The first sergeant did
not forget he was soldier, and. al
though his face expressed the utmost
.urprise, he saluted and said, inter
negatively: "Yes. sir?" your father.
The old baron. and your elder brother"
continued the consul, have both been
dead for six months. and we have 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
tate father"
The first sergeant took the papers
mechanically. but stood at attention.
Il soldier still.
Now. sergeant" sad the captain.
..T, will Mt die.
charge How much longer have you 10
serve?"
-Four months. sir" answered Baron
Won Schrader the first sergeant
"Well. think it can be arranged"
said the captain. ''and, now that you
are 20 great & gentleman" he added
smilingiy. 'of course you will not care
to take your place among he crew."
The first sergeant hesitated, then sa-
Iuted and said: Sir. ! do not think
an greater gentleman now than |
have been, and. if this matter can be
kept from the crew. sir would rather
serve out my enlistment"
The captain thought moment, and
then said: Very well, sergeant, you
may go forward"
And serve out his enlistment he did.
refusing this strangely offered Christ
mas gift and no one forward was a
whit the wiser. nor did they learn that
their sergeant was baron until he had
put aside with honor the uniform of
Uncle Sam and entered into his new es-
tate in his Rhenish home.