Evening journal., 1899-06-19
REFUSING A BARoNETcY.
A First Sergeant in the United states
Marines Who Wanted to Re-
main Incogntto.

make up the enlisted personnel Ol o
.man-of-war, and, as a rule, nothing is
known of the ante-naval history OF
most of the n-o'-warsmen, 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 made 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-
1narlSable 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 fiippantly, as seafaring men
usually do each other.
The cruise was drawing to a close
and the ship was lying in a 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. A Christmas din
ner 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 q
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 wen
aft to the mainmast, where he wa:
surprised to find awaiting him not only
the officer of the deck, but the captair
and a civilian, who proved TO be the
German consul.
Sergeant" said the captain, "thii
3 gentleman has something to say tC
you." and while the well-drilled marin,
stood at attention the consul said
Baron Won Schrader, I bring you /
Christmas gift" The first sergeant die
not forget he was a soldier, and, al
though his face expressed the utmos
surprise, he saluted and said, inter
r negatively: "Yes, sir?" "Your father
the old baron, and your elder brother
continued the consul, "haUe both beer
dead for six months, and we have beer
all this time trying TO find you-a diff
Q cult task, since, as it proves, you en-
s listed under an assumed name. How
ever. we have accomplished our task
and it gives me much pleasure 10 ham
you these papers, which prove you
right to the title and the estate of you
p late father"
The first sergeant took the paper
mechanically, but stood at attention
a soldier still.
e Now. sergeant" said the captair
u 'of course you will want your dis
e charge. How much longer have you t
serve?"
"Four months, sir" answered Baro
Won Schrader. the first sergeant.
u "Well, 1 think it can be arranged,
+ said the captain, "and, now that yo
n are so great a gentleman" he adde'
smilingly, "of course you will not car
N to sake your place among the crew"
, The first sergeant hesitated, then s;
luted and said: "Sir, 1 do not thin
s. am greater gentleman now than
st have been, and, if this matter can
IS kept from the crew, sir, would rattle
S. serve out my enlistment"
r The captain thought a moment, an
o then said: every well, sergeant, yo
may 20 forward"
And serve out his enlistment he dii
d refusing this strangely offered Chris
Z; mas gift, and no one forward was
N whit the wiser nor did they learn thi
he their sergeant was baron until he ha
p put aside with honor the uniform {
=. Uncle Sam and entered into his new e
: tate in his Rhenish home.-Cincinna
- Enquirer.