New-York tribune., 1900-04-15
GOSSIP OF THE CAPITAL.
REAR ADMIRAL WATSON'S POPULARITY
IN MANILA.
AUTOMOBILES MUCH USED IN WASHINGTON
SENATOR PETTUS'S ATTAINMENTS-THE
RESCUE OF SPANISH PRISONERS.

more will he genuinely regretted in Manila,
where he did much in a social way to entertain
the American colony. Just before the Brooklyn
went to Hong Kong to recuperate the crew the
Admiral issued cards for a series of teas on
board his ship to which invitations were eagerly
sought and which were eminentIy successful
one can hardly imagine dancing in the broilins
heat of Manila. but the young officers stationed
there are glad to do anything that reminds them
of home. and at the AdmiraIs receptions danced
with as much zest and enjoyment as though
they were at the North Pole.
Admiral Watson who succeeded Admiral
Dewey in command of the Asiatic Squadron in
May of last year. promoted to his present
rank just year ago. and is one of the best
known and best liked officers in the service. y
Kentuckian by birth and connected with the
famous Crittenden family. Admiral Watson was
appointed to the Naval Academy from the Blue
Grass State in 1876, and about being gradu
ated when the Civil War broke out, but, unlike
many otner men in the service from his State,
he remained true to the Union and took part in
many important engagements. being present at
the bOmbarlment of Forts Jackson and St
Philip and Chalmette battery, the passage of the
Vicksburg batteries and participating in the bat
ties of Port Hudson and Mobile Bay. In lS64 he
was wounded by a shell from the rebel battery
Warrington and at the close Of the was
made member OF the staff of the flagship Colo
rado of the European Squadron. His last COM
mand before being ordered to the East at
Mare Island
According officer who has served under
him. THE Admiral ie not only one of the most
competent officers in the Navy, but of the
most lovabe. never met a more courteous gen
tleman, and his politeness kindness and con-
sderatOn for others is not veneer, but comes
straight from the heart. No one can be asso-
cated with him and not grow to love him, and
yet he is a strict disciplinaran, expecting ex-
acting and getting the best out of those beneath
him"
Washington's wide asphalted streets and the
Governments "sandpapered" highways in the
suburbs fairly this season with self
propelling vehicles, which becoming as nu-
merous were bicycles at the National Capital
ten years ago. when nearly all American cities
hardly knew Of other transportation than horses.
The new conveyances are Of all forms, from the
luxurious landaus coaches with their liveried
drivers and footmen. to the whizzing light run
about manipulated by the clerical Senatorial, |
professional feminine hands of their owners.
The Rev. DR.. Aspinwall, of st. Thomas's was
perhaps the pioneer in the erection of special
stable" the lawn of his Dupont Circle |
home to contain his two traps one driven by
electricity and the other by steam. At least one
handsome equipage stands in front of Senator
Wocotts COnnectcut-ave. house. and the great
ellipSe behind the White House is a busy school /
for nOvices learning to pilot and control the |
novel annihilatOrs Of distance. one Western /
company has already delivered forty electric |
machines to Washington purchasers and it is |
trying to fill orders for nearly hundred more. |
Most numerous. however. the steam car
rageS. which are becoming a common nuisances |
to unwary pedestrians and almost as numerous |
as trolley cars. their chief advantages lying in |
their smaller first cost their economy of main
tenance and their great radius of action.
An automobile omnibus line has been in opera
ton all winter from Of the leading uptown |
hotels, mostly frequented by wealthy visitors to
ing the National Museum and other sightseers
attractions while commercial route of auto
carettes. with popular fare rates, will be Oper-
ated after next week across the business section
The Panorama Building, between the Treasury
and the Washington Monument, has for nearly
a year been the central station of leading New
England company, whose hundred electric cabs
are in constant night and day, and nearly
all the swell stores have sold their horses and
substituted the new delivery wagons to keep
abreast Of the times. This week the Baltimore
and Ohio, whose station near the Capitol is
furthest removed from the Executive depart
ments. hotels and residences. has started an
electromobile cab service in connection with al!
American cities of carrying a passengers bag