New-York tribune., 1900-08-05
d the Admiral returned rested and refreshed

ana the Admiral returned rested and refreshed
from 1t.
Rear-Admiral Hichborn reached his present
high estate through his own talents and ex-
ertions Beginning his career, shortly after he
had been graduated at the Boston High School,
as shipwrights apprentice, under the care of
the late Melvin Simmons, at that time master
shipwright at the Boston Navy Yard, at the
close of five years service, two of which were
spent in theoretical training he received first
class certificate from the Navy Department
His first experience, and one of his most haz-
ardous voyages, was as carpenter on the clipper
Dashing Wave, which reached San Francisco
from Boston after perilous trip of 143 days
Nater on he was employed by the Pacific Mail
steamship Company, which post he left to ac-
cept position shipwright and draughtsman
IN the Mare Island Navy Yard His conscien-
uous work and unusual intelligence were soon
remarked by his superiors, and he was speedily
promoted to be master shipwright received
the direction of large number of men, and in
the absence of the Naval Constructor, had com
plete charge of the construction department
AL this time Mr.. Hichborn was only twenty
three years old, yet he had few superiors in his
craft in the whole Navy. In 1874 he was made
Assistant Naval Constructor and two years
later received his commission as Naval Con-
structor
In this year. 1876, he took an active part in
the Centennial, and while at the Navy Yard in
Philadelphia fitted out the old fcigate Constitu-
ton to carry goods to the Paris Exposition
In 1880 he was made a member of the first
Naval Advisory Board and in 1884 Mr. Chand-
ler then Secretary of the Navy, sent Construc-
tor Hichborn abroad to make a tour of the
navy yards of Europe. His report was so com
prehensive. so excellent in every way, that It
was practically accepted as a textbook for the
naval constructors in building the early ships
Of the steel navy. In 1893 Mr.. Hichborn was
promoted to his present position with the rank
OF Commodore which was raised by the Naval
Personnel bill to that of Rear-Admiral.
Senator Spooner of Wisconsin is one of the
most eloquent men in the upper house. ir init
able on the stump and credited with being able
to do about as he pleases with his audiences.
friend and admirer who has known the Sena-
tor from boyhood is authority for the following
story:
Some years ago when taking part in a SYM
postum in the northern part of the State Sena-
! tor Spooner making an impassioned ap-
peal to his audience, in the midst of which the
master of ceremonies touched him on the shoul-
der and pointing to the clock indicated that his
time had expired. Quick as a flash a woman
rose from her seat and mounting chair in
front Of the clock threw her shawl over its
face, amid the laughter and cheers of the audi
ence and to the dismay of the master of cere-
monies. 1t is doubtful If Senator Spooner ever
| received prettier compliment.
Utilitarians doubtless have their use in the
world' but they rarely make sympathetic COM
panions. Some time ago the eminent astrono-
nler Professor Bos bound for Europe on the
same steamer with, a number of friends, gave
popular talk one beautiful starry night on
the Milky Way, which much enjoyed by
his listeners. who were audibly expressing their
approval, when suddenly from the edge of the
crowd came shrill voice:
/ But what is de use OF It? 1t has no bracti-
cal use. Now, if could only shove dose stars
together so dey would Shell 'Uhlman's Brinting
Ink would give den dousand dollars"