Evening star., 1901-07-26
District Naval Militia Practice Shoot
ing at Floating Targets
VESSEL NOW IN THE LOWER POTOMAC
In Spite Of Heat, Cruise Has
Been a Pleasant One.
WILL RETURN ON SUNDAY

Special Dispatch to The Evening Star.
ON BOARD THE u s. s. FERN. HAMP-
TON ROADS, July 25-Although day late
In putting out to sea, the District Naval
Reserves on board the Fern weighed
anchor at daybreak yesterday morning, and
in less than forty minutes afterward steam
ed past Old Point Comfort on her way to
sea. The weather was ideal, with the ex-
ception of a slight haze hanging over the
horizon.
The Fern passed through the capes few
hours later, and when going out to sea
hoisted her international number. which
was recognized and answered by the sig
nal tower on shore. In passing the light
ship No. 46 colors were dipped, which were
promptly responded to by the Fern. A
noticeable feature Of the trip has been
the number OF foreign ships which have
dipped their colors to the Fern, the Fern
doing the same in return in every instance.
at sea the men were instructed In the
manipulation of the ships battery, follow
ed by target practice with fun charges
The entire ships company took part In
the work at the target, and the results at
tanned were very satisfactory. The guns
Founders on the forward deck, two one
Founders aft, one six-pounder forecastie
and the two Colt automatic guns on the
main deck. In addition to this the crews
yoIyer. The scoring with the different arms
clearly demonstrated the efficiency of the
tackles as marksmen.
Target Practice mt Sen-
The return was made last night and the
Fern anchored out in the Roads. The trip
to sea was very satisfactory in every way,
and Commander Hams and all of his men
are much pleased
A huge triangular target, constructed OF
heavy lumber, with three sides of white
canvas was launched overheard when
we'll out at sea and target practice COM
menced with full charges in the guns.
large black bull was painted in the
center of the target, with red flag sur
mounting the big structure. After putting
the target over the sides the Fern steamed
off at a distance Of 1,50O and 20C0 yards
and the guns were opened up. The ship
circled around the floating object, and as
the sea was rolling at the time, the men
had to display good craftsmanship in or
der to make good scores. The men took
their sights and when the vessel came up
with the rolling sarf, the firing commenced.
The officers ndulged in the practice also,
and many of them made high scores, both
with the one-pounders and the Colt guns.
Commander Hains-will proceed from the
Roads this evening about sundown and
steam up the bay slowly. Cornfield Har-
bor will be reached at daybreak, when the
Fern will again some to anchor. The men
will be given another chance at target
pI dSiiSC WILL dli VI the s uilS III tIc iiOfii.
ing, and in the afternoon will be in
structed in boat drills and landing par
ties will be sent ashore while the drills
are in progress. A wig-wag outfit will also
be sent ashore and messages will be sent to
and from the ship out in the bay. The
regular routine of the ship will be carried
out the same as it has been since the re-
serves left Washington.
To Return Sunday.
Tomorrow afternoon. after target prac-
tice at Cornfield IIarbor. the Fern will pro-
ceed up the Potomac about forty or fifty
miles and anchor sor the night. The ship
will be completely overhauled from stem
to stern and cleaned up preparatory to in
spection by the commanding officer before
reaching Washington Sunday.
Today the men were given shore liberty
and the entire ships company went ashore
at Old Point Comfort and enjoyed them
selves after the hard work Of the past few
days. The men will be recalled at sun
down and make ready to turn homeward
bound.
The health of the crew still continues to
be excellent, with the exception of a few
slight ordinary ailments. Several OF the
"jackies" are receiving the surgeons care
for sunburnt hands, neck and arms. The
heat has been terrific during the past two
days, but as yet no cases Of sunstroke
have occurred.
To give the Washington public an idea
Of what the District reserves are doing in
In the lower engine room registered 1885,
In the fire room 12S and in the upper engine
room no. These were the readings when
the boys were steaming out to sea. The
District tackles are the only reserves in
the country which have the engineer force
composed of volunteers, and this alone Is
most creditable to the men who go below
decks for the purpose of instruction in
the different branches of engineering. In
all Of the other navaf militias throughout
the country outside help for that service
is secured.
Ensign Berry continues to learn in the
navigation line. Last night, while coming
into the Roads. he reported to the COM
manding officer that a whale had been
sighted off Cape Henry. It turned out.
however, to be Holland submarine boat
Hospital Steward Edward Duckett has
become very popular with the men forward
He has been attending to all Of the slight
ailments of the men, and they speak very
highly of his services.
A yachting party anchored alongside the
Fern last evening. On board were several
very charming members OF the daintier
lous to Join the party ashore last evening,
but the orders prohibited any boats being
lowered during the night.
Surgeon Cox, who has slept nearly the
entire cruise, finds 1t now a hard PROPOSE
tion to even sleep.
Commander Hams is more than pleased
with the present cruise. The only things
which are displeasing to him are the mos
quitoes and the heat.
Ensign Lantz and Pay Clerk Sigourney
are the latest officers to be assigned to
deck duty.
Electrician Fox turned out to be a good
shot at the targets, as well as an expert
electrician. He Is one Of Chief Powers
'lads."
The engineer department Of the Fern
is composed of the cream of mechanics of
the United States. The several watches
are composed Of chief machinist and ma
chinists of very high standing. Many Of
them are In the navy yard and depart
mental service.
Beckman, who is coxswain Of the gig.
made very excellent score at target prac-
tice yesterday at the six-pounder.
Chief Boatswain Mate Morgan promises
to make one of the best shots in ths bat
talon. He landed a high score at target
practice, and was complimented on his ex-
cellent work at the big guns.
Today the men enjoyed good dip in thu
salt water OF the Point. Several of the
officers also enjoyed the sport, including
Chief Engineer Tommy PoWcrs Whn is