The bee., 1902-06-05

stratiOn in English waters
incident to the coronation of
King Edward. On this oc-
casion there will be gather
ed the greatest number of war vessels
ever assembled in one mighty feet.
Every nation on the globe owning
navy will send its finest representa-
tives to take part in the display, but
among them all none will attract more
attention than the snow white ships
of the United States, headed by Admi-
raj Crowninshield's flagship, the peer
less battleship Illinois.
The Illinois will have as consorts the
ships composing the European squad
ron as arranged for this special occa-
sion and comprising some Of the most
formidable sea fighters in the world.
Uncle Sans naval display, however,
will not be prominent because of the
number of ships. Several of the great
powers of Europe will doubtless have
a larger number in line, but as exam
pies of modern naval architecture,
capable of holding their own with any
thing that floats, the United States
warships will be second TO none.
Then again our warships will pos
sess special interest to the sailors Of
other nations by reason of their victo-
ries over the fleets of Spain. The story
of Yankee prowess on the sea is still
fresh in their memories and will add
not little TO the prestige of our ships
and jackies.
Tie meeting of the tars of so many
nationalites will be made memora-
BILE one. For the officers it will be a
season of unremitting social activity.
The courtesy of the sea is very pune
tilious. and the interchange of official
visits, with the consequent feasting
and conviviality, affords every oppor-
tunity for the display of that hospitali-
ty for which sailors are renowned. The
jackies will also have their diversions.
There will be boat races, swimming
contests, boxing bouts and other sports
dear to the heart of the sailor from
whatever country he halls.
Besides Admiral Crowninshield on
the sea the navy will be represented on
shore by Rear Admiral John c. Wat
son. He goes to London as naval rep
resentative on the special coronation
embassy appointed by the president.
This honor was offered to Captain
Charles L. Clark, who brought the Or
egon around Cape Horn from San Fran
cisco in time to take part in the smash
ing of Cervera's feet. Captain Clark
declined the honor. it is alleged, be-
cause of the expense such a mission
necessitates.
Rear Admiral Aren't Schuyler Crown
inshield. who will be in command Of
the European squadron at the corona
ton, is q native of New York and was
graduated from the Naval academy In
1903. His first sea service was on the
steam sloop Ticonderoga, with the
north Atlantic blockading squadron
during the civil war. He participated
I'm both attacks on Fort Fisher. He
was steadily advanced after the war
and served in numerous posts. from
the European to the Asiatic stations.
In 1894 he reached the grade OF cap
tain and preceded Captain Sigsbee in
the command OF the battleship Maine.
that was sunk in Havana harbor.
During the Spanish war and up to
the time he was appointed to his pres
emit post Admiral Crowninshield was
chief of the bureau of navigation Of
the navy department. He was also a
member of the famous strategy board.
The post of chief OF the navigation
bureau has become in course Of time
a most important one. This bureau
has for some years performed duties
Of great Importance. 1t collects and