The Hawaiian gazette., 1902-02-04

center of attraction in the harbor
u yesterday, its flutterlng colors
and general air of festivity, betokening
visitors day. The cruiser, the finest
French warship now in the Pacific, was
given over to the admiration of visit
ors who were permitted to inspect 1t
from bow to stern and from bridge to
hold, the officers and sailors vying with
one another in their efforts to show to
them what a fine ship she really Is.
From early morn until evening the Off
ing the officers and a large compile
ment Of the crew went ashore to attend
mass at the cathedral. At noon the
vessel was honored by the presence of
the Bishop of Panopolis and Consul
Vizzavona. who were Captain Bar
naud's special guests at luncheon, to-
gether with a few of the priests of the
French Mission. At o'clock the Cath
Ollie Mission band went aboard and for
three hours played enlivening marches,
GERS and men were busy. In the morn
waltzes and French airs, and otherwise
added to the enjoyment OF visitors who
were allowed the privileges of the
cruiser from 3 until s.
Captain Barnaud and most of his Of
uCcTS were Oh tHt NtSStl anu ltohtu
ter a number of especially invited per-
sons who were the wardroom guests
The quarterback was the only portion
of the ship not given over to the In
spection of the visitors In general.
Captain Barnaud having reserved 1t for
his own Sunday guests From the hour
when the ship was thrown open to the
public the decks were crowded with
curious people. They came in launches
and in shore boats and occasionally a
sailboat luffed up under the gangway
to leave a visitor.
The sailors and marines were at ease
during the afternoon, except for a few
marines, who were on duty near the
warship's great guns. They wore their
cartridge belts and some were armed.
The reservation of the quarterback was
plainly demonstrated by the presence
of a couple of marines who maintained
strict guard, there. The visitors were
allowed the privilege of peering into
the brains" OF the cruiser the pro-
tected coming tower which is the cap
tain's station during an engagement.
This circular room, protected by heavy
steel plates, with long. four-inch Sits
at the top, was filled with speaking
tubes, electric devices and electric
switch tables. with the telegraphlc code
marked thereon in raised metal and nu-
merous other wheel-room paraphernal-
la by which the Captain maneuvers his
vessel with the greatest ease. A small
brass wheel which moves with the
touch OF finger, controls the steering
gear. 1t is from this little room that
the cruiser would be directed on its err
rand OF destruction when the great
ram at the bow is to be put to practical
use. The steel prov. weighing tons
and tempered to a fine edge, directed
toward an opposing warship and pro-
PEELED by .he full force of the powerful
engines of the Protet, Is sufficient to
rend the steel sides of any with which
II comes in contact and send ii to the
bottom, If the opportunity but offers.
The entire vessel shows the spick
and span discipline maintained by
Captain Barnaud. The metal parts not
concealed by paint, glisten under the
daily polishings done by the sailors,
and the magnificent guns, the finest
types turned out by the armories OF the
French government. call for the ad
miration of all who gaze upon and peer
through the long rifled barrels. The
old-fashioned cutlasses. once the most
dangerous of weapons in the hands of
the sailors who responded to the order
of "Boarders away" are still main
tained on the Protet and are racked in
unique designs near the batteries.
Stands OF muskets for the marines are
placed handily in the passageways
leading to the wardroom and quarters
Of 10 fia11 niapaS
by the navy in connection with landing
parties are placed here and there near
open gang ports. evidently in position
to be transferred to the ships boats by
the shortest route possible.
The visitors We're much interested in
the French tars who were enjoying
their compulsory stay on board in the
manner best suited to jackies. Tween
decks were tables at which large num-
bers sat writing letters. Other tables
We're occupied by domino and whist
players, and occasionally a group OF
sailors was encountered seated upon
the deck indulging in a chance game
of lottery. The sailors, limited in their
knowledge OF English, endeavored to
explain the working of the guns, and
to describe their life on board the ves-
SCI. by d StIlGS VI the
sailors told of the superiority of their
weapons and the visitors showed that
they were much impressed.
The Catholic Mission band which had
offered its services as a compliment to
the Captain, was stationed on the main
deck amidships and discoursed the mel
odies and national airs of France.
Orders were received by the last
mail steamer for the Protet to leave
for Acapulco, Mexico. instead of Ia
hiti. She will therefore postpone her
sailing day until Thursday. At Aca-
pulco she will take on coal and proceed
TO Panama to remain until the present
revolutionary episodes there have been
concluded. She will protect French
property. Many Of the officers, al
though greatly desiring to visit the
French possession at Tahiti. are as ca
ger TO go to Panama scenting Just a
wee bit OF war. even though they do
not participate.
The eenate. In executive session, con-