New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-05-01
THE ILLINOIS SAILS.
ADMIRAL aOWNINSHIELD STARTS FOR
THE CORONATION CEREMONY.

The fret scene in the participation OF the
United States in the coronation ceremony in
England next month was enacted at the Brook
lyn Navy Yard yesterday morning, when Rear
Admiral \. s Crowninshields flag was raised
on the battleship Illinois. AT $50 o'clock the
band. in scarlet and gold uniforms. appeared on
the quarterback aft and simultaneously, the
marines were mustered on deck forward. Then
there a wait of twenty-five minutes, dur
ing which the dock became crowded with the
wives sveethearts mothers and sisters Of the
officers and crew of the ship.
A. a.55 o'cIacz thg uachiue guas Of the re-
ceiving ship Columbia moored at the cob dock.
helched forth a salute, indicating that Admiral
Crowninsheld had entered the Navy Yard. Ten
minutes later the sentinel at the foot OF the
gang plank shouted: Make gansway. and a
moment later the new commander Of the Euro
pean Squadron was saluting and receiving the
salutes of the officers of the ship
As the foot OF the admiral touched the deck
three rufies of the drums and as many bugIe
blasts bade him welcome. The marines stood
at present arms. and the scarlet uniforms Of the
musicians and the gold cord and braid Of the
officers in fun dress flashed in the sunlight
which burst through the clouds as if 10 cheer
the admiral The hand Of each officer was
srasped warmly. and the marines and musicians
the Illinois marched to the aftcrdeck and were
massed at its sides, leaving the side toward the
after turret open. In the centre of this mass of
his officers and men Admiral Crowninshield
stood as he read his commission. and formally
assumed command Of the squadron. The band
played flags. arms We're again presented, and
all eyes were turned aloft. where the red flag OF
the admiral Iazily hoated To the masthead
the starboard midship gun doomed forth the
news that the Illinois had become the flagship
Of The squadron To which il was lately assigned.
The port guns took up the greeting, and alter
uatcly they told off the admiTal's salute while
the women on the dock covered their ears with
their hands and jumped At every starhOard shot.
mral, accompanied by Captain q. w. Converse.
inspected the ship and its crew.
In the midst Of the ceremony Rear Admiral
Barker. commandaut of the Navy Yard. ap-
preached. and the guard at the foot of the gang
plank again cried; Make way!' There were
more bugle calls and more rolls of the drums
and Admiral CrOWnnshield performed the first
social function of the DAY. Admiral Rarker's
mOny of taking command was brought rapidly
10 end. Admiral Crowninshield and Captain
Converse permitted themselves to be photo
Eraphed for The Tribune on the deck of the ship
and then went below Then the wives. sweet
hearts. daughters, sisters and mothers We're al
lowed to go aboard, jaCkies being detailed by
the ObliginE officer of the deck to carry the
bundles they brought. The men drawn from
the Columbia complete the crew marched
a aboard with their bags. and by noon all
ready for the voyage across the Atlantic.
The Illinois left the Navy Yard at ) o'clock
and proceeded slowly down the bay She was
saIuted by the forts as she passed the Narrows
and ere sunset had faded from view. She
sailed To the eastward of the Highlands of Nave
sink. She will proceed TO Naples. where she will
remain a short time before going TO English