The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-09-02
M|SHAP At NAVAL REVIEW
Destroyers in Collision Near the
Presidents Yacht.
THE BARRY RAMS THE DECATUR
The Finest Array OF American Warships
Pass Before the President While Can.
non Roar Salutes-A Magnificent Naval
Spectacle OF Oyster Bay-Ideal Wealth
er For the Ceremonies.


non Roar salutes-A Magnificent Naval
Spectacle OF Oyster Bay-Ideal Wealth
er For the Ceremonies.
Oyster Bay. n. Y.-President Roose-
velt took a hand in the naval games,
assisted by Secretary Moody. Admiral
Dewey and a distinguished party of
guests. He reviewed the warships
in the Sound from the deck Of the May.
flower. Sun, breeze and waves were
all propitious, and every man aboard
the nineteen great fighting machines
seemed to be on his mettle. The man
euvers took pleace nearly midway in
the Sound off Centre Island. which
lies at the entrance Of Oyster Bay.
The only event that marred the per-
feet day was a collision between the
torpedo boat destroyers Barry and De-
c:tur. At 4.45, almost at the close of
the maneuvers, the five black craft
were the only remaining ships Of the
fleet. Their stunt" was reserved un-
til the last. and was to be an exhibi'
ton of speed and daring.
They were to dash past the review
ing boats in a flying wedge after
first passing the Mayflower under half
steam.
They carried out the first part Of the
program successfully. and were turn
ing to come back under top steam when
Do, fr
come together. The Barry's bow had
rammed the Decatur three-quarters OF
the distance from the stern.
AS the hulls crashed 4 grcan went up
from the Presidents party. and the
next moment, as the Decatur staggered
and dipped. the cry, "She is sinking!
was repeated from mouth to mouth.
MAN the boatsr' came the order
from the executive officer, and in less
time than it takes to tell it the white
garbed jackies were swarming into
the boats swung from the davits.
In few minutes the disabled boats
came alongside the Mayhower. INC
damage donew shouted the captain OF
the Decatur through the megaphone
"The Barry ran into us and made q
dent in our side that will necessitate
repairs, that's all. Shall take her tc
the Brooklyn Navy Yard?'
The Barry's injuries consisted Of 9
somewhat crumpled bow. Neither one
of the boats in collision suffered
enough to cripple either her mobility
or fighting powers.
Shortly before $50 o'clock President
Roosevelt went on board the Mayf1ow
er. Sir Thomas Upton followed the
President over the side.
Admiral Dewey and others invited
by the President to visit the maneu
vers soon appeared, and orders were
given to proceed to the reviewing
ground.
As soon rs the MayAower took bel
station the days business opened uI
with booming cannon and dipping
flags. Every one of the nineteen de-
stroyers fired the Presidential salute
of twenty-one guns when the Execu
tive appeared to make bis formal call
and fired it again when he left.
Review quarters were called at SAC
a. M, an hour earlier than usual, or
the flagship Kearsarge. All the mer
in the fleet having medals were re-
quired to wear them. After muster
the men to man the rail were sent tc
their stations. They laid in until the
Mayflower anchored.
1t was just 9.25 a. m. when the frs,
gun on the Kearsarge answered the
Mayflower's approach. After the May
flower anchored the flag officers ant
commanding officers called upon the
President. and later the President re
turned their visits
On the final return Of the Mayhowel
to her anchorage an order was giver
to lay in. Tie anchor gear having al
ready been thrown of. all boats were
| secured for sea, tenders were taken on
the gangways and the final review was
begun.
About 11.30 o'clock the Mayaowel
started eastward, followed by the fee
in single column. When the Mayfiow
er stopped the vessels passed her II
single file, ti,e battleships leading. the
cruisers next. and the torpedo ooa'
| fotilla bringing ui the rear.
AS the Stewart and Whipple passed
| the pleasure craft swung in behlnf
and ran mile or so down the SounC
toward the eastward. passing in front
of the Mayhower. Then the Mayf1ow
er started at full speed toward the Day
again and the review was over
President Roosevelt had enjoyed the
distinction of being the first Preslden
of the United States who in time Of
peace had reviewed a great fleet Of
warships as Commander-in-Chiet o.
the Navy.
At the luncheon served on the May
flower after the maneuvers Admlra
Dewey escorted Miss Alice to the ia
bic, and the Secretary of the Nav!
Mrs. Roosevelt. After lunch was abou
concluded President Roosevelt rose ant
said:
1--WE have with us to-day the repre-
sentative of the great powers-Grea'
Britain. Germany. Russia and Japan
T ask you to drink to these powers ant
their sovereigns. We also have will
us the representatives of an interna
tional incident. AS to that, may TIT
best boat win"
The toast was drunk by all presen
standing, while ripple of laughter di
rected at Sir Thomas Upton ana y
Oliver Iselin went the rounds.