The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-11-22
THANKSGIVING FEAST
ON THE BATTLESHIP
How the Jacks Celebrate
National Holiday.
REAL NEW ENGLAND DINNER
Sports Abound and Traditions of Shar-
key Still Remain in the
Navy.

Thanksgiving and Fourth OF July are
In the same class on United States bat
tleshipS. Both are holidays for the
jaclOies. Both are celebrated with ganles
and sports. Turkey and cranberry sauce
are the onls' things which differentiate
tho last Thursday in November from the
United States seaman's Fourth of July.
when all the men in the navy put on
their Sunday clothes. have "A big feast.
and are not compelled To work
With the lawn of Thanksgiving Day
on a United States battleship. regardless
OF whether she is in Manehurian waters
or skirting the coast of the Isthmus of
Panama, al eolors are thrown TO the
wind Great American flags are r1.ised
10 each OF the mastheads and lines OF
brilliant signal flags extend from the
prov end stern 10 the mastheads. The
decks are washed down and placed IN
shipshape, fiags are draped all over the
mess rooms and in every part OF the
officers quarters. and at noon the privi-
lege OF a. parts OF the ship is extend
ed 10 the crew and the real celebration
begins
den Furnish Tables.
The Government makes no special al
-''f----~~ -O- q mama INK AlLAEEs Uut
the men look after that themselves.
Each mess provides a spread which is
usually served on tables which are deco
rated with flowers and plants which
give IL the appearanc OF a New Eng
land dinner table. as near as is possible
Ia the out-of-the-way corners Of the
earth where the boys happen to have
their Tha lksgiving celebration. Plum
cuf. turkey and mince pie are called
upon 10 vie with a tropical sun in an
enort 10 supply a Thanksgiving atmos-
phere TO the greatest feast OF the year
in the navy
Even on Thanksgiving day the men on
board battleships are not supposed to
have any LIQUOR. but skilIful smuggling
frequently adds the necessary brandy
10 the sailors spread Twenty years
ago one OF the United States battle
ships lay in Naples Bay on ThanksgIv-
ing Day Strict orders had been issued
against liqu"F and all the men had been
warned not 10 attempt 10 ger any groC
aboard The messes sent representa-
lives ashore 10 provide the provisions
Tor the dinner and brought back baskets
ALLIED with food which passed inspection
Roasted turkeys done 10 a tempting
brown and stuffed with oysters had a
prominent place in the baskets
Brandy in the Turkey:
Before the dinner was ended bIIaritv
greater than turkey is canable 81 nro-
ducing attracted the attention OF ON
GERS. and Jimmy Legs" master at
arms. Vas called upon 20 stop the noise.
Ills efforts were in vain. and officers be-
gan TO search the sailors Ia the hope. OF
nnding the cause OF the unusual mirth
skins well hllcd with brandy were found
a. the pockets of several OF the men
One sailor bad a skin OF trandy tied
IN the SIX handkerchief about his
neck. and others had liquor tied about
their waists. \ raid was made on the
ptntrles, and an examination Of several
OF The wezl-browned turkeys showed
That q thin layer Of oyster dressing
concealed skins filled with enough
liquor 20 give several ships crews a
rousing celebration.
After dinner the men have the free
dom Of the vessel. Smoking Is permitted
everywhere. and for a few hour, the
ordinary seaman is allowed TO lounge
In the best seats the ship affords. and
10 smoke cigars which would do credit
10 the officers quarters II the vessel
is near shore the afternoon Is usually
devoted 10 baseball games. foot faces.
ana lOotDalh II the batfleship happens
10 be where shore privileges cannot be
granted the ships deck becomes the
recreation ground. and three-legged
races. spud races. obstacle races. rope
climbing contests. and other athletic
events are engaged in.
Sports Of the Day.
Boat races are also a popular diver
sion ON Thanksgiving Day. Prizes are
offered by the officers for the successful
crews and individual performers. and
the men overcome the stupor OF heavy
dinner in their effort TO show superior
Craftsmanship.
Ia the days when Tom Sharkey was
Jimmy Legs" on the Philadelphia. box
ing was one Of the chief sports with
the men in the navy. but after the
Philadelphia champion muster at arms
left the service 70 enter the prize ring
sparring went out of fashion with en-
listed men. and the Few Youngsters who
still aspire 10 prize ring honors are
discouraged Dy older men who are given
TO saying Il used 10 be .Sharkey's
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