Newport daily independent., 1904-03-17
BATTLING WITH AN ANCHOR.
Handle When the Waves Were Tossing It.


 To hoist to the cat-head an anchor weighing 5000 pounds, with gale of wind blowing and a tremendous sea rising, is difficult task. The New York Sun tells how this work was under taken on a war-ship in Hampton Roads. h order to raise the anchor to the deck of the ship the hundred-pound cat-block had to be fastened by the huge hook which depended from it to the ring ID the balancing band on the anchor shank SO that the power of the winch could be utilized.
 The great anchor hung so that when the wave receded it was clear of the water, but each incoming crest sub merged it several feet. As the ship tossed on the waves there was great danger that the enormous weight Of the anchor would send the anchor through her thin plating. But with seas big enough to toss the ship about as easily as if she were but fishing float, and to swing that anchor back and forth like the pendulum of toy clock, 1t was no child's game to hook the cat block
 Two men were chosen, each fine specimen of the American sailor. Just under the arms of each line was made fast, and men on deck stood ready to haul away in case of need.
 The two sailors watched their chance, and when the ships head was we'll out of water, over they went. They had hardly reached the anchor when wave rolled in that surged four feet above their heads. When 1t passed both were clinging, almost breathless. to the shank of the anchor.
 But the instant they were clear of wa ter they jumped to their work and strove to get the block in place. With the ship hauling one way and the wind blowing another there was small chance for them to drag that hundred-pound block in still third way. Again and again they had 1t almost fastened, when a great wave knocked 1t away and bur- led them far out of sight Still the two men struggled at their task
 Then the inevitable happened The great cat-block swu1GsSr out as the ship plunged forwais Hg poised an instant, as if taking Neliberate aim, and came sweeping back straight at the head of one of the two men. It struck him on the back of the head and Knocked him ten feet from the anchor into the sea.
 The rush of an incoming wave swept him away from the ship, and for a mo- ment it seemed as if he would surely be lost. Then was justified the wis dom which had placed the line about his shoulders The men on deck drew him in, unconscious but safe, and in ten minutes he was declaring to the of hcer in charge that he could surely hook that block the next time
 But the captain had formed another plan. He determined to haul up the anchor as far as was possible, so that 1t should have the smallest room for play, and to make harbor. Just at nightfall she reached quiet waters, and once more the unruly anchor was let go again.
 Military Maspfe.
 Emperor William has lately reviewed . feathered veteran of the German army. One of his regiments has pet magpie, which is full of militarism and very proud of it's parade step Wien the kaiser visited the regimental quar- ters recently he asked for this accom- pfished bird. A French illustrated pa. per publishes a picture of the incident There Is the kaiser sitting sternly ip the saddle and there Is the magpie with It's martial stride and there are tho oficers of the regiment with mingled anxiety and pride plainly marked on all their faces.
 N0rses That Rotate,