The Washington times., 1904-09-04
NAVAL RESERVES
OFF ON A CRUISE
District Sailors Go to Phila-
delphia for Puritan.
WILL RETURN HOME SLOWLY
Twelve Days to Be Expended on the
Voyage From the Quaker City
to Washington.
WILL RETURN HOME SLOWLY

The Naval Reserves Of the District or
Columbia left this city at Il o'clock yes
terday for Philadelphia, where they will
take charge Of the latest acquisition TO
the District navy, the United States
monitor Puritan The two hundred Of
hcers, non-commissioned officers. and
men comprising the battalion assembled
on Sixth Street just outside the Pennsyl-
vania Railroad station They were sur
rounded by a host of friends, all OF
whom sympathized deeply with the
men, whose warm. snug uniforms to-
gether with the intense heat. seemed TO
cause them much misery.
Jolly Crowd.
In spite Of the weather, however. it
was jolly crowd. and many were the
smiles INDUCED in between the scowls
at the heat.
At 1875 Lieutenant Commander Brum-
nett. in command of the battalion, gave
the order to fall in The merry talk
instantly ceased and the men hurried
to their assigned positions. forming In
"twos"
The sailors were divided into five divi-
sions. each under command of an en-
sign, and at II o'clock, at the order.
Forward" they marched down Sixth
Street, until at the command Of ''Col-
uinn left" each contingent turned into
the particular car Of the five engaged
for the trip.
Raw Recruits
Many Of the sailors are the rawest OF
raw recruits, and consequently knew
next to nothing of the task befofe them
Learning to manage a regular. nrst-
class man-o'-war. They have ten days
in which TO learn. however. and since
the battalion win be accompanied on
its cruise by q regular United States
naval officer and several old tars, not to
mention Lieutenant Commander Brum-
nett. all of whom will instruct the citi-
zen sailors in the management Of the
huge monitor, It IS expected that they
viii return to Washington fairly expe-
rienced ''seamen.
You call US landlubbers now said
Lieutenant Commander Brummett, just
as he boarded the train, but we. II show
you how TO manage a ship when we
come back We're goins, 10 be sure nun
sailors.
At Philadelphia.
Arriving in Philadelphia the men vii
again fall into line. and. marching &c
the League Island navy yard. where the
ship is now stationed. will. in the
name of the District OF Columbia
take formal possession Of the United
States monitor. Puritan. After remain
ing at the navy yard for a rev days II
order to familiarize themselves with tn
mechanism of the ship, the men vii
start for local waters. arriving on d
about September y.
Undkr ordinary circumstances tins
cruise from Philadelphia TO washington
could be accomplished IN about thre'
days. Owing TO the inexperienCe Of tn
men, however. il was deemed advisable
TO take the trip by easy stages. IN
men constantly receiving instructions a
10 the handling OF the ship under al
conditions.
Monday went TO Philadelphia I'm Orde
to store the ship with necessities 70
the intended cruise. returned Wednes
day. and accompanied the battalion q
the Quaker City yesterday. He report
ed the ship in first-class condition, ant
ready to start on an extended cruise a
a moments notice.
Planning a Reception.
The battalion will be in command o
the following officers. Lieutenant Com
mander r. B. Brummett. Paymaste
Sidney Bleber, Surgeon S. c. Cox. Lieut.
A. J. Dempf, Lieut.. ". II. Gantz, engi
neer officer: Lieut.. Junior grade) l. ?
Cleplnne Lieut. Gunior grade) ]. d
Carmody Lieut.. Gunior grade) Arthur
Chase. Ensign Frank Sigourney. En-
sign J. 3. Jones. Ensign A. Bio, I'm
sign Victor Kelley. Ensign Walter Burt
Ensign Hall. Ensign Smith. and Pa,
Clerk George Howe
Preparations for a reception OF tn
ship are now being planned by the Dis
trict officials. and the day Of her svrlY
al IN her new harbor. Just off the Ar
senal. VIII probably be the occasion o
a great display.