The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1904-12-30
OFFICERS HAVE
GOOD RECORDS
THREE SENIOR MEMBERS mINNEsorRs STAFF CONE
HIGHLY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS SEEN LONG SERVICE IN
MERCHANT MARINE

Three II the senior officers Of The
steamship Minnesota, Who are to
assist in the manipulation OF the
vessel when she sails for tht
Orient. are men picked from those
whose records show them "a be sea
faring men 81 unqucstionahle aoil-
IT, aud excellent characteristics.
Chief Ofncer John +. Blain was
chosen By the officials q the Great
Northern on recommendations 81
the finest character from the Off
rials OF the American Line steam
ship company. OF New York. Mr..
Blain has sailed for years on the
Vessels 81 this fleet.
Chieg Officer Balm received his
tuition In the art OF navigation
among some q the finest vessels
afioat Starting In from the VERY
lowest station. he gradually worked
hts way upward until he attained
the position OF chief officer Of the
steamship New York. plying be-
tween the city og New York and
London. Eng
Besides holding the above ana
many other important positions on
Merchant marine vessels. Air niaih
has acted as executive officer In tbs
Turkish navy. II was while he vas
chief officer Of the Steamship New
York that the officials 81 the Cramn
ShiphuildinF company. Of Philadsl-
phta. selected him % take the Turk
4aE
Roads. Va. 20 Constantinople.
Mr. Blain. "a lieutenant CON-
inander OF the MaIedln. left lamp
den Roads during the latter part Of
last January. and after a successful
voyage. arrived with the cruiser at
Constantinopie without a single
mlshap. The sultan Of Turkey was
90 pleased over the safe arrival Of
The warship. that he decorated :
tIr Blain.
The decoration consisted Of an
emblem made up Of a solid gold
crescent and star. set with costly
Jewels Below the nations emblem.
was a large Persian enameled star
edged with silver and gold. Ia adj
dltinn 20 this. MF. Blain received a
personal letter Of recommendation
from the sultan. on reports handed
him By the other officers Of the
Matadia-
Senior First officer Keys. Of the
Minnesota, Is also n man OF intrepid
character and. although very mod
est In manners and appearance. has
abe reputation OF being one % the
braEest and most daring men that
eyer followed the sea Mr.. Keys
has also been one OF the trusted Of
ficers Of the American Line Steam
ship eompany's vessels. having
served az first officer Of the New
York NJ the same time az his broth
er officer of the Minnesota was on
that vessel.
On one occasion during the after
noon Of June Q. 1898. Mr.. KEYS risk
ed bis life 70 save that Of one OF
chs seamen. who fell overheard. The
ship was bowling along at a 20
Knot clip when First officer Keys
happened to see one Of the crew 70
headiong over the side
Without a moments hesitation.
ne grasped line. tied # around his
arm and jumped over the vessels
rail-. yelling Man overheard" az
he shot through the air 70 the water
below. The vessel vas stopped and
First officer Keys and the sailor
were dragged on board. Both we're
fomewhat overcome az a result of
their exertions In the water. The
sailor vas unable 70 swim. and Il
was only after a fierce struggle that
Hr. Keys was enabled 70 ret a line
about him.
In recognition Of the feat. Mr..
Keys received recognition from the
United states government and also
received a present OF a handsome
sextant from the members Of the
crew. The sextant was lneased IN
n beautiful mahogany box. on the
I'D Of which was inscribed the name
of the receiver and the date on
which the Incident occurred.
In All probability w. T. Etsier
who u also a longtime ahlpmate Of
both Blsin and Keys. will accept the
position 81 senior second officer OF
the Minnesota. Of which he has the
refusal Eialer IL a graduate OF the
naval academy AZ Annapolis and has
naval academy AZ Annapolis and has
rsvsuus cutter service, besides 10