The San Francisco call., 1906-10-14
Granted a Modern Vessel.

Last year the gunboat Alert. which
had been entirely rebuilt after the
Spanish war and remodeled as per-
feet training ship went out or com
mission. after four years service as
training ship at Yerba Buena station.
Adiutant General Iauck and Captain
Bauer. who had been watching their
opportunity Immediately began a sys-
tematic pestering of the Washington
authorities. who at length wearied and
capitulated. with the result that on
June 10 Of this year, after complete
overhauling, the Alert was turneG
over by Captain McCracken, United
states navy. to Captain Bauer. repre-
senting the naval reserves OF san
Francisco harbor. She had aboard her
a complete modern battery, including
six four-inch breech-loading rihes,
four six-pounders, two Colts auto
mates and two one-pounder Hotchkiss
rapid fire guns. Her equipment OF sails
was especially designed to give the
men practice In hosting and letting
down sail. and her whole arrangement
was made with an eye TO the training
of men for the sea- The reserve ooys
took to their new vessel with entnu-
siasm. and reported Tor duty win me
resularity Twice month they took
the vessel through the straits, and
every other Sunday went through
routine drill. falling into their round
of duties with remarkable aptitude.
I'VE find our numbers are increasing
since we have been awarded the Alert
said Captain Bauer. Former National
Guardsmen are joining as, as we'll as
entirely new recruits to volunteer SOL
dierv The men gain fresh courage
TO go back to their daily grind from
their Sunday outings IL IS mighty
nice thing for a man to have so pleas
ant a place to spend his holidays as ths
Alert and each and all or US nnd we
profit by the discipline We seem TO
carry it back into our business and to
learn to work with increased system
The men find congenial companions
aboard the ship. for we enlist with
great care. When young man makes
application to join our ranks he is
not eagerly snatched up and accepted.
His record is investigated Inquiry
u made as to his employment and his
standing with his employers Is looked
into. One OF the largest concerns in
our CITY gave positions to every one OF
the navy reserve men we sent to them
during the difficult days after the fire.
They knew that our boys stood for good
morals. good discipline, good habits and
good nature.
No Delinquents Visible.
The Alert is now the property Of
definite and in all seasons she will be
open for the practice OF the reserve
men, During the week she lies in
Sausalito harbor. her decks and bright
work kept in order by ten OF Uncle
Sans sailors specially detailed for this
work On Sunday she becomes an
active, busy ship. The amateur tars
are lined up for inspection and then
put through their PAGES Every 9TH
or sunday she goes to sea and her guns
and engines are thoroughly tested.
Storms and rains will not prevent the
reserve men from reporting for duty.
They turned out in all sorts OF wealth
er when their enthusiastic efforts were
confined to the out-of-date old Marion.
Their efforts and zeal are redoubled
now that they have a perfect machine
for learning the war game, and they
are looking forward eagerly to the
time when they will pass by New
York into the frst place among vol
uateer coast defenders OF the nation.