Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-24

mounted the one-pounder and in the latter
the automatic gatling gun. At a signal the
smaller boats, protected on the tanks by
the steam launch and cutter, made land
tngS, and, after the men had vacated the
boats. the latter were hauled on the beach.
Later the boats. containing commissary
supplies. stretchers and the like reported at
the proper stations. The men took an
active interest In the work and, after drills
in signaling. the program was concluded
with a battalion drill in attack and skir-
miSh.
The men We're given "shore liberty" at
Colonial Beach Friday evening. The U. 8.
S. Oneida, commanded by Lieut. w. E.
Burt, signal officer of the battalion, with
Columbia militia, and party aboard, there
Joined the Puritan. During the night the
men had an opportunity of practicing sig
mailing between the two ships. Gen. Harries
Saturday morning moved from the Oneida
to the Puritan. Boatswan James Bowling.
L. S. N, who is detailed with the District
battalion, assumed command of the Oneida,
and with a crew, departed al Indian Head
for Washington to prepare the mOoringS for
the Puritan. The Oneida, however. was
used before her departure for instructing
the men in wigwag signaling and the inter-
national code.
day was given over to cleaning up ship and
in the evening an entertainment was ar
ranged. which proved of unusual interest to
all on board. The lower deck was roped
dulged in. Music, songs. Rotations and
dancing were included in the program.
Aroused From Slumber.
While the men were asleep at daybreak
yesterday morning Lieut.. Commander Nc
Cram sounded the fire alarm. just after the
watches had shifted. at the same time call
ing aloud Fire" Immediately there was
scrambling of call hands, in every direc-
ton. every man soon being at his post
awaiting orders. After breakfast the men
were mustered on the after deck and in
spected by Gen. Harries. who was accom-
panied by Capt. Andrew Parker. one of his
aids and Commander Stratton. The vessel
was found to be In excellent condition and
the men properly uniformed.
After the Puritan had been moored, the
hammocks, blankets, mattresses and other
articles We're turned in to the paymaster
and later slowed away The men were
served dinner aboard, and in the afternoon,
before leving the ship, Capt. Parker. acting
paymaster Of the District militia, concluded
the work of paying off the men,. The sew
| eral divisions We're then formed and dis
missed at $50 o'clock. Before being dis
| missed several members who had trans
| crossed were taken before the mast and
either reduced in rank or discharged from
the service.
The first division was in command of En-
! sign Joseph D. Dalton. the other officer OF
| the division present being Ensign H. X.
! Clement Lieut.. J. A. Dempf commanded
| the second DIVISION, assisted ny Ensign :.
A. H Terrell. The third division officers
| were Lieut.. Gunior grade) Edward e. Jones
| and Ensign Durston. The fourth, engi-
neers' division. was under command OF
| Lieut.. ]. H. Mittendorf and Ensign y. p.
| Noel
| The medical department was In charge
of Capt. Clarence A. Weaver. surgeon, LIST
Regiment, N. G. D. c.. who inspected
| the ship three times daily He said yester-
| day that the health Of the crew had. been
| satisfactory at all times; that the food was
| excellent and we'll cooked, and the sanitary
conditions aboard the ship perfect. The
| paymaster, Lieut.. John l.. Johns, was COM
| mended for the excellent messing arrange
| fnents. He was assisted by Pay Clerk Will
| lam G. Neumeyer. who supervised the dis
| tribution to the several divisions. Lieut.
| William f, Bleo was navigator on the
| trip, while Lieut.. W. e. Burt. after join
| ing the Puritan, assumed the duties of sig
| nal officer.
| Words Of Praise.
| Lieut. Commander McGrann says that the
| discipline OF the crew had been excellent
| and that he was surprised at the control
which the officers had over the men. While
a number of the men were green" they
| did not lose moment in perfecting them
| selves in their work He complimented the
| tackles on the manner in which they "coaleG
| ship" The duties of the men, he said
| at all times We're performed with gooo
| spirit and with vim that was surprising.
The officers of the battalion were loud II
their praise of Lieut.. Commander McGrann
Department covering the cruise.