The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1906-07-05

ways, 1t ls pure, eighteen-carat gold.
On man-of-war the Fourth Of
July is the gala day of the year. The
decks are white and spotless; the pol
ished brasswork shines like gold.
Furnished guns and arms glisten and
reflect in the sunlight. Overhead from
stem to stern the many flying flags
denote "full Dress" while from the
mastheads there float in the breeze the
"long-tailed" pennants of the COM
mander. These tokens, allied with the
ceremonial naval etiquette of the day,
serve to impress on the mind of even
the most thoughtless, the honor, glory,
and fame of our country.
The "Order of the Day" Is usually
the same, whether at home or in for
eign parts. After "Qusrters," which is
always at two bells, or nine q. M, the
program begins with swimming
match, followed in swift succession by
climbing the CREASED pole, and a spar
ing match. The naval battalion is
always welcome and popular feature
of Fourth of July parades. No doubt
many of our readers have seen these
bronzed sailors marching by in their
blue shirts, with white lanyards around
their necks, armed with rifle and cut
lass. Their sturdy martial bearing
and evident modest courage may have
favorably impressed you as they
marched past. With thrill of pride
we remember their performances at
Manila Bay and before Santiago de
Cuba.
| "Nor shall their glory be forgot
While fame her records keep"
The celebration of the day in foreign
ports calls forth the crews Esprit de
i Corps" in all its depth. "We will
show the dagoes what we can dol, To
be stranger in a strange land and see
the Stars and Stripes flying proudly
from the mizzen of q magnificent
cruiser, calls forth the best efforts of
all. These efforts concentrate on a
boat race between the crews of the
different navies. The most intense
excitement centers around these sf-
fairs for days; and while the crack
crew are in training, it is the chief
topic discussed. Officers and men
) back.t crew with money laid against
their rivals. Our crews have won
many hard-fought race in the ports of
Europe and the Orient. On the Euro
fof no nf 10
, Portugal, is one of the best and most
popular to both officers and enlisted
men, not only because the natives ex-
tend the glad hand, but-well, Lisbon
: the Fourth at this port is always q
, happy day.
Lisbon, seen from the deck of ship
off the mouth of the Tague River,
| presents beautiful and imposing ap-
) pearance. 1t rises terrace upon terrace,
> interviewer with luxuriant tropical
l., foliage, fairy land of white marble
. palaces. A close inspection reveals a
: few palaces and many whitewashed
J, houses. The muddy, swift-running
: Tague River is lined with fine quays.
: The naval arsenal and plaza is one Of
0 the finest in Europe; naval officers
/ call here on the Post Admiral.
0 well remember one joyous Fourth
at this port. After the races the ship
was visited by crowds of the gentler
sex. AS they passed small battery
of rapid-fire guns on the spar deck, a
few paused to admire and inspect
them. Jack Williams, the old quarter
gunner, stood apart watching them.
After they had passed he grabbed
a polishing cloth and began to vigor-
ously rub the guns, much to the
q amusement of the officer of the deck,
: who laughingly asked: "What's the
matter, gunner?"
o 'Matter enough, sir" said Jack;
y "'taint enough for them to stand and
: cape at 'em, they have to put their
: dirty paws all over them."
Q This is a true illustration of the
|. jealous care with which these pets are
r. regarded by all gunners.
|. While we Of this community must
! pass the day in peace and sobriety, let
y us not forget to bestow passing
thought on the true significance of the
D. occasion. Because of the courage and
h nerve of that devoted band Of patriots,
3 July 4th, 1776, we, the inheritors
J. Of their glory and fame and sharers OF
L their faith and courage can, with sin
n certify and loyalty, thank them for
is being true-born Americans. 1853. :