The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1906-12-27

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tropical flora. The coaling continued
far into the night and thousands of
sea fowl, attracted by the glare of
the searchlights, hovered around the
ship in eager search of fish, teens of
which swan close by and greedily
fought for the refuse Of the ship.
The Louisiana beat the other vessels
coaling and returned to Panama,
leaving directions for the Tennessee
and the Washington to join her in
PONCE.
The voyage to Porto Rico was un-
eventful, and all hands were glad to
see the chief seaport of the southern
part of the island. All the shipping
was gaily dressed in honor of the
President, and the town itself was
festooned with the red, white and
blue of America and the yellow and
red of Spain. Ponce pronounced
pon-cy by the Porto Ricans; pone-thay
by the Spaniards) is nestled at the
foot of tall mountain range, across
which leads the famous military road
to San Juan. The city lays claim to
several beautiful plazas and a very
interesting cathedral, built during
the 18th century. An electric car
line connects Ponce and the Port Of
Ponce. This, as we'll the lighting
plant, is owned by an American syn
dicate. The day was proclaimed a
fiesta and only a few pharmacies
and cigar stores remained open. The
population of the city is almost en-
tirely negro and Indian. Nowhere
could be seen the much vaunted
"Senorita". It wassaid that the pure
Spaniards, who still disdain to ac-
knowledge .'Los Amerikanos" and
shun all work, come out only after
night falls and the band plays on the
plaza, probably this explains the alb
sence of the fair blondes.
A most interesting sight was the
driving Of cows from door to door
and milking them before the eyes Of
the consumer. Certainly no water
could be used, as is the custom in
many American towns, but I fear
the bacterologist would condemn the
milk without so much as examining
it, as the condition Of the cows and
the men who did the milking was far
from being cleanly.
ON THE RETURN VOYAGE.
The ship encountered the usual
fine weather, and all agreed that, if
the ship had a ''hoodoo", it was GER
tain that it was unable to overcome
the proverbial good luck of Presi-
dent Roosevelt. The men gave a
vaudeville performance in honor of
the ships distinguished visitors,
while one day out from Ponce. It
was very enjoyable and the President
was "dee-lighted". In his farewell
remarks he said that he was glad to
| see that the American never lost his
good sense of humor, no matter
where he went. When just two
hours off the capes final speed trial
was arranged for the President. The
boilers were put under forced draft,
and shortly after the Louisiana was
bowling along at 18 knots, while the
cruiser Tennessee close astern, re-
sembled a dog tearing at its leash,
trying to pull away. The Tennessee,
a light 21-knot cruiser, could easily
have walked away with the Louis
lana, which is a first-class battleship
of 18 knots speed.
When the test was completed the
President descended into the, engine
room, and after making a few re-
marks to the men there, passed into
the fire room. Here he threw two
shovels of coal into the furnace, ard
turning to the writer, who chanced
to be in charge of the watch, said :
'You did fine; she certainly is a
peach". AS he left to make
HIS FAREWELL REMARKS
to the ships company on the quarter
deck, the men gave him a cheer, and,
| it is needless to add, they would have
been willing to undergo a twenty
four hour speed trial for such com
mander-in-chief. Among hisremarks
to the men was comment on the
action of many owners of places OF
amusement throughout the country
in refusing admittance to their places
to clean and sober men who wore the
uniform of the army and the navy.
He said that he had investigated the
law and found that he was powerless
to prevent this in any city other than
Washington, but if ever there arose
in that city such a case he would i'm
mediately rescind that companys
license to do business. He expressed
his contempt for those who in time
: of war cried for their help and then
in time of peace forbade the de-
fender Of the nations honor to enjoy
himself ashore. His remarks were
most enthusiastically received. AT
his farewell tea to the officers, he
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