Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-18


made by Rear Admiral Train commanding
the Asiatic station. to the effect that the
oregon would not be able to reach Homo
lulu on her own supply of fuel unless
locked before the voyage. The Oregon will
proceed at once to San Francisco and later
VIII go to Puget sound. and there be sur
veyed In anticipation Of extensive altera-
tons. which may require a period OF
year or two years.
Retirement of Gen. Birkhimer.
Brig. Gen. William f. Birkhimer. recently
promoted. has been placed on the retired
list at his own request after over forty
years service. Gen. Birknimer served as
a private in the 4th Iowa Cavalry during
the civil war. and afterward graduated at
the Military Academy and at the Artillery
School He is now in this city in failing
health.
Long Cruise for Torpedo Boats.
1t is expected that the six torpedo boats
which are at Norfolk. and which are under
orders for a cruise to the Asatic station,
will be ready to leave upon their long Jour
ney April :, which is the date set for their
departure. 1t is probable that the Prairie,
which Is now being overhauied at the Bos-
ton navy yard, Will be in readiness for
service in time TO act convoy to the six
torpedo boats II the Prairie Is not avail
able by that time It is likely that either
the Yankee or the Dixie will be used for
that purpose.
'Warships Nearing Completion.
The Navy Department is advised from
San Francisco that the Milwaukee will be
taken on her trial trip in about six weeks.
te be followed by the trial of the California
and that of the South Dakota. 1t is expect
ed these vessels will be turned over to the
governments before there is another con-
tract to be awarded for a naval ship. and
with that condition in view the government
office at the Union iron works viii be
closed at least temporarily. when the YES
sells are finally accepted.
To Command the Rhode Island
The battIeship Rhode Island is to be
placed in commission Monday, with Capt.
Perry Garst United States navy, In COM
mand. That officer has been serving as
general inspector of the Rhode Island
Medals to Apprentices.
1t is announced at the Navy Department
that in accordance with the regulations for
the training of apprentice seamen the Bailey
medals for 1905 are awarded to the follow
ing named apprentice seamen. who attained
the highest final averages out OF a total
number of eighty-three apprentice seamen
who competed for the medals: Harry j.
Hanson. naval training station. Newport,
r. l.. and Leroy E. Kuhns. naval training
station. San Francisco, Cal
Naval Orders
Commissions have been issued 10 Ensigns
J. 5. Abbott c. E. Brilliant and L. II. Tay-
lor and Chief Boatswains J. Mccarthy, NJ.
FrItman and H. C. Jarrett.
Ensign J. ]. Hyland from the Cleveland
to- the Indiana.
Midshipman w A smead to the Rhode
Island.
Midshipmen A. w Fitch. c. s. McShorter,
l.. F. Welch and X. Wilson to the Penn
sylvania.
Midshipmen w. f. Clarke. c. c. Harti-
gan, |. G. Shute and r. l.. Ghormley to the
West Virginia.
Mdshpmen C. L. Lake, c.. A. Alexander,
A. L. Bristol, jr, and G.. S. Bryan TO the
Illinois.
Midshpmen A. S. Rees. r Withers, jr.,
II. NJ. Jensen and S. A. Taffinder to the
Alabama.
Midshipmen w w. Lorshbough. D. p
Morrison. H. c. Fuller and c. Bartlett TO
the Colorado.
Midshipmen f. B. Armstrong. H l..
Pence and w E. Madden TO the Maryland.
MIdshpman L. B. Bernheim. orders to the
Asiatic station revoked. to the Maryland
s. Gordon has been appointed an assist
ant civil engineer in the navy from Febru-
airy