Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1907-09-23
From Washington.
Correspondents Of the Alexandria Gazette
Washington, Sept. 81.


Washington. Sept. 81.
The report that WI Ting Fang will
probably be returned to the United
States, az Chinese minister, was received
here with unusual interest. WI is the
most popular diplomat that ever struck
town. he made hit with all classes,
from officials of the administration to
summer girls at Atlantic City. no
social function at the capital was ever
considered quite complete without the
presence OF this artless, but entertain
ing Celestial. Despite his butterfly air,
WI accomplished more for China while
he was here than any other representa-
tive from that country. He was greatly
admired by the Secretary of State, John
Hay. who was amused rather than
shocked by some of the unconventional
methods be employed. When Wa APP
peared before an appropriations commit
tee at the Capitol, on his invitation, and
proceeded to lecture the members on
their duties, he fractured all precedents.
Other diplamsts threw up their hands
in horror. Wa was very sorry, ne
really didn't know any better, 30 was
forgiven. Probably his greatest service
was during the siege OF Pekiu by the
Boxers, when he got through the first
cablegram to tbs government announc-
ing the safety of minister C)uger aud
the other imprisoned diplomats.
In answer to complaint to W. +.
Roberts, commander of the Missouri
Naval Reserves, that the U. 8. s. Hun
tress which was recently turned over TO
that organization at Pensacola was In
poor and uuseaworthy condition and
without ammunition, it was stated al the
Navy Department today the chip on iD-
speciion showed herself to be in fair con-
dition snd the department deemed hei
suitable for the work desired of her In
the Mississippi.
Beginning with Tuesday, October |,
balloon work is 10 be taken up with al
esrnestness by the army and regular
balloon corps will soon be organized
A drill will be given on the vacant lo
adjacent to the gas works at Twelfth ant
M streets southeast, the new big army
balloon America, being the subject o
the drill. Ga Tuesday class will b.
given their first experience in ascension
This will be the first OF series of flights
to be made in this city within the mex
three weeks.
IL am able to look at life from thu
natural aspec, at last was the response
Secretary of State Root made when he
was welcomed back to his Office today.
Thoroughly Muldooned the Secretary
has clear eye, a rudy face and a firm
grip. Among the Secretary's frat call
Era was Sen or Godoy, charge de sfiaires,
who cameao arrange for The Secretary;
p TO Mexico.
Full military bOnors we're accorded al
the funeral this afternoon of Rear Ad'
miral John G. Walker, who died Mon
day night at York Clig, Me. Two bat
talions of naval reserves from South
Carolina escorted the remains from All
Souls Church to Arlington National Gem
etery. Among the honorary pallbearer'
were Rear Admirals Bradford, Rodgers,
Mason, Barker aud Ramsey.
Richard w. Payne has been appoint
ed postmaster at Shiloh, King George
county, vice W. Fl. Davis, resigned.
There was fire at an curly hour this
MOI ming on the second hoor Of Parker
& Bridgel's place. The damages wsf
S., 900. An oil mop, csrelessly protect.
cd, il believed to have caused the blaze.