New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-10
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
OCCURRED ON sHIPB0ARD.
How Two Tars Were Made to Settle Per.
sOnal Differences on the Connecticut.
g Editor Of rho Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: The story in Thursdays Tribune q the TWO
blnejackets, gmners from the Connecticut WEI
gave cent to their enthusiasm at Broadway thea-
ire the evening before hearing a song tn''
they supposed had reference to the change OF 'le
man-of-war landing at Staten Island from 1"liif
kinsville to St George, reminds me or 3ho'''e
warn" in regard TO a recent occurrence ao"@.u
that batteship that has just leaked out despite
:he efforts Of those concerned to prevent 1t from
getting to tho ears OF their superior oh1cefs.
1t seems that two OF the Connecticuts boatswalns'
pair gnarled and tarry buejaekets, fell to fisti-
cuffs in the forecase OF the cruiser the oiher even
ing because the mcsterat-arns had reported one OIL
them to the quarternaster for not having his cut
lass bright and in good order at evening quarters
The old salt who had been disciplined claimed that
the other had surrepttiously drawn his Vicum
shining and speckIess weapon from It's scaonurd
and substituted his rusty one.
The officer of the DAY. a lively young MILDLY OF
sporting tendencies came upon the scrappers
before they were aware OF his presence or ne was
aware OF what was going Although averse TO
spelling sport, the midshipmte was compeHeo 10
take notice OF the disturbance, and calling TWO OF
the yeomen OF the guard he had the cresttalieh
boatswains locked up in the ships brig BUT chalhed
far enough apart 10 keep them from setuhs ~
each other. Instead. however, Of making an ON
cial Of the offence, he thought that he saw
way TO have little fun ont of the affair. ana at
the same time afford ample satisfaction 10 the
cUlprits
Word was quietly passed around among the
younger members of the staff and before long sew
eral OF the junior executive officers OF the snip
had gathered around the gunroom table and or
ganized themselves into Informal court martial
with the quartermaster himself as president one
of the passed assistant engineers acted as Judge
advocate. The two trembling boatswains were
hailed before this august body, and were astound-
ed If considerably relieved 10 learn that the charge
against them Of having violated the Articles
OF War by engaging in personal conflict without
regard to the Marquis Of Queensherry rules in such
cases mace ana PROVIDED AFTER ItsteIlhs 10 t Ite
evidence the court pronounced a verdict or sulitY
and sentenced the two bluejackets TO finish their
encounter according 10 regulations
Accordingly, the carpenter was sent for, ana soon
appeared with his tool chest on his shoulder. 4
quiet place selected in the stern Of the ship.
lInneoately under the poop deck Wihch was iopeu
OF into ring and the boatswains stripped to
the waist for the contest. The sailmaker acted as
second for one Of the men and another marine for
stanchions, served timekeeper while the third
lieutenant was referee The battle had advanced
OF the aEgrieyed boatsUan. when the ofncer or
the day, whose duties had permitted him 10 take
hurrying in and said that the officer Of the dech
had got wind of what was going on, ana was even
then upon his way with file Of yeomen of tho
guard 10 put the whole push under arrest.
a word the wise sufficient. Opening the
after hatch and sweeping into Il the ropes ana
Sanctions. the whole party quickly followed. and
when the outraged officer Of the deck appeared
with his minons all signs OF the mill ana or
those who had taken part in II had disappeared.
The story was too good 10 keep. hewever. and II
not long before il was ell over the Wnlte
Squadron. although. on account ~ the rank OF
been taken Of II. There b. no doubt however.
that If the affair gets any publicity the captain Of
sending you this OF the affair, accordingly
] must request that YOU treat my communication
j" p'''s'' '''i''-'' JACK OF THE DUST"
New York March :, 1897.