Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-05-17
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IL bia took last Sunday on the
L. S. S. Sylvia, the naval yacht
assigned to the local organization for
practice purposes. the sailorrnen were
kept busy In the drills and exercises
familiar to naval men of the regular serv-
ice. There were more drills on the little
vessel last Sunday than at any other
time since tho craft has made a voyage
with the District naval militiamen aboard.
The voyage down the river was given
over to routine work. However, the crew
was divided up into classes, and those
who were not working in connection with
the running Of the ship were turned over
to petty officers for instruction. Some
Of them were taught how to stand a
watch at the wheel, some were taught
signaling. while others were Instructed
in the methods OF launching the life
buoy when they heard the cry of man
overheard"
The signal boys had a chance to dc
some real work when the ship approach
ed Fort Washington, just below River
View. A khaki-clad soldier was seen to
step upon the fort wall. and with his red
and yellow semaphore flags signaled the
Sylvia. Quartermaster Miller Of the
| Naval Battalion, took his place on the
bridge and read the soldiers message,
which said:
What is the name Of your ship and
where are you bound?''
~. S. S. Sylvia, bound for Marshall
Hail." went back the reply.
BEST wishes to all on board" waved
the soldiers flags.
<bn Sy11,},so oil
| boy.
| 1t is necessary for the forts along the
river to challenge all naval vessels, and
every Sunday when the Sylvia passes
the fort she is challenged by one of the
soldiers. On the return trip she was
again asked for her name, and it was
| given.
When the Sylvia arrived at Marshall
Hall all of the Sylvia's small boats were
lowered and the crews were permitted to
row about until the large red pennant.
| signifying that meals were being served.
| was sent up to the truck and there was a
| race for the ship Following the mess
the shore parties were sent away in boats
for game on the Marshall Hall da-
mond. The local sailor boys played until
the general recall flag was sent up at
o'clock, when every one returned to the
ship. the anchor was weighed and the
return voyage to Washington was start
ed. Everything was running smoothly,
those members Of the crew who had COM
pleted their duties were sitting about the
decks, when the rapid ringing OF the
ships bell called all Of the men to their
doors so that there would be no drafts.
the ship was slowed down and the hose
lines were run to the starboard bow.
where the fire was supposed to be. It took
less than two minutes for very man to
get to his station and perform his duty.
A few minutes later abandon ship
was sounded on the bugle. when all hands
fell in abreast their boats prepared to
get away, and later there was collision
drill, and finally general quarters" the
call on the bugle which means prepara-
tons for battle. The gun pointers. she'll
men. powdermen. etc, took their stations
beside the guns and in the magazines
prepared to open battle. Commander
. TALON, came down from the bridge and
instructed the men to train their guns on
an object 1000 yards OF the port bow
and gave the command to fire. Consider
the ship were new men. Commander
Dempf declared that they did remarkably
we'll
Commander Dempf said yesterday that
he would, beginning today. turn the ship
over each Sunday to one Of the divisions
for the purpose Of taking practice cruises.
The third division will start these
cruises today. when the ship will go out
under the command OF Lieut.. Frank w.
, Sigourney. 1t Is proposed to start at 10
o'clock this morning and return about 8
o'clock in the evening.
During this trip the members of the
third division will be required to stand
regular watches in the various parts of
the ship. instruction will be given to
the seaman apprentices In various lines
of work. Some will be sent into the en-
CINE room if they desire to learn steam
engineering. while others will be taught
deck duties.
Activities at the local naval militia
armory have been many during the past
week The two three-inch field guns be-
over to the Sd Division for overhaul
ing They were given a coat OF the dull
gray, war paint, the brass work was
shined and they were put in spic-and
span condition last Monday by the men,
bers of the third division under the direc
ton of Chief Boatswain's Mate P. NJ
Ward. The rope drags used in pulling
the gun were given a coat of white and
when the Sd Division turned out In the
parade Yesterday as field battery. I'M
der the command of Lieut.. Sigourney,
the organization presented very
creditable appearance.
Also. during the week, the whaleboat
with which the Sd Division expects to
win the So prize offered by the ID
was given several coats of white paint
II Will be ready to put overheard prob
ahly next Sunday, when the racing crew
will be organized and will be trained
under the direction of Chief Boatswain S
| Mate Ward.
The date for the race has not yet been
set. but it probably will be during the
itiSf hal