Evening star., 1915-06-27

American sailors. the Germans have
their ship mascots--monkeys parrots
dogs, cats. big monkey. taught to
dance, and which also runs up and
down maStS. SmokestackS, etc, is a con-
slant source of fun.
Except when on duty the officers of
the cruisers are rarely seen They have
their quarters separate from the men
keep to them and seldom take part in
the pastimcs. Yet there is a ma rke d
want of aloofness from the men when
they thrown together. Those in
formed d.eclare that the officers are
close students and spend much time
reading. Nearly all speak English fu-
entity and read il readily. In conversa-
tion they are reticent and non commit
tai
Rumors have been repeatedly circu-
lated in Norfolk that the German oft1-
GERS have been spying and gathering
Information for the German military
machine. 1t is even whispered that
they have detailed information to
navy Yards, forts warshps and har-
bOrs. Navy officers of the ward who
have kept these men constantly under
watch laugh at such charges, declaring
fatly that they are too absurd to re-
quire a reply.
Besides their activities on shipboa III
some of the Germans give time to farm
ing. The commander of the navy yard
received a request from the comma nder
of the PrinZ Eitel Friedrich that the
strip of land near the interned ships
il is a part of tract acquired several
years ago by the Navy Department for
the enlargement of the navy yard, and
which a new mammoth dry dock is
TO be built The request was granted
A couple of acres or more were turned
over to the Germans. Among the crew
are farmers who understand intensifled
farming The soil Of the tract is of the
richest variety. Using spades instead
of plows and industriously welding
hoes, these men quickly worked
transformation. Cabbage, spinach to-
were planted. In another thirty days
it Is declared that the crop of vege-
tables will be sufficient to provide for
the Germans for the rest of the sum-
mer and far into next fall.
Ever since the internment began
there has been steady employment for
all tailors and others among the crew
able to use the needle or operate a
sewing machine The members of the
crew of the Kronprinz Wilhelm when
they arrived at the navy yard We're
badly in need of clothing. They were
clothed, with few exceptions. in inn
proviseu uniforms. Bolts of blue We're
ordered, and now every member of the
crew has the regulation uniform.
When the kronprinz Wilhelm in
termed there was an epidemic Of beri-
beri to check. More than seventy men
had the disease. Today the epidemic Is
practically over.
Early after the internment, accord
ing to reports received from the navy
yard, and upon the request of the com
mandant of the yard, the sailors of
both cruisers We're lined up by their
officers and given Instructions that in
converse tion off the ship strict neu-
trality must be observed. They were
urged not to talk of German aspira-
tions, of German successes, anu, above
ALL warned to avoid Dragging. They
were warned that such conduct would
probably lead to difficulties with those
who favor the allies, and would mean
punishment and withdrawal of shore
liberty These Instructions have been
rigidly adhered to by the German
sailors.