The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-02-10

British coaling station and Army post
on a small island off Alden. 1t APP
peared to be of volcanic origin, and
there isn't any vegetation on the
whole island. Population about three
hundred, and in addition there are
about three hundred East Indian Sol
diers, with Australian officers num-
bering about fifteen. The island is
about six thousand yards from the
Turkish coast and they have been
bombarded several times but no dam
age was done. Coal cost us about
dollars ton here f. 0. b.
and and slowed in the bunkers.*
Passed Cape Guardafui this after
noon and the island of Socotra about
five. Very warm but fine breeze
all the time. y = .
u. S. S. Brooklyn, enroute to Sabang
Sumatra Indian Ocean,
December 6, 1915.
My Dear Mother:
We are once more at sea, making
about fourteen knots. From the 25th
to 1st nothing worth mentioning hap
pened The weather was very hot,
but with it cool breeze. We an
chored inside the Breakwater at Co
lombo about II a. m. the first. Coal
was alongside soon after and coaling
by the natives started about loo p.
m. being brought aboard in small
bags. As at Perrin Island. coal was
brought aboard and slowed in the
bunkers by native help. Liberty was
granted between four and five o'clock
and every one that could Gncluding
little mel went ashore to get out OF
the coal dust and also to see the town.
We were landed at the passenger
lefty or dock, which is at the foot
of the main street, York Street, which
goes out to the cinnamon gardens,
Victoria park and temples, through
the native quarter. We hired an
auto (siX of us) for two hours and
went out to Mount Lavinia (about
seven miles) by way of Queen Street.
on which is the postoflice, principal
banks, and the Governors house, and
out past the County Club. Native Sol
diers barracks, the Gale Face Hotel.
(situated next to the sea-, through a
native quarter finally. after an inter
eSting ride, reaching the Mount La
vinia Hotel. where we had sodas, and
coming back to town by way OF the
cinnamon gardens, Victoria park and
the native section.
STAYED at the Bristol all night,
where there was every accommodation,
including a fan all night, costing
about six shillings or $3.50
Went ashore on duty the next
morning at 1000. Getting bids for
meats, fruits and vegetables. Had to
visit about six different firms and
stores. twice, and saw a lot of the
town that | had not seen before.
Spent about three hours riding
around in a rickshaw getting back to
the ship about 130 Was on duty so
stayed aboard that night although
could have gone shore. Was ashore
the next morning for about an hour,
to the bank and Coal Company, for
the paymaster. and went on liberty at
800 o'clock.
Had Captains inspection the next
morning Ohe 4th) at 1890 and liberty
at 100 p. m. About three o'clock
went out to the museum, where | was
TO meet the bunch. The museum,
though not very large. was interest
ing, especially the large skeleton of
fine whale and the collection of
stones. rough and cut. Next visited
n Buddis temple. where he had to
take our shoes off to go in, and then
a Mohammedan temple. coming back
to town through the native market,
which was very interesting
We went back to the ship on the
midnight boat, stopping on our way to
the dock and mailing our last cards.
Left about ten the next morning, had
lard in sight on the port side all day.
The sea has been like a mill pond
most of the time since We left COlom
bO.
Arrived in the Harbor of Sabang,
CPulO Weh). Sumatra, about six the
next morning, dhe Glib, and tied up
to the dock by the coal sheds. They
coaled with Malay coolies and bask-
cts here. The c. T. Os. were al
lowed liberty in the afternoon and
looked the town over Most of the
population was down to the dock to
look us over in the early part of the
evening, Dutch officers and their
wives. the native soldiery and Dutch
sailors from the Gunboat stationed
there, Japanese (of which there are
quite few and natives. We took
on SUI IONS, costing all average VI
$5.75 per ton. In sight of land more
or less of the time the last two days.
passing through the Strait OF Malac-
ca, yesterday and passing Singapore
about three a. m this morning, Was
sleeping up on deck and saw the
lights of the town and lighthouses as
we passed. We are in the China Sea
now. headed for Manila, which we
will probably reach by Thursday or
Friday Our position AT 500 p. m.
yesterday was / degree 80 minutes
North: l02 degrees - minutes East
It is expected that We lay at the
(Cayite) Navy Yard Ia Manila for sey-
erai months though ON destination
after We reach there is really un-
known Please excuse my writing
all I'm one letter and the envelope
This will have 10 do for the Who'll
family
Wishing you all a Happy Nm1. ana
\rs, Year
Lots II love.
ROY FAIRFIELD