The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1917-02-22
COL. TUCKER WRITES
OF MANILA TRIP


stationed as paymaster of the Islands
Department of the United States
Army.
If word is to be mailed, It's time fol
me to begin, in order to be sure of the
first mail from Honolulu recall that
| said from somewhere during oul
travel, would write you letter. Il
NAV be because of our rather unusua
trip that this prove to be of interest.
We had a very pleasant trip from
Portland to San Francisco via Flave
and the big steamer Northern Pacific,
very luxurious ship. For those wht
like the sea as we do this is very goot
route. We had ten days in San Fran
cisco, very pleasant in meeting with ole
friends, those in service and civil life.
Sailed on December at noon. With
the exception of II days, have beer
aboard this transport, now our AID day
at sea. Am really sorry to realize the
end of the trip is matter OF say IL ol
l3 days more at sea. We had in the
eight days en- route to Honolulu, very
rough weather; for several days only
the best of sailors were in evidence
Very fortunately was ready for meals
at all times-a good test. On boarC
were many officers, their families anC
some civil officers bound for Oriental
stations. Several officers / had not met
in 10 to 20 years; we had gone through
our active service in the meantime.
Needless to say there was much to talk
over.
nooo,obo,. 1 0 una orr;,,od OFF barho,. al
Honolulu and were at the dock by s. 3(
p. m. We had only the 14th and until
noon the 18th to see the sights and to
meet as many friends as possible in
this short time. In the ten years since
my last visit there, Honolulu has more
than kept up with the rapid growth
and civic progress of the Orient, al
ways indicative of prosperity. The
auto has done wonders. Roads very
perfect. Now the tourist can, in a
brief time. see so much that is of in
terest, that he has the desire for a
longer visit. In fact, when we arrive
in Honolulu on the 4th, if our mail
tells us all is well at home, we shall try
to arrange for month there, or until
the transport due March a sails for San
Francisco.
Our route to Guam Qat. ID deg. NJ
usually takes IA days. We arrived at
the Island during the night of the 18th
day, having been helpled along by a
strong wind from the east. Our way
was along the goth degree of latitude
on the edge of the tropical waters.
The temperature of air and water
taken each four hours would be very
nearly equal; the day so degrees, at
night just right to sit out on deck.
Ladies in their pretty gowns, men in
white cotton or duck, the nights in
tropical waters are very enjoyable.
When one retires the windows and
cabin doors are left open. Air is pure
and delightful.
During this part of the trip new
faces began to appear on deck to re-
ceive hearty greetings on their arrival
on board Poor People all this time
were ill in their cabins.) We could get
up a dance when the sea was quiet
enough; sometimes when it was not,
much to the joy of the young folks
who had laugh at the confusion that
would come with big wave. If one
can be content with fine rest, good
people, cards, books. no worry and
good feed, nothing to do, no duties of
any kind, then long voyage by sea is
commended; for those who are poor
sailors, | would say "No" unless there
is something to compensate for dis
comfort at the end of the voyage.
Guam is an island we took in 1898.
Now its best known use is for cable
station; one line going to Manila, the
other to Japan, both working to the
east on one cable. A small harbor has
been cut out of the coral she'll and
sand so one can come within two miles
of the landing; small boats plying
through the reefs that come to the
surface all around. From the landing
to the naval station some five miles we
used to go in carts. Now 80 or more
mot autoes) but something they call
"Fords" with natives at the wheel,
took US very quickly over good roads,
through jungle of tropical growth, a
very interesting drive.
Here Mrs. Tucker and found friends
of many years ago. Surgeon and Mrs.
Peck, of the navy. At one o'clock we
were entertained by the Governor Gen
eral, Captain Smith, who also COM
mands the naval station. / had known
him and Mrs. Smith years ago. Our
eight hours ashore were very happily
and profitably spent.
At a p. m. the 9th of December we
were on our way to Manila. Of course
our Christmas was passed at sea. We
had aboard some 400 men who were en-
route to their first stations. The good
people aboard arranged with Santa
Claus to come in his submarine and
bring cheer from the realm of those
good things we all have loved. Santa,
true to his promise, arrived aboard af-
ter our dinner on the oath, saying he
had to come early because of so many
other visits to make. He brought to
each child, soldier and sailor, at least
some candy or toy, and for the older
ones happy chat in verse.
This has been my first voyage at sea
when the wireless kept us in touch
with land and the other ships. So one
does not feel that he is out of touch
with his people. We could be reached
any day. Any trouble to our ship
would be known in brief time. One
of the greatest of the many wonders
of the electrical age. Our friends at
Guam finding we were aboard, sent a
radiogram to come right to them. The
Governor General in same way invited
some 30 of us to a formal luncheon,
after which a naval band started the
informal dance. My, how sweet the
ladies looked in their tropical dresses
We danced until 3 p. M, then hurried
to catch the launch for the transport.
Our voyage from Guam to Manila was
pleasant. We arrived there ahead of
time, being only five days en- route.
Manila has been so wonderfully i'm
proved - broad streets, a new and
beautiful hotel and splendid auto SER
vice. We found many old time friends
there and our days were filled with
visits and sight seeing. | made for
NAL visit to the Governor General, Mr..
Harrison, and found him interesting
and cordial. On January 10th, | was
invited to attend a formal dinner at
the Palace, given in honor of Admiral
who had Just arrived in