The sun., 1919-04-20
PERIL ON A WARSHIP
IN EXPLOSIVES HUNT
jazz, Simian Mascot of the
North Dakota, Appears to
Swallow Four Bullets.
DISTRACTION FOR GOBS
Few of the Many Visitors to
Fleet Realize Their Prox-
unity to a Tragedy.


The visitors who braved the perils OF
the Saturday afternoon crush TO admire
tho ships OF the great feet In the North
River were blissfully ignorant of a hap
pening that almost resulted in tragedy.
lAttle did they know that for a while
tate threatened to mar the wonderful
visit OF the big war vessels; that Jazz,
commander in chief of the fleets mas
cots, had been seen to swallow SEEM
ingly four As calibre cartridges. each
containing a fair quantity of smoieless
powder and steel jacketed bullet.
Jazz is one of 400 pets that have been
feasting copiously on candies and cigar
etts during the last week. He is a South
American monkey of the marmoset type,
and was acquired by the crew OF the
North Dakota at Panama last Decem-
Der upon the representation that he pos
sessed the power to keep bad luck of
the vessel as long as he received proper
care and respect. The men, however,
declare that despite his strange whis-
kers and ring tail he is a real COB.
In the whirl of circuses, theatricals
and other Entertainments into which the
sailors OF the fleet have been thrown
recently Jazz had been virtually forgot
ten. The weekly inspection yesterday
morning gave him the inspiration for
focusing attention in his direction.
Inspired by the Commander.
This inspection consists of n tour by
the commander Of each vessel. in which
all quarters and compartments are WIS.,
tied 1t Is customary for the COM
mander to weaI white gloves. BY pass
ing these over various fixtures he Is en-
abled to detect the slightest particle OF
dirt
As this inspection was being made
aboard the North Dakota, Jazz watched
attentively. When II was completed he
proceeded to reenact 1t. Starting from
his favorite roost near the ships canteen
he proceeded to pass his paw inquisi- |
lively about all nearby fixtures, exam !
lining them with apparent care.
A party of gobs detailed themselves
TO accompany him on his trip. which |
they deemed altogether harmless Its
a wful possibilities were suddenly brought |
to their realisation when their pet came
upon table on which a petty officer |
was cleaning his automatic pistol.
The weapon had been taken apart |
and as Jazz reached for a few. springs /,
and screws Jackie swept the whole |
business out of harms way. Upon four
cartridges the paw closed. and the
creature Of the wild tucked them in /,
His Destination In Doubt.
The sailors did not know whether
they should turn their pet over to the
Ordnance Department or the Medical |
Corps. Fearing the dire effects of smoke
less powder and steel upon their mascot !
and protector they bore him, struggling |
and chattering like Bolshevik. to the |
ships sick bay, where the miniature |
siuiian was held down firmly upon an
operating table while his sharp fanEs
were pried apart and a wedge was forced |
between his jaws.
Fears of the sailors were then re-
lieved. The cartridges. It was found, |
had not gone Into their mascots stom- |
ach. but into the pouches which all
marmosets have in the interior of their |
cheeks. And not only did the cartridges !
come from that capacious mouth. but the |
sailors then found where their razor !
blades have been disappearing. |
Bill Bones. goat OF the ship, was |
exonerated Of many charge. And what |
Is of more matter. one Of the gohs |
Deuel. by name, is said by his shipmates |
to have recovered from the nav of the |
monkey a locket containing the picture
of his French sweetheart, the loss OF
which he would have had most diff |
cult time trying to explain.
The sailors of the big battleshlp who |
related these occurrences said that they |
would give Jazz a recruiting officers
cap and would take him to Forty-second |
street and Broadway tomorrow noon |
when they make public pleas for enlist. |
ments. Men of other ships are con-
templating figuring their mascots in the
rallies of the coming week. as many of |
the monkeys and dogs on the big boats |
have been we'll trained and possess &C
cnnnnlighmpntl N
Rivalry for Recruiting Honors.
Much rivalry exists among the crews !
in the effort TO replace the men who are |
leaving the service. The Navy Depart |
ment has authorized the purchase of a |
trophy to be awarded by Admiral Mayo |
to the boat obtaining the best results |
In recruiting during the visit OF the feet |
to this port. While the men of the North |
Dakota are opening their drive at Forty !
second street tomorrow the crew OF the |
Pennsylvania will be appealing to the |
crowds IN Union Square.
Six thousand of the sailors saw yes
terday another performance of the cir !
Gus given for their benefit by Ringing ,
Bros. and the knights OF Columbus.
The crowd TO visit the fleet In the
afternoon was so large that the pier at |
Ninety-sixth street and the river had |
to be closed and the number OF people ,
admitted to the little sightseeing |
launches was carefully restricted.
The fleet was brilliantly illuminated !
with electric lights last night and great .
searchlights played upon the water,
while tall buildings on the waterfront |
were similarly illuminated. Many OF
the ships displayed bulbs in the form OF
Easter crosses.
AS many of the men will avail them
selves Of shore leave opportunities to-
day there will be no celebrations other
than the customary religious services on |
the vessels. Numerous churches have
extended a special welcome to the men
and will have sections reserved for those
who wish to attend