Evening star., 1938-01-04

for fork. Fruit we fished out Of
cans with pocket knives.
Late Sunday afternoon the pas
sengers who had climbed to the bluff
above camp spied a boat far to the
southeast. 1t came rapidly nearer,
and-joy Of joys-the Stars and Stripes
fiuttered above it. 1t was the United
States destroyer Barker-No. 2l3-
from Manila. followed shortly by the
Alden-No. 21l.
When the gunboats were close
enough our ranking shore ofheer. the
japanese cruiser commander and
Harry E. Stevens, q Hoover passenger
en- route to China for consular service,
went aboard the Barker. Eagerly we
waited, as thrilled at the arrival of
these American ships as though we
had not seen any for 10 years The
japanese marines drew up in forma-
tion at the landing.
United States Sailors Cheered.
"Soon a motor launch put of from
the Barker and shot toward shore.
Comdr. Willard E. Cheadle Of the
United States Destroyer Squadron in
the Far East disembarked. followed
by his assistant and a pharmacist
Then came eight American sailors,
clad in their white suits and life belts
They strode up the bank carrying
medical supplies, large carboy of
distilled water. three full wooden
water kegs, and a dishpan full Of
drinking cups. Quickly they formed
into marching order and swung down
the half mile to the camp. AS they
turned in between the stone entrance
pillars, a resounding cheer rocked the
village. TearS dimmed the eyes Of
men as well rs women, as We expe-
rienced the gratifying sense Of security
that the United States Navy gives
around the world.
Their service ended, the japanese
marines departed to their ship. The
American sailors set to work at once
ladling out water for the thirsty crowd,
who had been practically without
drinking water for two days. A de-
tachment Of seamen from the Alden,
arriving soon after, were given the
same welcome their comrades had
received. They brought candy and
cigarettes. But most nportant of all,
Uncle Sans Navy lads dispensed to
the marooned passengers courage and
good cheer such rs had not before
pervaded the camp. The policing Of
the island was taken over by the
sailors the second night and order
and quiet prevailed.
I'VE awoke the next morning to find
the President Mckinley, American
mail liner, riding at anchor in Namur-
yau Bay, OF the west coast of the
island. As soon as breakfast was over.
an orderly evacuation Of the camp
was begun. Before noon all the pas
sengers were aboard the Mckinley
except about 10 third-class men, who
were to be picked up the following day
by the President Pierce, which was
also scheduled to take on our baggage.
THE story Of this last voyage of
the President Hoover. which is now
dashing itself to pieces on 4 coral
reef in the East China Sea, records
dSgraceful conduct by . disorderly
crew. which demands prompt investi-
CATION. But it also tells of meritorious
service by the Hoovers Capt. Yardley
and his oficial staff; Of kindly help
fulness on the part Of the friendly
island farmers, and of prompt, efficient
action by the officers and crews Of
the ships which sped to our rescue.
The passengers o; the wrecked liner.
gathered safe aboard the President
Mckinley, expressed appreciation ia
their benefactors in formal votes of
thanks"