The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, August 19, 1900, Image 11

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PAKT TWO. LIFE OF THE SHIP'S BOY. HOW HE E \TS. SLEW'S AM) LEARNS TO BE A SAILOR. iru Marnli Ar. gnppo.ed to lie Con nerved by Exclusion From the Forecastle —How He Is Guyed ami Bullied nod Sometime* Beaten— No Matter Hon Tired He May Be, There Is Alwnys Work In Plenty for Him to Do—lt Take* Him About n Year to Learn t Hand and Reef, and Steer Navigation Is Not Tnoght to Him on the Ordlnnry Ship, hut He May Stndy It If He Likes—Many Bojs Still Go to Sen. lint Most of Them Quit the Life Be cause of Tlieir Treatment. By Morgan Robertson. Author of "Spun Yarn,” "Where Angels Fear to Tread,” Ete. Copyright. 1900, by Morgan Robertson. Now York, Aug. 17.—Every deep-water American ship is supposed to carry two or three boys before the mast—usually as many as there ere officers aft. These boys eat and sleep in the “boys’ room," a small apartment in the forward house, and are not permitted to enter the forecastle in the watch below, for reasons connected with their moral welfare and future value The boy at tha wheel. bs officers; far they are the material from which the Yankee mate is constructed, and as such must not be handicapped by too strong- a sympathy with men who muFt spend (heir whole lives forward. The protection of fheir morals afforded hv their seclusion from the men, though Btrotigiy insisted upon by skippers and owners, is not obvious; sailors are a very ordinary class of working men. being neither exceptionally good nor bad, and their influence over boys in their com pany is about tbe same as would be that of Qth-or men living on shore, and will certainly compare favorably with that of the officers, who were once protected boys, and whose duties and ethics now require that they be a little more brutal, cynical and profane than ere the men in the forecastle. Another, and a very excellent and honest reason for giving the ho-ye a room by themselves, is that a tra dition of seafaring, dating from antiquity, and similar to the fag system of English school®, makes it incumbent on the weak ling* in the forecastle to do the menial work in the watch below. This is cus tomary in the ships of all nations, where e boy or ordinary seaman is in the fore castle; he cleans up. fills the lamp, brings the meals from galley, and often washes clothes for others when he ought ♦o be asleep. It does him no good, and English ship owners were tbe first ‘to rec ognize i-t—American owners following suit In the construction of the crews’ quar ters, but without adopting the excellent apprentice system which makes it possi ble for an English “gentleman’s son” to become a ship's officer and remain a gen tleman. The Ship’s Boy I* Kept Bony. But. though a boy in an American ship Is Immune from ill-irratment in the watch-below—except from the inevitable bully of the boys’ room—he receives his full share on deck while at work. He is usually of an adventurous disposition or he would not be on board ship—and has ob tained the berth through the influence of family friends or relatives. He is very of ten a close student of the cheap nautical literature which tells of “The Roy rap tain,” “The Boy Mutineer,” “The Boy Private,” and such heroes, and goes on board with a great many things lo un learn before his mind will be in condition to receive and assimilate fa t*. He may know in a general way the. names of the masts, some of the sails and ropes, and a few of the ship's appurtenances; but lie finds his knowledge of little avail against bis colossal ignorance of what is required ©f him, and until he learns, through curs ings and bitter objurgations, how to keep out of his own and the officers’ way, hi** life on deck is miserable. He is not even available for running errands, for he does not recognize the names of things he is *ent for, even when properly enunciated. Hr*w can he, when no nautical dictionary contains a half of the noun® and phrases In common use at sea? What can he make of this, roared at him nt six feet distance; "Hare, you. bo-o-y. Owan down to the later-hat ’n* over ’n’ the wing ye’ll find an earing. Bring it up.” The order is in telligible only to a sailor—who knows that the lazerette is down aft abaft the cabin trunk; that “over 'n the wing” la over to ward the ship’s side, and that an “earing” is a fathom of two of strong rope with an eye spliced in one end, ueed for reefing and for “gill-guy*.” But the boy start* off for some Indefi nite place, with a* hazy idea of earrings, birds’ wings and hota suggested by the officer's pronunc a'ion an! must com® fa k tremblingly for instruction. And what fnuat he bring, when sent for "bump atone.” to aMlet in scouring paint work, until he has learned that pumice atone Is wanted. Thing* He Has In Learn. While he Is learning names and noun*, ha la aleo learning to work—properly to place bit band* on a rope In pulling; bow Sutnmnali jUotning iXrtns. to hold slack when the men do all the pulling; how* to scrub and sweep decks to advantage; to scour brass-work: to strike the bell without risk of being called Q sexton, and—this of the first and las\ importance—to answer quickly when spo ken to. Unless the officers are unus'ually considerate of his bewilderment he is sent aloft with the men when sail is shorten ed—not to he!p, for he Is useless—to learn the feel of a swaying foot-rope, and the method of furling an-d reefing. Later, about the time the “trades” are reached, he is earnestly and forcefully Instructed in advance and sent up to loose and furl the mizzen royal; and this becomes his special task. Since much of the repair and con structive work aboard ship can only bt done in fine weather, all hands are kept at work in the afternoon while the ship is in trade-wind waters, setting up, rattling down and tarring rigging, scraping and painting masts and blocks, and doing other work at which a boy is nearly useless; so he is now taught to steer. An intelligent hoy, intelligently tutored, tnay learn the compass in a few lessons; but steering a big ship with u wheel higher than his head is hard work for him. and many a dressing-down does he receive before he can keep the lubbers* point on the compass-bowl within a half point of the course, even in the steady w’ind and sea-pressure of the trades. But when he can do this, he may be permitted to steer the whole of the four hour watch w’hile the tw*o rightful incum the rigging. And on alternate days, when bents of the tricks are kept at work in his watch is the one that loses the after noon’s sleep, he may be permitted to eat his dinner and go bock to the wheel to steer until supper time. This is a long time to keep a growing boy standing *n one spot, forbidden to lean back against the wheel-box or forward against the wheel, with body nnd legs aching from in action, and arm* aching from fatigue; and when he he® eaten his supper and turned into His# bunk, he knows the full meaning of the word “rest,” and ap preciates to the utmost the heavenly con tent of o horizontal attitude. It would be a severe punishment for a strong man —this nine-hour trick at the wheel; it is torture to a half-developed boy. But. should he complain and ask for a shorter trick he will receive little sympathy; for the officer who listens and sneers is, or The boy must come back—trembling for instruction. was, the exceptionally strong, hardy, muscular boy who bore the experience cosily when forced to undergo it himself, ami. Instead of quitting the life after one vcyage—aa most boys will—remained ot sea to become an officer. One Venr’s falueatlon. At the end of a voyage— usally finished within a year— an average boy can ’hand (furl), reef and steer,'’ the last named ac complishment, however, only applying to fine weather; in heavy ga>, with the ship scudding before It. an able seaman with years of experience Is needed to keep the craft from broacWn-to. No boy may be come a compeient helmsman In less lhan four ve-ars of sea-going But, “We *° • hand, reef and steer.” ho may sign as an "ordinary" teutian. If he ship# again, at a slight raise In pay. He la oompetent SAVANNAH, GA., SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 1900. to assist at any work aboard ship, but has still much o learn before he can call himself an "able** seaman. If he ships again with his first skipper he remains in the boys’ room; and if he is satisfied with the life, he is usually promoted af.er three or four voyages without ever having lived in the forecastle. But, if he quits his captain and signs out of a boarding house ho goes into the forecastle and takes his chance of rising by merit alone. He will be longer about it. but he will be a better seaman and a better officer. A boy w*ho shows a desire to learn nav igation will be given facilities for study ing—in his wratch below—and. provided he owns a quadrant or sextant will be instructed by the captain or officers in taking observations; for these fellows are not continuous performers; they are sim ply survivors and graduates in a school of brutality which eliminates the lesser brutes, and are subject to occasional re lapses into good humor and generosity during which they may be kind to a weak er fellow creature whom -they have re cently maltreated; but it might prove nn unwise procedure for a boy, ordinary or able seaman, living in the forecastle to appear on deck w*ith a quadrant to take the sun at mid-day. A skipper does not deem his position more stable and tenable, or discipline more perfect, with naviga tors in his crew*. A boy’s pay ranges from $5 to $lO a month, and with this, as extra wage, he is given board and lodging, lodging means an empty bunk, for be must fur nish his own bedding, and he finds the Item of board nn unsatisfactory remuner ation until he learns to assimilate it. A boy reared on plain meat and potatoes at first finds some difficulty in getting his food down his throat; but, once down if he is healthy—he can digest it. for, though apparently served in the most un palatable manner which a sea cook can devise, it is still organic matter, plus n good deal of salt, and is amenable to the chemical action and reaction of the* gastric juice. So, until he gets? the scurvy from a preponderance of suit and a lack of veg etable matter in his food, he will retain a semblance of good health. And he will have no trouble in keeping his teeth white and clean; cold salt beef and hardtack, though not hard enough to destroy the enamel, are sufficiently so to prevent the accumulation of tartar, and to wear off any which has formed. Clothes About Ship. Asa boy Is not favored in bad weather more than others of the crew, he needs an outfit of clothing equal to any aboard— the most important articles being oilskins, sou’wester and rubber boots. Mittens are not allowed, except at the wheel and look out, and ore not wanted when pulling ropes or climbing. But a dozen suits of underclothing and shirts and as many pairs of socks and trousers, all of woolen material, a warm sweater or monkey jack et. and a few light suits of dungaree, with slipper and straw hats, is none too large an outfit for a long voyage. And even with this stock, a sailor will be lucky if he can get through a bod gale without sleeping in wet clothes, or through a voy age without drawing on the captain’s slop chest. It is contended by those interested in seamen that American boys do not go to sea on account of the treatment of sailors in American, ships. This is only partly true. They go to sea in large numbers, shipping and stowing away in sloops, schooners, brigs, harks and ships; and there Is a cadet-system in force in the mail steamers somewhat similar to the English apprentice system which at tracts a great ninny. As long as healthy and adventurous temperaments are evolved in our home and school life, boye enough to man every ehlp afloat will be found ready to adopt this strenuous life. But, fully two-thirds of those whose fate takes them abroad deep-waters ships quit the sea after a voyage—not on account ot the danger, discomfort and neceseary hard work—because of the kicks, blows and curses given them, the epithets ap plied to thorn, and the “driving”—the un necessary work for which they are kept up In their watch-below. The remaining third are the thick-fkinned, insensate bul lies of the boys’ room; and from this class are drawn the officers and captains of our deep water ships. How Worth Are Coined. Within the last fifty years over 60,000 words nnd phrases have crept into the English language, some of them but for an ephemeral existence, while others, which only a short time ago were classed as slang or vulgarisms, are to-day permanent pane of the language. Unless the origin of a siting word Is known It Is almost Impossible to tell how long it has been In use. Slang wolds which originate In different part* of the country naturally have their own peculiar significance, but after they have traveled a few hundred milea th meanlng changes. Tho word "bogus.” meaning counter feit or false, was once looked upon as a slang word, Its origin Is somewhat pe culiar. . Over half a century ago a man named Borgheee made himself notorious by drawing bill- on fictitious hanks. His name was commonly called Bogus, and his bllla, as well ns others of a similar character, wert universally styled bogus currency. A Cool Sensation Is a pleasant feeling this hot weather. And that should be your experience, both physically and mentally, upon reading these below zero prices. We have selected for your inspection a few of the low, cool, pleasant figures to contemplate. No high and irritating prices. Nothing that will tax either purse or patience. SEE THOSE FOULARD SILKSAf39MI Laces and Embroideries. One lot of embroideries, wide and nar row, dainty designs, regular price sc; re duced to 3c yard. Fine lot of nainsook and cambric edging und Insertions, 15c and 19c values, 9c. Face veiling In all colors, 10c yard. 500 pieces fine Valenciennes lace, wide & narrow pattrns; regular price 85c, 48c doz. Children’s parasols, only a few left, 25c values, 12c. Fine silk allovers and fine tuckings, val ues at {2.50 and {2.00; your choice 9Sc. 40-inch colored glace and lawn lining; regular price 12c, 5c only. H Those {2O LADIES’ SUITS lor $8.48 Clothing. Men’s Wash Suils, Blue Checks and stripes.brown ami crash,that sold for $3.50; now {1.98 a suit. Men’s Straw Hats, all shapes and styles, rough or plain. Prices range up to {2.50, at $11)0 for choice. Men’s White Duck Pants, all sizes, worth SI.OO, at 39c a pair. Children's Shirt Waists, assorted colors, in French Percale, at 23c. Children’s white duck knee pants at 19c a pair.' Children's Blouse Wash Suits. What were sold at the beginning of the season at 75c to SI.OO a suit; now at 49c a suit. Men's Bicycle Pants, White Duck and Linen Crash. Big lot to close out at 35c a pair. LEADER dd W c ' ' & BULL STS* > RICtS. A TRAVELER I* CAIRO. Her Impressions of the Plotureaqae Egyptian City. From the Baltimore American. A traveler recently returned from Egypt says: “When you make your tour of the world take the Suez canal in the winter. In summer it is simply hades, but from November to April Egypt Is a heaven as far as climate is concerned. In February and March there are day* of sandstorms and shadow during the prevalence of the Khamsin,’ or fifty days’ wind, but aside from those, all days are radiant sunlight. Cairo is the most picturesque of cities. As one saunters along the native quarter about midday groups of Arabs eating the midday meal are passed at frequent Intervals. They sit leaning against some garden wall, their feet drawn up till the knees are level with the chin, and brown earthen basins on the ground beside them hold the food. They delight In color. Children of the tropics always do—and the basins have linings of brilliant green, purple or yellow enamel, in which the in evitable tomato gleams a vivid contrast. A favorite dish seems to be a kind of ooup with finely chopped green vegetables. Into this eli dip pieces of coarse bread. If the fingers go in ot the same lime, that is a trifle that escapes notice. “The Fellah uses his homo hut little. He eats and frequently sleeps outdoors. lie is independent of bed and c overing, and sometimes, would almost think, of sleepy. The furniture is of the simplest description, the most conspicuous feature usually being a wooden box decorated with crude designs in red and yellow. In this are his copy of the Koran and other simple treasures. A large copper basin called a tisht server a variety of purposes, lx>li lavatory and culinary. Borne of the houses, however, are heartbreakingly Eu ropean. with cheap woolen carpets, gaudy cretonne* and occasionally a stroke of genius In the way of tawdry vases with artificial flowers. “A Cairene wedding among the lower classes is a frequent and always Interest ing sight. It takes place at night. Ones attention is attracted by sounds of dash ing brass and the beat of drums. The wad ding profession moves rapidly, a leaping, traggllng ■ rowd, with In th midst of the ( arts that contain the household goods of the pair about to be wedded. From the number of carts a pretty accurate gues* may be made regarding the worldly es tate of the bridegroom. Swinging lamps and torches held aloft throw a dull glare on the faces of the throng, and Jests and songs that are considered appropriate to the occasion are heard at frequent inter vals. “The native music is decidedly queer. The key is generally minor, and the tunes appear to have neither beginning nor end. The Zummara and Kemengch are shrill Instruments, the Nal. U’d and Darabukah are roft. but generally the tabourlne and drum drown pretty nearly everything else. One hears it often, as it !• a large part of all festivities, and the Cairene* rejoice In two Christmas days, three News Years and an Indefinite number of feast days and holidays. Th< band* are In evidence on all ihee occasions, and remind one of the Halvatlon Army In the distance. “An animated sight wall worth the trou ble ot going out at an unuaual houx la New Art Goods. All colors crepe papers, full length, 5c roll. COMMENCED WORK, MATERIAL COMBINED. Pieces of Linen Bulgarian, sold regular {1.50 and {2.50; reduced to 98c. Laundry Bags, a basket full; your choice 10c only. Battenburg patterns, large ones, lflc only Shetland floss and zephyrs, 9c full hank. Men's Furnishings. Men’s fine black and tan half hose, seamless and stainless, worth 15e; for this week, 9c. Men’s solid linen four-ply collars, In all the latest s4yles; formerly sold at 15c; for this week, 9c. Men's fine cool, fancy trimmed night shirts, full length and wide bodies; worth 60c, at 39c. Men's colored Madras negligee shirts, made with collars and cuffs attached, or without collars, one pair extra link cuffs to match; formerly sold a* $1.00; for this week, 49c. Men’s fine balbriggan shirts and draw ers, full regular made, In all sizes; worth 60c, at 23c. the opening of the Kas -el Nil drawbridge at 1:30 p. m. Driving up to the bridge, one finds a df ns-* crow and of Arabs, Be douins, Nubians and Soudaree, men, wo men and children, on donkeys. Every class of m n and animals is represented, camels turn their long necks to look at the large loads that bump against their sdes; sherbet sellers, water carriers, sweetmeat venders cry their wares loud ly. One se s a good mat y Turkish women, all sitting astride on their donkeys, their white stockinged ankles liberally display ed. Tneir faces, of course, are covered, except the eyes. They chatter ceaselessly with their slaves and form a picturesque part of the motley throng. “But prominent beyond all other sights and sounds are the I eggars of Cairo. All orts of deformity offer themselves as claims on your pity, and the more repel lant tho affliction th“ more pride, appar ently. they take in displaying It. It Is all unutterably sad. and one wonders when the system will be abolished, the old tak en care of and the young compelled to work. “But, In spite of everything, noises, smells and sights. Cairo 1a still the most fascinating of cities, as If the mysterious rites that once prevailed still have power to sway the souls of men.” Rhine nnd Moselle Wines. The fine French wines in bottles are Im ported direct from the well known houae of Everest, Dupont & Cos., Bordeaux, France, by Lippmen Bros, of this city. Llppman Bros, desire to call attention to the Bt. Julien brand of claret wine, which Is very fine, but quite low-priced. -heir Chauteau Leo v ille is known as one of the finest claret wines imported to the United Btates. Lippman Bros.’ Importations of Rhine wines are certainly worth the attention of connoisseurs. They are* from the cele brated wine grower Martin Deutz of Frank fort-on-the-Mam, Germany. His Bodenhelm Rhine wine Is very nice and delicious, but low price. His Marcobrunner Cabinet, from select ed grapes, is well worth the attention of the finest judges of Rhine wine iri the city. His Yohannisburger Cabinet Is very deli cate an<J rare, nnd Is perfection of wine and the finest of all.—ad. A Delicious Smoke. The Herbert Spencer is an elegant cigar and Is truly a delightful enjoyment to Inhale the fumes of this fine tobacco; It is evhilarating and delicious. Bee that the name of Herbert Spencer Is on every wrapper of every cigar, with out which none are genuine. The Herbert Spencer cigars nre only sold by the box of 60. Conchas at $3.50, and Ferfectos. $4.50 at Llppman Bros., whole sale druggists, Barnard and Congress streets, of this city.—ad. |>. P F , a wonderful medicine; It give* an appetite; it invigorates and strength ens. P. P. P- cures rheumatism and all pains in Ihe sld**, back and shoulders, knees, hip*, wrists and Joints. P. P p. cur** syphiils in all its various stages, oid ulcers, sores and kidney complaint i*. p. p. cures <tarrah, eczema, erysipelas, all skin and mercurial poisoning, p p. P. cures dyspepsia, chronic female complaints and brokfru-down constitution and loss of manhood. P. P P.. the be t blood purifier of th *e, ha* made mor# f**rman*n| cures than all other blood retn* | #*de*. Lippman Bros., sol* proprietors, gavannftbf (ia.-ad Bargain Ribbons. RIBBONS—AII silk taffeta, heavy qual ity ribbon, all new* colorings: Nos. 6 and 7 5c yard Same goods in Nos. 9, 12, 16 10c yard Velvet ribbons In nil widths and quali ties, 19c piece mid up. All silk, satin, gros grain ribbon, new colorings and metallic taffetas. Noe. 30, 40 and 50. best widths, only 15c. Narrow width ribbons for trimmings: Nos. 2 and 3; all colorings; regular price 8c; your choice 2c yard. All silk, satin, gros grain baby ribbon, oil colorings, 50 yards to a spool, lc yard, 47c spool. Odds and ends in colored velvet ribbons, a basket full all colorings, lo yard. Shopping bags, all black, good leather, 48c. Skirts and Suits, One lot Ladles’ slightly soiled gowns, skirts, drawers, chemise and corset cov ers, were SI.OO, 50c. Our entire line Ladies' lawn dressing sacques regardless of former price, 98c. One line Ladles’ black and colored silk waists, odds and ends of sizes, $1.98. Come early for Ladies’ lawn and per cale wrappers: were $2.00, 98c. PRINTING THE Lithograph and Printing Department of the .Morning News is one of the largest in the South. It is equipped to do tile best work in all brand), cs of printing. Its plant is modern and is operated by skilled people ... BANK BOOKS— Bank Books of all kinds Is our specially. Checks, Deposit Slips and general bank stationery the Morning News does in a superior style. And no bank, it matters not how small, should be without our lithograph checks and books. MANUFACTURING PLANTS- We make a •peclalty of doing cut work as well as lithograph work for all manu facturing plants, not only In Georgia, but in Alabama, Florida and the Carollnas. Under this head Is embraced Guano Fac tories. Plow Work®, Turpentine Plants, Saw Mills, Foundries, Breweries, Machine Shops, in fact all kinds of enterprises of this character. COMMERCIAL WORK- A business man, no matter where he does business, pan t afford lo be without neat stationery. Tf he does nothing- but sell eggs he ought to have It. The Morning News makes a specialty of doing neat lobs for country merchants. And it takes pleasure in sending samples with prices from which selections may be made. COUNTY RECORDS- Iteeord Hooks for counties, Tax Books, Official Stationery for towns and cities, 1-egal Blanks and forms of every descrip tor! we are equipped to do Quickly and cheap and well. LITHOGRAPHING— I.lthographtng is a branch of the business to which especial attention Is devoted It Is the largest establishment in the atate and Is operated by the best artists In the country. We cheerfully furnish estimates arid submit samples of lithograph work. When writing to us address the Morning News Job Department. Do not think that you arc consum ing our time by asking us questions and writing for estimates. Whether we get your order or not. vve shall be glad to offer the best we have. Morning News Job Department, SAVANNAH, CA. —Charlotte Bronte’s widower, the Rev. Arthur B. Nlcols, la now over SO years of age and spends much of his time In attending to his land business at Hana gher, Ireland. Though married again Its always otmerves the anniversaries of his first wife’s birth and death. PAGES 11 TO 20. Domestics. Fruit of Room shirting, real value 10c 7%0 10-4 unbleached sheeting, real value 15c 12^c 10-4 bleached sheeting, real value 20c 15 c Yard w ide Berkeley cambric, real val ue 100 7%a WHITE GOODS. 30-inch white India lawn, real vain* 5c 3%0 Corded dimity, checked nainsook, In dia lawn, real value 6*4 5 o 40-inch Victoria lawn, real value 127H0 Sheer white India Unon, real value 15c, 10c SPECIAL. Best brands 36-inch percale®, real val ue \2%c 8%0 38-inch French printed cambrics, real value 20c 8%0 Scotch ginghams, real value 1 7sio Rainy-Day Skirts. Ladles’ white duck skirts, fancy trim med crash skirts, 50c. Children’s cambric bishop slips, trimmed at neck and sleeves with neat edge; 600 price—29c. New ralny-day skirts In Oxford, blue, and brown, heavy double faced suiting, $8.60. S2O 00 Tailored suits in cheviots, Vene tians, serges, etc., some silk lined, sß.4*. -Queen Victoria haa Juat porchaaed nn old manuacrlpt relating to Ihe early rec orda of Wlndaor. It la nearly 300 yeara old, and $1215 la eald to have been the prloo paid Ihe dtuler. The gueen haa a valua ble collection of auch manuacrlpia, and takea much Intereat In taem.