The New York Herald Newspaper, February 25, 1874, Page 3

Pye ce a: NAVAL TACTICS, Commodore Parker’s Command Battling with Imaginary Foes. SMOKE AND WATER. Hard Times for Gunners and Sig- nal Officers, GULF OF FLORIDA, A Puffy Prize Captured Off Florida Reefs. ON Board UNITED STaTés FLaGsuir WABASH, } Feb, 13, 1874, ‘The regular report of the cruise is here taken up again. It 1s hoped to present this in such a shape as to be intelligiple toevery naval officer and to serve as matter for preservation and iuture refer- ence, This moramg (Friday) opened clear and Pleasant, with @ light southeasterly breeze. The wind died out toward midday, and we suffered trom the neat as much as during a sultry August afternoon in New York. The feet weighed anchor together at nine o'clock, and the signal (240) was a@tonce made, under the distinguishing pennant Of the Sbenandoah:—“From. the vessel whose istinguisning pennant is shown over this @ignal, feet form double échelon.”” This was sup- Plemented by the signal directing the fleet to steam ‘Weat. All te vessela had anchored in double échelon, with the wings in advance, ‘and, as they Were heading east at the moment on which the signal was given, all the helms were put hard a@’port, Each vessel had reached her position when her bow was brought around to west. “BOARDERS AWAY.” A signal from the flagship at ten sent the officers and crews of every vessel to genera! quarters, ‘The guns were manned and each ship fired one broadside of blank cartridge. Even from this amonnt of firing the feet in the rear of the fag- ship was for a short time enveloped in smoke. I then saw the pointedness of Commodore Parker's remark tm reierence to the use of torpedo vessels under cover of the smoke of battle. I could very readily realize by the simplest system ol arithmetic that, if a single broadside produced 80 Much smoke, tWO hours of battle would abso- Jutely obscure foes and iplen is alike. bad st River fog would be sunshine in comparison: et viewed from the povup deck of the flagship, this cae believe” battle was quite an interesting ‘ PLAYING WITH FIRE. ‘The signal to exercise at fre quarters came soon atter. ‘the pumps were manned and the men rushed to their various stations. Hither and thither among the throng men could be seen hur- rying with fire extinguishers strapped on their backs, Men were sent aloit to make preparations for getting out the launches, while marines were stationed at the falls of the other boats, “‘ihis reminds me of 1) was all Iheard an old tar whisper to a comrade, as be hurried down the ladder to the spar deck. 1 was very sure the comparison would eventually fail in the end, however, tor in those old days alter action tue “grog” was served out plentifully; and il there is anything for which & sailor has & weak- eas it 8 “grog.” A NOTICEABLE IMPROVEMENT. The feet was then ordered from double échelon “forward into line,” and this movement was exe- cuted as I have described in a previous letter, The fleet was now heading west, all abreast. At half-past eleven the signal was made to the First @ivision, “From the right of division form échelon of vessels,’’ and to the Third division, “From the leit of division form échelon 0! Vessels.” ‘The three extreme ships on each wing came to the front in écheion, while the six in the centre advanced in line. ‘The result of the evolu- tion was to place the fleet in positions which, indi- cated in a diagram, would have the form of a sec- tion of a truncated cone. A very marked improve- ment in the execution of evolutions is noticeable throughout the fleet. The signal, “Fleet by the right Dank,” twice repeated, headed the ficet to- ward the east, and in that order and formation they returned to their anchorage at twenty min- ules past three, This was the end of the second bedi evolutions, Saturday and Sunday are days resi Bt. Valentine’s Day—A Fishing Party on the Florida Reets—An Incident of the Naval Function. GULP OF FLORIDA, ON BoaRD UNITED STATES Piacsuir WasasH, Feb. 14—Evening. Thave just retarned irom a day’s fishing on the famous Florida reefs. 1 shall endeavor to give you some account of the delightful sport. I awoke on this eventful morning, as Ihave awakea many another day, on board a man-of-war. A wrangle between two of the wardroom boys, as to whose turn it was to go forward alter the next cup of co!- fee, disturbea the tranquillity of my slambers, A sense of soreness in my sides—which a nigh’s toss- ing about on these hard mattresses always brings— @nd a realization of the fact that the fun Was streaming in through the open fort, were my first impressions, ‘This was St. Valentine’s day; yetl had slept till after eight o'clock, and semembered, all at once, thi the bonnie days depicted in the familiar page of “The Fair Maid of Perth” were “lang sine gang.” Key West is not remarkable, moreover, for the apprectation in which its citizens hold these good old ceremonies end myths. COFFEE INSTEAD OF A VALENTINE, ‘The realities of this world, in the shape of coffee end toast and an appreciative appetite, got the vetter of my imagination before long, and | putin a0 appearance at the wardroom table. The query a8 to how the day should be passed seemed to have taken root in each one’s mind, so that it was with feelings of sincere and keen pleasure on the part of some that it became known that a grand fishing excursion was to be organized to go in to the coral reef. Our pilot, who Spparently knew exactly where every fish in the Gulf of Florida was located, was kind enough to ‘volunteer in this “forlorn hope” in quest of relief from @ monotonous Savuraay’s rest. Not a manin that party, from the ranking officer to the boy ‘who went along to take care of the fish, who did not see himself returning with all his PRIDE AS & FISHERMAN gratified. ‘Fish enough for the ship’s company at least” 1 saw written in several eyes, Not seeing any opportunity for a “‘neat’’ if I accepted the in- vitation kindly tendered me, I laid aside my note- book fora few hours and stepped into the boat. There were several very distinguished persons among the number; still I have no authority to connect their names with this famous excursion on St. Valentine’s day, 1874. “OH, A SAILOR’S LIFE FOR ME.’? After.a sail of ten miles to the southward, with considerable ‘‘easting” for all | know to the con- trary, we reached fishing grounds. “Have you lunch aboard?’ asked the omeer of the deck privately, and in the Kindest manner possible, as ‘we left the Wabash, Never was more just indigna- tion aroused, The person interrogated evident); Gid not say what he thought, “I believes,” hy been the reply, but his face said unmistakably, “We can go ashore on one of the keys and cook our fish if We get hungry.’ Of course, if we got hungry; but the sport was to be so gran thee wae Mprofanvation to insinuate that any one in that party would get hungry. Out lines, Lit here we were. down ‘anchor, fisb ahoy! ‘Surely this ts not the Place? says one. “i guess not,” replies the pilot, = a boat is en seat ine ane tay me urs are in prospec! with 01 iX OF eight smal! « phere wo satiate desires of the fishermen. A gallant young midshipman produces @ bottle of Bass, and we lunch of this and some sandwiches. ‘hen to the sport (?) again. The pale face of our signal officer, filled as ts his mind ‘With the ‘et ten days’ feet evolutions, intimates pe ea a ne baad lormed in ee nen rt | com: fence, our efforts wee capture, estipuadiaas bigs W OUR VALENTINE CAME. AU at.once one of the most popular officers in fhe wardroom gets a bite. We are all glad of it. Not only because it signalizes the usual good luck ‘which attends the jolly fellow, who is known familiarly a8 “Western Ocean Johnnie,” but be- cause his good fortune shows that there are fish Yet in the sea—which, in fact, it may be seriously Femarked, we were actually beginning to doubt. “Haul her in, Lieutenant,” suggests the pilot, with joy in his eyes. “Let her play,” remarks another. “Give her sheet,” exclaimed the midship- man enthusiastically a8 he stops Treading. “Not wisely, but too well” and rigs up his line again. ‘Take @ clove-hitch around the rowlock,” snggesta @ fourth, Meanwhile in comes the fish, heud over hand, now dasning down to un- known depths, now cutting the water in uetiance of boathouks or harpoons. THEN COMRS TH SUPREME MOMENT— the fish is landed in the boat, and we gather around to congratulate the lucky sportemsn aud to satisty our curiosity. “A very cu-ri-ous sort of fish, do yoa know,” \ WEW YURK ‘HERALD, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1674.—TRIPLE — &@ few days in London. As he said this the Closed ite mouth on a knife, which had been inserted to tacilitare extraction of the hook, and the poor animal had to be slammed sev- eral ‘times on the deck before it would reinguish its hold, It was then discovered that “the thing” had a complete set of teeth and eyes very unlike other fab. A “SWELL” FISH, “Lord, see how he swells!” exclaima the happy owner of the monstrosity, wnose expression of countenance is very hard to guess, so equally ts it dividea between disappointment, curiosity and dixgust, Still there was the startling fact—the fish was blowing itself up. The peauty of the dark arple spots on the gray skin could not be denied; 1 ju “There, he swells again!’’ interrupted the same voice. Taking @ respectable distance we gave our curiosity full play. ‘There was Gothing for us to say or do but to stare at the growing proportions of the paralige fish, Was it because it was the catch of the day that it looked so large in our eyes? No; there were five of us watcbing the animal at the sume time and— “Here he goes again'!? reiterated the Western member. This time ‘he’ did go, gure enough, lor, Spparenyy having ‘waited fora good ready,” the fish inflated itself to five times its usual size and burst down the middle of its stomach, WE LOS NEPTUNE’S VALENTINE. ‘We sat contemplating the wreck until the pilot remarked that he had been about these waters for thirty years and never had known a toad Osh to act ‘80 out of the usual” bejore, ‘With the pilot's words as well as the explosion came the wreck of ali our hopes of seeing the captor’s name in @ prominent place in the museum of & Western college. The few pieces of fins, and tai remainin, were ruetully consigned to the deep, an ‘we were reminded that sunset was near at’ hand and that before we could return dinner would be on the table, Alas! the old story of fisherman’s luck! ‘This is the way Jour correspondent enjoyed St. Valentine’s Day. I could write more of the day’s sport; but, beleving that one good service de- serves another, Liorbear. Ishall try to emulate the noble spirit of kindness and generosity which ig shown me on every hand throughout the entire fleet; and, as these gentlemen were good enough to ask me’to join interests with them when the prospects were 80 Jascinating that the invitation seemed to me like an offer of @ gold mine, I believe it to be the proper thing to say that I enjoyed my- self immensely. This was the funniest valentine I ever saw. The “Ins” and “Outs” of the Ninth Day’s Evolutions—Suggestions for Naval Commanders. ON BoaRD U. S, FLAGSHIP apa} GULF OF FLORIDA, Feb. 16, 1874. The evolutions for the day are ended. We have sailed abont twenty miles to the westward and thence back to the place of starting. Itis probable that there is nowhere else in the world just such another piece of water so well suited for a great naval function as this, A gale from any direction but the northwest 18 powerless to render the water too rough for fleet exercise. Good anchorage everywhere, neither too deep nor too shallow, this arm of the great Gulf of Mexico seems to have been created for just such reviews, AN INCIDENT, This cruise occasionally devélops a rich tnct- dent. The surgeon of one of the largest vessels in the feet visited the “sick bay” as usual yesterday morning, and found s new patient. The usual questions were asked, as follows:— “What is your name?” “Robert McLuskey, air.” f “What is your age?” “Twenty-nine, sir.’” “What do you rate?” “First class boy, sir.’ “First class boy !? “Yes, sir; Tused to be captain of the maintop; but I jumped the boat? the last time I was ashore at Key West, and my rate was taken away from me.!? — THE NINTH DAY devoted to fleet exercises, and the fourteenth of the cruise (Monday, February 16), found the ves- sels anchored in the form of the last manceuvre on Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday being holidays. The fleet got under way at nine, and forme@ into columns of vessels by divisions, The majestic Colorado, the trim Lancaster and the fine-lined Congress headed the several divisions, The day was beautiful im the extreme, and the waters of the Gulf were not ruffled by a single breath of air, The sun wi2 very warm, but the signal officers, under awnings, stood manfully at their posts. After sailing for three or four miles in divisions to accustom the officers of vessels in keeping distances accurately, the — was made, “Columns of vessels by twos,” is Mancuvre was executed by the first and third vessels in each division slowing aown and the second and fourth vessels steaming to starboard and up into line with the ship nextin front. This brought the first and second and the third and fourth respec- tively abreass of each other. They then had this Position :— +4 44 oo4 ae en) toa 4 Wabash, “VESSELS INTO LINE.”? The vessels were then formed in line, or, in lan. pegs, intelligible to all, brought up abreast. I ave described this evolution once before. This gave them this form, heading west:-— $ebe bebe tegas 4 Wabash, Then by the left flank, which convertea the feet from line into column of vessels, heading south:— a a a a ans —> Wabash. HEADED FOR HOME. This signal was repeated, and resulted in a “right about” for fleet, tor they were now neaded in line toward their anchorage, to the eastward :— PE BY Pee Hage HP toF t Wabash, The fleet, on signal, next formed in double éche- lon by division, still steaming eastward :— tttt uy. ty, > < 1 a ALS + Wabash, > < the second division increasing its speed from tour to six knots until the desired position was ob- tained, when these four vessels siowed down to the usual rate of speed. ECHELON FOREVER! The first and third divisions were then ordered to form échelon ot vessels—the first division from the, right, the third from the left. The Wabash slowed down at this point and dropped to the rear between shé two middle vessels of the second division. This evolution was badly executed by the Canandaigua and Ticonderoga. The sprightly little Fortune likewise seemed avout to start on an independent course of her own, Finally, after @ good deal of signalling, the vessels took position as follows:— ’ Wabash r Pee hop FUTURE NAVAL WARFARE. Commodore Parker, in an iuterview whioh I had with him some days since, advocates this forma- tion ag the very best fora fleet to take in opening an en, ment. The advance line should be com- posed of monitors or rams, with the heavy arma- ment vessel# on the flanks and the torpedo in the rear, [believe, however, that 1 explained this quite inlly in the account of the interview. The next evolution was (rom the signal, “Col- umus of vessels by divisions, from the left.) This brought the fect again into three columns, on the line Of bearing taken by tne leit vessel in each di- vision. This formation was the same as that re- sulting from the second manceuvre of the day, and is represented thus:— 4 t ’ fe PS orl t 2 ’ s ¢ t Ce aa | ’ The fleet anchored in this position at twenty minutes to five, sending down topgallant masts and yards ag anchor was let go, This euded the exercises of the day. Interesting Movements of the Fleet—The Tenth Day’s Programme. On Boarp UNITED STATES FLAGSHIP WABASH, GULF OP FLORLDA, Feb, 17, 1874 } This large fleet has just dropped anchor after another long day’s exercise, The pale and hag» Gard countenances of the signal officers on each of the ships indicate that the day’s work has not passed without much care and anxiety. The Weather has been excessively warm for the past @ays the captor, who, J believe, once upon a time, threp days, apd although there nas hase 9 {ait ‘This result was obtained, as is readily seen, by | breeze blowing from the northeast since morning, the heat has been rather annoying. THE TENTH DAY OF EXERCISE and the fifteenth of the “function,” Tuesday, Feb- ruary 17, opened clear and pleasant. The top gallant masts and yards were sent up early, The Wachusett, which nad been detached from the fleet on Monday in order to receive her coal, was ordered to resume her piace in the feet, The Wyoming was placed in the position of the For- tune, in the first division, and the latter ordered to Key West for coal. Tue fleet weighed by signal at nine A. M., having been signalled to stand west “{n columns of vessels abreast oy divisions, natural order.” the fleet took the following positions :— ~ + ~ ~ Wabash, Ww. E. ~ ~ - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The fleet was then mancuvred “by the left flank,” which brought the vessels into the same formation as that arising (Monday evening) from the signal:—‘Divisious form columns of vessels from the left of division fagship; fvet left oblique; lett vessels forward,” JUST HOW IT WAS DONE. The signal ‘On the centre division form column of vessels, Right in front,” then followed, It ‘would be very diMcult to illustrate this py @ diagram, and as it cannot be described only in the most technical manner, landsmen are warned to avoid the remainder of this paragraph, Tne fleet was heading west in columns of divisions. When the signal was made the leading ship of the right division brought her head west southwest, and wag followed om the same bearing by the other vessels of the division, as they got in her wake, all moving at full speed. The centre division kept onward at such speed (coming up to close order) as enabled it to come into column gta distance of 120 fathoms from the rear vessel of the right division. The*| leading vessel of the left (in this instance the rear) division kept north, and was followed by the other vessels of her division as they got into ner wake, all moving at the same rate of speed as that main- tained by the centre division, When the leading vessel in the third division reached the wake of the centre division (which was steering the course), she put her helm hard a’starboard ana came up in line with the rest of the column in ad- vance. The result was to bring the vessels into column heading westward :— (W) --+ -_—t rt rrr ew At ten minutes to twelve the fleet was signalled “By the right dank,” which, of course, brought the Vessels into line, heading North, as under :— 4 Wabash. Hee eee de eeeg The general signal at & quarter-past twelve was, “Fleet form double colump from the centre of fleet, Right wing left; left wing right; oblique centre vessel forward,” The solution of this prob- jem was easy enough. The two centre vessels kept their course, The vessels o1 the right wing steered northwest, those of the lett wing north- east, the jormer coming into column in the wake of the right centre, the latter in the wake of the left centre vessel. ‘Tne result was double col- umn:i— ay 46 84 $5 + a4 a4 Wabash, 10 4 438 ny $2 my a1 At one o’clock the fleet was ordered ‘forward into line, right and left oblique.” This signal was obeyed by the two centre vessels (Nos. 6 and 7) slowing to steerage way and the rest ot the fleet obliqut: two points to starboard and port, re- spectively, until they all came into Itne abreast of the two centre vessels. The result was the same as the signal at ten minutes to twelve o’clock, The fleet was next manceuvred by the right flank, which broaght the vessels into column, “re- versed order,” heading east. The next signal, “Right, by heads of divisions,” brought the fleet again into columns of divisions, The heads of divisions put their helms hard a’port, and the three rear vessels in each division gradually came into column with their leader, he result was this position, with vessels heading south :— t t t t t t ' t t t + t t the right flank,” again brought The signal, “B he eastward, with the following their heads to tl tormation :-— ‘ Wabash. + + - - - - - - - + - + The fleet steered in this form to the rendezvous, and anchored at five P, M. Anxiety Concerning the Monitors Ajax and Dictator—Precautions of the Navy Department—The Evolutions of the Eleventh Day. ON BoaRD UNITED States FLAGSHIP WaBAsH, FLoripa Bay, Feb, 18, 1874. The mail from Cedar Keys brought word from the monitor Ajax, regarding whose non-arrival | some serious apprehensions were beginning to be entertained. The welcome news that she was riding safe in Tybee roadstead, and was taking on coal to complete her voyage, spread rapidly over the feet. Such news almost seems to spread with the wind. The startling information from the Navy Department which the Fortune, Licuten- ant Commander Green, brougnt from Key West, directing that two vessels be sent in search of the Dictator, rather dampened the feeling of joy. Among all the grades of naval officers the suspense was felt deeply, for there was none who did not have at least one friend on board the cra{t. I feel at liberty to write the true state of feeling, for by the time this ap- pears in print the question of the Dictator’s safety will have been definitely settled. In my despatcn to-night I shall go no further than to give the ab- solute news, for | know how many saa hearts one little word could make if sent by me over the wires to the HERALD, and as far as I am personally concerned I should rather get ‘beaten’ on the news of her loss (if such a dire calamity should befall) than to cause even one,pang of anguish to @ mother, wife or lover, by giving currency to any of the dreadful rumors that are Hable to get afloat. The missing vessel has been picked to pieces at the dinner table of every ward room mess in the feet, Her “overhang” has been declared dangerous, her deck beams weak, her steering gear deficient. No one so poor in his Knowledge of the craft but can now find weak pointsin her construction. There is one very worthy and notable exception, however, and that ia Fleet Engineer Robie, who asserts, in spite of rumors or facta, that the Dictator is safe, and in every way able to take care of herself. One voice Uke this will stop @ world of ill-timed rumors, Admiral Case exercised the very utmost despatch tn sending the Brooklyn and Wachusett off because of the importance of settling all anxteties of mind regarding the Dictator at the very earliest mo- ment. Both vessels were under way tn less than half an hour after the intelligence was recetved, THE ELEVENTA DAX’S EVOLUTIONS, on the sixteenth day of the cruise, Wednesday, February 18, passed of smoothly. The dawn came | elear and beautiful—I am told by an ofiicer of the morning watch, lconiess to a strong disinclina- tion to “turn out’ betore eight o'clock, at which tume the coffee is served. kvery prospect of as warm a day as yesterday was my mental weather prophecy as lL ascended to the spar deck, just as the fleet got under way. ‘The anchors were weighed a nine, and the fleet stood out on the usual westward course in “columns of divisions,” the same formation in which they anchored on Tuesday evening. The next signai, at a quarter to ten, was “division: form: columns, from the right of division vessel; feet right oblique; right vessel forward.” Although the several divisions are formed in columns tie effect of the signal is to form the feet into column, The line of bearing ior all the divisions being the right vessel in each, it is readily seen (by consult ing the Jagt diagram jp resterday's letter) that jue result of the manwuvre “right oblique, right vessel Torwara,” 1 as under: ene Man PA West, a ~+ Wabash, This was followed at a quarter-past one by the signal, “On tie rear division form columns of ves sels abreast by divisions in naturel order.” ‘the evolution was thus executed. Being vir- tually im column, heading west, when the signal was given, the vessels of the right and centre divisions altered their course to the orto, while the rear or Jeft division kept its course. As soon as the centre division had gained its proper distance to the northward of the rear one it came west aud hoisted its position pen- nant lor the ,uidance of the rignt division, wiich then manweuvred with respect to the centre di- vision a8 the centre did witu respect to the rear. The result was coiuuns by divisions, This was the formation, vesseis stili heauing west:— ~ ~ > ~ ~ ~- - > ~ - ~ ~ > ~ ~ ~ + > 7 ~ - At eleven the general signal was gtven, ‘On the centre division iorm coiumn of vessels, right in front.” The sulution to this problem ts found by the right division steering two points to port, tue centre division keeping its course and the le(t.diyis- jon steering eight points to starboard, This manwu- vre Was described at lengthin yesterday’s ictter. The resuit was that the fleet came into column, heading west:— Wabash. A iia i ey The signal, “Fleet by the right flank,” at half- pasteleven, brought the fleet into line “reverse orier,”? heading norte, Suis signal was given twice more, at twelve and five minutes past twelve, which brougit the vessels in line, natural order, 4 ¢, No. 1 on the right, veading south, The next mancwuvre was in response Lo the sig- nal, “Fleet by iours, leit Wheel,” which resulted 12 the following order: — - - - + ad + + © - é + a + ba - . It is @ very simple matter, and 18 effected by simply putting the helm hard a? starboard, so a3 to execute an angle of ninety degrees, or eight - At tifty minutes past one the fleet was signalled to move bs tue leit Mank, Which brought the vessels into columns by divisions, as under :— t t t 1 t t 1 t ? 1 t t The fleet anchored at two o'clock. The Shot and Sheil Practice on Friday. FLORIDA Bay, Via Key West, Fia., Feb. 24, tera} The order in which the ships sailed while firing atthe target on Friday, and the number of shells fired by each ship was as follows:— FIRST DIVISION. Shells Shells Vessels, Fired. Vessels, red, Wabash. 19 Canandaigua. » 8 Congress... 6 Wyoming ae Ticonderog: B SECOND DIVISION, 23 Wachusetts. 9 6 Shenandoan ul THIRD DIVISION. Lancaster....... Franklin.. Kansas. . The firing after all was nothing to brag of, the Franklin being the only ship that hit the target, 7 putting a couple of shells through its centre. ‘The fleet got under way at about eleven o’clock in the morning and passed the target three times, sailing in a circle, and came to anchor at seven o’clock in the evening, The firing as regards line shots was very good, the distance being 800 yards, and the firing was by division. ST. CATHERINE’S CONVENT OF MERCY. Ceremony of Solemn Profession at St. Catherine’s Convent ot Mercy, East Houston Street. Although the penitential season of Lent began last week and all devout Christians are supposed to be spiritually clothed in sackcloth and ashes and to have bid adieu to the gay scenes of the fashionable world until the dawn of the glorious Faster, and although the Catholic Church forbids marrying and giving in marriage during this sea- son of prescribed penitence, a devoted daughter of this Church yesterday celebrated her nuptials with “lim whom the angels serve, whose beauty the | sun and moon admire.’’ At the appointed hour the convent doors were opened to admit the rela- tives and friends of Miss Bridget Creamer (who 1s known in religion as Sister Mary Evangelista). This lady, so well known as the sister of Mr, Thomas 3. Creamer in the world of society, has been Jor the past two years a novice in the Order of the ‘Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy,” in their convent, No. 85 East Houston street, That those two years have been profitably and acceptably spent in doing the will of God ag evinced by her superiors the ceremony of yester- day fully attested. Clothed in their dark robes of Teligion, and each wearing on her shoulaers the spotless choir mantle, the religious entered the chapel two by two, the Lady Superioress coming last, conducting by the hand the sister who was to receive the black veil, and, leaving her kneeling alone before the altar, the other reiigious retired to their respective places in the chapel, while the venerable Archbishop McCloskey, vested in cope and mitre and attended by his chaplains, ap- proached the foot of the altar. The hymn ‘Vent Creator Spiritus” being finished and the Fc peed prayers and responses given, the Archi Diessed the biack veil and then the silver ring, after which the Gospel according to St. Matthew, XV1., 24-28, Inclusive, was read and the Archbishop in his usuabunctuous manner addressed the assembly, but particularly exhorted the young lady who was about to irrevucably “take up her cross’ and fol. low her Divine Master to imitate the example and follow Closely in the lootsteps of that Lord who was and is all charity, He said that the life of the Sister of Mercy must be a continual sacrifice of self; and greater charity than this tnere is none; that one gives an entire life, with all its thoughts, hopes, feelings and aspirations, to the service of others; for the poor are always in our midst, the afflicted ever need consolation, the rich require sympathy aud the ignorant cry aloud for instruc. tion. Jn calling the religious ¢o this emulation of His character, the greatest Teacher, the wisest Counsellor and tenderest Friend that the afflictea knew gave such abundance of grace to His toliow- ers that they should in all things seek to dispense these blessings to others, and in the vow which she would shortly pronounce the candidate would eee ee Qersel{ to the practice of the most perfect charity—a complete subjection of her en- tire self to the service of God. At the conclusion of his exhortation the Arch- bishop interrogated the novice as to her desire, and she replied, “My lord, 1 most humbly beg to be received to the holy profession.” ‘The celebrant then inquired as to her knowledge of the obliga- tions she assumed, and, the responses being satis- factory, he laid aside the cope and mitre and began the celebration of the Mass of the Holy Ghost, praying especiaily for the novice who desired to make her profession. After the celebrant’s com- munion the Superioress said aloud :—‘Ofer to God the sacrifice of praise," the Rope replied, “And pay thy vows to the Most High; the novice re- sponded, “I will pay my vows to the Lord in the sight of all His people, in the courts of the house of the Lord.” After the Confiteor had been said the Archbishop approached the novice and held the adorabie sacrament before her eyes while she pro- nounced her vows, and in the presence of all those assembled attached her signature thereto; the Archoishop then gave her the holy communion, saying, “What God has commenced in thee may He Himself perfect.” were then recited for the newly proiessed, sie an- swering, “For Thee my fesh and my heart hath famted away ; Thou art the God of my heart and the God that is my portion forever.” The religious replied—‘For what have I in heaven? and besides ‘Thee, what do I desire upon earth?” and the choir sang the antiphon ‘‘Uome, spouse of Christ, re- ceive the crown which the Lord hath prepared for thee forever.” The newly proiessed then re- peated thrice, ‘Uphold me according to Thy Word and | shall live, and let me not be confounded in my expectation,” Then kneeling down she re- ceived the black vell at the hands of the Arch+ bishop, he saying, ‘Receive the holy veul, the em- biem of chastity and modesty,’ to which she replied, “He has placed His seal upon my torehead that I should admit no other lover put Him,” when the choir sang out in joyous strain “Come, my be- loved, come to be espoused—the winter is past, the voice of the truth is hey and the flowering vines yield their sweet periume.”’ The Pacis then placed the ring upon the vhird finger of her leit hand, saying, “I espouse thee to Jesus Christ, the gon of the Most Thigh, who silall preserve thee inviolate. Receive, there- fore, this ring, the seal of saith and of the Holy Ghost, that thou mayest be calied the spouse of God, ANd U thewsbolt serve Him faithiuuy thou shop | Special prayers and antiphons | shalt be crowned forever.” The newly professed then arose from her kneeling ane teal » am espoused to Hin whom the angels serve, whose beauty the sun and moon aamire,” [he Archbishop then gave the benediction tnree several times in tie name of tue Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and in the name of fie pe ct Trinity, after which the newly projessed retired a tew steps (rom the altar, singing, “My heart hath uttered a good word; I speak my words to the King.” Tie choir re- sponded, “Whom I have, whom I have loved, in whoin J have believed, and towards whom my heart melineth.”” She continued singing, “I have chosen to be an abject in the house of my Lord Jesus Christ,” and the choir responded as be- fore, "The newly protessed ~ then _prostrated herself vefore the altar while the choir sang the “Te Deum.” At its conclusion the Archvishop re- cited appropriate prayers, to which the religious replied, and having offered another special prayer for the prostrate nun the Archbishop sprinkled her with holy water, tne assistant raised and con- ducted her to the Superioress, where she knelt for a blessing, and receiving the kiss of peace con- voyed it to the other religious. The procession lett the chapel in tts usaal order, and the friends gathered in the parlors to congratulate the happy spouse, who soon @ppeared among them as ra- diantly happy as the fondest heart could desire, Among those present were Dr. McGlynn, Rev. Fathers Farreify, Salter, McGean and other clergy- men; the venerable father of the bride, her mother, one of her brothers and numerous rela- tives and friends, Owing to the Lenten season the altars were but sligntly decorated, and the ex- cellent music, though somewhat more subdued than its wont, was rendered, a8 usual, entirely by the choir of religions, THE LATE POLICE COMMISSIONER SMITH. Action of the Board of Police. At 9 meeting of the Board of Police, held yester- day, the Superintendent was ordered to detail fifty men and two sergeants, under the command of Captain Byrnes, of the Fifteenth precinct, to act aa guard during the lying in state ofthe remains of Mr, Smith at the City Hall, and to appointa guard of honor to attend the obsequies on Tuurs- day next, from the City Hall to the Methodist Epis- copal church on Seventh avenue, near Fourteenth street, and from there to the Grand Centra! Depot. This guard of honor ie to consist of the police captains under the immediate command of Superintendent Matsell. The escort to accompany the furferal will be made up of a platoon of police from each precinct, two roundsmen and a ser- geant, twelve captains, twenty-four sergeants, and [ 3 many officers as can be spared, under the com- mand of Inspector Walling, will conduct the body to Amsterdam. The line of march of the Tuneral procession will be along Broadway to Fourteenth street to the church, Where the mem- bers of Benevolent Lodge of Freemasons will re- ceive the body and attend it into the church, the Board of Police and other neads of departments acting on the occasion as pall bearers, At a second meeting of the Board the following pream- ble and resolutions were passed :— Whereas Henry Smith, Commissioner of the Police De- partment of the-eity of New York aud President of the joard of Police, died at his rooms at the Metropolitan Hore, in this cily, at halt-past ten o'clock P, M. on the 230 day ot February, 1874, Resolved, That the Board of Police unite with the public in an expression of feelings of regret at the Un- timely death of Mr. Smith, who bas been called in the prime of life from the performance of prominent official duties and from the cherished companionship of a wide circle of devoted and earnest friends. Resolved, That the Board ot Police destre, in the most emphatic manner, to publicly express their appreciation Of and sincere regard for the deceased, asa genial and competent official and associate, as a ‘presiding officer, and asa distinguished by generous impulses and far-reaching and wide-spread works of benevolence, humanity and charity. Kesolved, That the surviving members of the Board, by official and personal association with the deceased, have been deeply impressed, not only with the evidence of his great experience and conceded ability as a public officer, but by his amiable and excellent qualities as a citizen, companion and friend, and improve the occa- sion to’ place on record their, high appreciation of is merits and their deep regret at their own personal loss in his death. Resolved, ‘That the Board of Police, though conscious that words of condolence have little effect in mitigaung the force of supreme atlliction, nevertheless tender an | earnest expression of their sympathy to the grief- stricken wife and the afflicted kindred of the deceased in their great sorrow. Resolved, That, as @ well mertted tribute of respect to the memory ofthe deceased President of the Police Department, he officers of the police force wear on the | Jett arm the usual badge of mourning for the verm of rty days. evolved. That these resolutions be entered on the minutes of the proceedings of the Board, and that the | Chief Clerk cause an engrossed copy to be'turnished to | the tamily of the deceased. The Board of Aldermen. Pursuant to a call @ special meeting of the Board of Aldermen was held yesterday to take ac- tion in the matter of the demise of Mr. Henry Smith, President of the Police Commission. The reading of the minutes of the previous mect- ing was dispensed with. His Honor Mayor Havemeyer transmitted the following message :— Mayor's Orricr, New Yorx, Feb. 24, 1874, 3 ta draperies for the Governor's e black part of which matertal was pits nef room would be ‘ully draped duriag the night, Mr. Morris reported that the Fire Commissioners had {nformed him that a battalion of tremed would be detailed to take part in the funeral cere.) monies: also that Major General Shaler had offered to surnish a proper military escort. On motion of Alderman Fianagan the proffer of the Fire Commis-iovers and Major General com- Manding the First division was accepted and tha Clerk was instructed to notify these gentiemen.’ The motion was adopted. ‘The committee resoivea to meet at Police Head~ quarters at balf-past ten o’clock this morning to consult and work in harmony with the Police Com~ missioners, The funeral services will take piace) from the church corner Seventh avenue and Fours teenth street at one o’clock P, M. on Thursday. ae ine ofthe different departments wil) be in- d. Ou motion the committee adjourned, Meeting of Poltce Captains, At a meeting of all the police captains in the department, held in the court room at Police Headquarters yesterday, the following preambio and resolutions were passed :— Whereas ithas pleased Divine Providence to remove from the scenes of this world, on the 231 of Februaly, 1874, Henry Smith, who held at the ime of his death thet office of President ot the b P je Department of the city of New. Lork°we deaise to make the following brief record, as an expression of our admi- ration of his virtues as a man, a citizen and @ public off- cer, as Well a8 our griet for his loss. Resolved, That the death ot Henry Smith, in the full matur! ay of bis pow ni in the very “midst of lile’s unGinished plan,” is hand all of us who bi been brought into daily and intimate relations with 8 personal bereavelneut, As men, We havo lost « warine e: ‘ous friend; as public office: - 7 perlenced and'ex able oma! ead” HORS ABER Regolved, That this expression of esteem which, a8 citizen and au official he was helt wean am communicated to his widow. with the assurance that she as our deep and hearifelc sympathy in he bereavement. Sse Before adjourning, the captains determined to have these proceedings bandsomely cugrossed and sent to Mrs, Smith. The Remains at the City Hall. A few minutes past six o'clock Captain Byrnes, commanding the Fifteenth precinct, arrived at the City Hall, accompanied by Sergeants Murray and Young, of the Fifteenth; Sergeant Christie, of the Eleventh; Sergeant Pickett, of the Twenty- secgnd; Sergeant Ryan, of the Sixth, and Sergeant Westerman, of the Eighteenth precinct, and fiity Patrolmen. This force was at once distributed throughout the building and Governor’s Room. Captain Byrnes and Sergeants Young, Pickett and Westerman held the first watch until twelva o'clock, and were relieved by the others after that. The Captain, however, expressed his inten- tion of rematning on duty all night. Besides the police force there was @ Masonia watch present, consisting of s{x brethren of Benev- olent Lodge, No. 28, F.and A. M., of which deceased was a member, in charge of P. M. George A. Bar- te and P. M. William H. Davis, the committee ap~ pointed for this duty. Each watch consists of three brethren, who ‘are on duty six hours, ig oharge of a Past Master of the lodge. Past Masters Kenworthy, Styles and Barney accompanied tla remains from the Metropolitan Hotel to the Gov- ernor’s Room. A large force of workmen and girls from A. TS Stewart's establishment were blisy until long after midnight decorating the Governor's Room, where the remains of the deceased Commissioner ara ving on ice, prior to being enshrouded in the comn, Meeting of Police Detectives. Captam Irving called o meeting of the dee tectives yesterday, and they assembled in tha Detective Uffice at seven o'clock last evening. Captain James Irving was called to the chair, and the following preamble and resolutions were passed :— Whereas the officers and members of the detectivs force of the Folice Department of the city of New Yor! have received with deep sorrow the sad intelligence o| the death of Commissioner Henry Smith, President of the Board of Folice, they consider 1t eminently proper— grieving at the loss t! a9 and the community Sat sustained and bowing to the Supreme Will that calle the highest officer of the department away—to express their sincere regrets; therotore, It is Resolved, That in the death of Henry Smith every member ofthe detective torce has lost a true and symi~ pathetic triend and an able and conscientious superior officer, and a firm supporter of law and order asexem- plified’ by the polic Resolved, That this sad event, which closes at {te meri- dian a long and honorable career due to his integrity and perseverance, is a: calamity to the cominunity oven whose interests our lamented superior was ever watch- ful, and an irreparable loss to the many who tor years have held the naime of the deceased synonymous with sclved, That wo respectfully tender the widow of Mr. Henry'Smith our sincere symnathies at her loss, al- | though fully sensible that no words can cousole her in her Dereavement, Resolved, That asa slight testimonial of respect the officers and members of the detective force, the Police | Board approving, attend the funeral of Mr. Henry Smiux in a body, with suitable badges of mourning. The Board ot Police Justices. Pursuant to the call of the President, Judge To the Honorasie Tux Coumon CouNctt :— GeNtLeMxN—It is with profound regret that I have to le body the decease last even- t-past ten o'clock, at the Metropolitan Hotel, Hon. Henry Smith, President ot the Police Depart: ment of this City. rv ee years Mr. Smith has been identified with the publ city and county. During this period our local affairs have passed through many phases, ana the trative ability and executive powers of the a § associated ag they were with a kind heart attracted to- wards him a large circle of triends of all shades of poll. tics, by whom he was held in high esteem, and who will feel their bereavement a public loss. Tmake this announcement to your honorable body, leaving {t 10F you to take such action in referen evel will mark your appreciation of his character. W. FAV On the conclusion of the reading of this docu: ment Alderman John J. Morris moved that the message be received and printed in the minutes, | and at the same time offered the following pre- amble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted :— Whereas this Common Council nag learned, with the most profound sorrow, of the death of the Hon. Henry New York. He died on M h city, in the fifty-fourth year of his age. And whereas, in view of the many and Important offices to which he was | elected by the people of this city, it is evident that he ‘was honored and tPusted by them ‘to an unusual degree, and that he merited this confidence is established by the | fact that he retained it for a quarter of @ eentury, from his entrance into public life until bis death, and by the sorrow manitested for this sad event. He was for many years a member of | the | local | legislature of ‘this city and county | Councilman, Alderman aud Supervisor. He performed | | the multitarious aud diverse duties incident to every | sucn legislative office In such a manner as to reflect | credit upon himself and honor upon his constituency while as an exec of the Police Department, ne di splayed those rare quali- ties of head and heart that distinguished him among his | fellow men and secured for him the friendship and good- will of all with whom he became acquainted. Kmphat- cally a self-made man, he rose, by the innate force of his | character, his iutegrity of purpose and clear perceptions of his duties and obligations as @ good citizen, trom ob- and indigence in the humblest fife to utfluence, | the in the affections of" his friends, and to responsible and conspicuous places in the gitt of his fellow citizens. Ana whereas the death of such aman iniposes the jinperative yet sad duty upon this Common Council of adopting such’ measures as will best m: the universal sorrow, of syinpathizing ‘and condoling with his bereaved thintly and adiicted friends, ot pi ing upon record arhong the archives of the city’ go mentevidence of their appreciation of his public vir- tues, and of making the necessary arrangements for pay- ing ad tribute of respect to his memory; be it therefore Resolved, That we,the members of the Common Council, do sincerely deplore the death of Hon, Henry Smith, President of the 1 olice Department, and do hereby ex: tend to his bereaved {amily and sorrowing inends our heartfelt sympathy and condolence ; and be it further Resolved, That out of respect for the memory of our | eparted friend this Common Counen will attend his funeral in @ body, with their staves of office draped in mourming; that ‘the Governor's Room, in the. City Hall, be appropriately draped in mourning and ten- dered for the reception of the remai in State until Thursday next, the 2th ‘inst. that being | the day for solemnizing the funeral rites and ceremon- jes; tat the flags on the City Hall and all other public Duildings be displayed at half staff from sunrise until sunset each day the body shall remain. in the City Hall; thai the public offices be closed on Thursday next, the 23d inst., in this | a place BRRgE g 3 26th inst., after twelve o'elock M., and that a special com- mittee of five members of each branch of t Jommon Council be appointed to perfect the above and make such other arrangements as to them may appear to be better calculated to manifest sorrow for the death and Tespect for the memory ot the deceased. Alderman Billings, in seconding Alderman Mor- ris’ resolutions, paid @ ee tribute to the many good qualities of the deceased gentieman, who was ever ready to serve his friends and made @ good public officer. There have been many id of him; but if he had any fault had too much of @ heart, and ut he erred it was on the side of Alderman Riley moved it @ committee of three be appointed to take the resolutions to the Board of Assistant Aldermen. The Board appointed Aldermen Morris, Flana- | gan, Monhetmer, Gillen and Billings, After which ‘the Board adjourned until March 6, Board of Assistant Aldermen. A special meeting of this Board was held at quarter-past five yesterday afternoon, Assistant Alderman Brucks in the chair. No other business was transacted except reading the Mayor's Mes- sage (published in the Aldermanic proceedings) and the adoption of the resolutions offered in tne Board of Aldermen by Alderman Morris, which were unanimously adopted. Assistant Alderman Charles M. Clancey, in sec- onding the adoption of the resolution, delivered a touching eulogy on the character of the late Benty Smith, who commenced his career in this Bo: and at the moment of his death he had tained a great eminence in political circles, Assistant Alderman Healy moved that a com- Mittee of five, to co-operate with @ simular one trom the Board of Aldermen, be appointed. The Chairman appointed Messrs. Foley, Healy, Sommers, Wade and Kreps, Afver which the Board adjourned, Meeting of the Joint Committee. On the adjournment of the Council the Joint Committee met in the office of General Pinckney. On motion, Alderman John J. Morris was ap- pointed Chairman, General Pinckney stated tat he nad already made some arrangements for we i | fic” administration, bot | | | | Smith, President of the Police Department of the city of | © officer, particularly as resident | Morgan, a meeting was held yesterday in the Court of Special Sessions, at half-past one o'clock, As soon as the meeting was called to order Judge Kasmire offered the following resolutions, whic were at once adopted by the Board:. Whereas the Board of Police Justices have heard with regret the sudden death of the Hon. Henry Smith, lute President of the Board of Police Cominission- ers of this city, theretore, be it Resolved, That tigs Soard, as a mark of proper re- | spect direct that tue several police courts adjourn om the day of the funeral atter their morning session, and meet at twelve o'clock on that day at the Court of spe- clal Sessions to @tena ina body the funeral of the late President, | Resolutions were also passed appointing a com- mittee of three, whose duty it shall be to make such recommendations as the committee may deem expedient and calculated to secure the at- tainment of the proper remedies for alleged ex- isung defects in the laws relating to intoxication, MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC NOTES. “Alda” will be repeated tnis evening at the Academy of Music. “The Man, with the Red Beard” is the present attraction at Wood’s Museam. Signor Tamberitk nas commenced an engage- | Ment at the Madrid Opera House, ‘The latest attractions at the Italiens, Paris, are “astuzie Femminili” and “Semiramide.” Mile. Torriani will sing the rdle of Valentine in “Gli Ugonott,” in Brooklyn to-morrow night. “Charity,” which was to have been produced next Saturday night, bas been postponed for a few evenings in order to admit of further repetitions of “Love’s Labor’s Lost.’’ | There seems to have been a series of dramatic failures at the Ambigu, Paris, and a new play by @ M. Touroude, named “Le Secret de Rocbrane,” has Just been added to the number, Offenbach’s “Orphée aux Enfers,” transformed into a grand spectacular fairy opera, in four acts and twelve tableaux, has been brought out at the Gatté, Paris, with immense success, The sctentific public, interested in an anthropo- | Morphous ancestry, are supposed first to read Darwin's “Descent of Man’ and then to visit the performances of Little Jack Darwin at the Theatre Comique. It is stated that perhaps the most unqnestion- able triumph of the present theatrical season im Paris has been the production of a drama in five acts and eight tableaux, the jomt work of MM, Dennery and Cormon, entitled “Les Deux Or- phelines.” “Philip,” by M. Hamilton Aidé, has now been run+ ning atthe London Lyceum for more than two weeks. Miss Isabel Bateman and Mr. Henry Irving have parts in it. It is said to be very effec: tive and to have for its basis the story of the ea- tombment of a living being and the wailing up of the place of concealment, There was a large audience convened last eve- | ning at the Church of tue Disciples, corner of Forty-fifth street and Madison avenue, to listen to @ concert which was supposed to revive the songs of our ancestors. Few of the features of the | eighteenth century were observabie, The sing+ ing would never rival the vocal successes of out operatic triumphs; indeed, having little to say in | its favor we will say nothing at all, The feature: of the evening was the choir, habited in old cos v mye. Janauschek’s Hortense, the French wait+ ing maid, is 4 direct verification from the pages of “Bleak House.” The shrugs, the cajolery, tha spite, the cynicism, the mincing impudence of manner, are wonderful instances of the vivid re« productton of details, and are rendered ali tha more telling by being brought into direct contrast with the severe and tortured repose of Lady Ded- lock. As the only great artistic creations now visible on the New York stage these two rdle® ought to be witnessed by every theatre-goer now in the city. ANNEXATION EXCITEMENT IN HOBOKEN, At the meeting of the Council last evening the excitement attending the momentous question of restoring Weehawken to Hoboken was expressed by Mr. Heyne, who vigorously urged that a petition be sent to the Legislature to that end, and averred that in his own ward 600 signatures could i. counted on. Weehawken once formed @ part Noooken, but was desached therefrom in the inter est of its owners. ‘Ihe taxes thereby taken [fom the taxpayers of Hoboken amount to $80,000 @ | year,