Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 July 1896 — Saluting the Flag. [ARTICLE]

Saluting the Flag.

Coffee is now served out, and for fifteen minutes the sailors sit aud sip It before beginning the morning work of scrubbing decks and cleaning ship. This work should be finished by five minutes to 8, when the bugle sounds the first call for colors. Upon which the quartermaster bends on the flag to the halyards of the flagstaff at the stern, and a signal boy does the same with the “jack” at the bow, and both aland ready to hbist them at 8 o’clock. A little period of waiting follows, and then 8 o’clock Is reported by an orderly to the officer of the deck, who sends the orderly to report It to the captain. Presently the orderly returns and reports; “The captain says, ‘Make it,’ sir.” Thereupon the officer of the deck orders: “Sound off!” Then ring out the clear, majestic notes of the splute to tho flag, while all the men about deck face It as It soars with dignity aloft and floats out to the morning breeze; officers and men touching their caps in reverential salute as It comes to rest and the music dies away In long, full notes.—St, Nicholas.