Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 58, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 March 1898 — OLD GLORY HOISTED. [ARTICLE]

OLD GLORY HOISTED.

CRUISER AMAZONAS TRANSFERRED TO UNITED STATES. Unique and, for Brazilian Officers, Pathetic Ceremony in the Harbor of Gravesend—Alaska Argonauts Anxious to Come Home. Delivered a Warship. The cruiser Amazonas, built by the Armstrongs for Brazil and purchased by the United States, was formally transferred from the Brazilian flag to the Stars and Stripes at Gravesend. The ceremony was simple and dignified, and to the Brazilian officers it was somewhat pathetic. Lieutenant Commander Colwell, United States naval attache, saluting the Brazilian Commander Corres, said: “Captain, I have here a contract of sale, to which you ivere a witness, and whereby this vessel is to be transferred to me, in behalf of the United States.” Commander Corres replied, through an interpreter, saying: “In handing over the ship I deoire to say that it is done with the sincere friendship of Brazil.” Lieutenant Commander Colwell, saluting, replied: “In behalf of the United States I thank you for the sentiment.” A Brazilian sailor then brought down Brazil's blue-starred pennant from the top of the mainmast, carrying it in his teeth. In the center of a circle of officers of both nations Lieutenant Commander Colwell then faced the Brazilian flag flying from the cruiser’s stern, and, as the officers bared their heads, the flag of Brazil was hauled down, after which, facing about with their heads still uncovered, old glory was ruu up the main. Lieutenant Commander Colwell and the Brazilian officers thereupon shook hands. Commander Corres invited them all into the cabin to drink to the ship, and the I Brazilian captain afterward showed Messrs. Colwell, Roberts and McMorris over the vessel and furnished them with inventories of the supplies. Stampede from Dawson. H. C. Pettit of Snohomish, who returned from Alaska ou the City of Seattle, says that next June and July will witness a stampede from Dawson that will be equaled only by the present rush of gold seekers to the Klondike. When Pettit left, there had been about 1,500 applications for passage south. Before that number was reached the accommodations of all the first boats had been sold, and no more applications would be received. When bookings open for the second boats there will be another rush. Practically every one of the 1,500 nt Dawson is anxious to get out early and will bring gold, many in large amounts.