A CALL AT HELSINGFORS.
Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment
of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in
conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers. When
his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the
veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times. He was thoroughly
in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master
a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
The new captain was conscious of his deficiency in this respect, and
even willing to acknowledge his unfitness for the position to which
he had been elected. Under the former rule it would have been hardly
possible for him to reach either of the first two offices of the ship
until he had learned all the details of his business, for even a single
examination, such as that which had so greatly changed his relative
rank a few days before, would have prevented his improper elevation.
Ordinarily, there was such an exercise every week, and every day
instruction was given in knotting, splicing, and other work on rigging;
in sea-terms and the names and uses of ropes, blocks, spars, sails, and
other parts of a ship; while navigation and the practical working of a
vessel were a daily lesson conducted by the principal.
Probably there was not a boy in the squadron who had not some taste for
nautical matters, and, with hardly an exception, every one had entered
the Academy Ship or her consorts at his own request, or at least with
his own consent. Though some found their sailor life quite different
from what they expected, all were more or less ambitious to learn
their duty as seamen. It was always the case that a large majority
of the ship's company had been connected with the institution one or
more years, and were thoroughly familiar with all the minor details
of seamanship; could hand, reef, and steer, set and furl a sail,
and knew with more or less certainty what should be done in nearly
every emergency liable to occur to a vessel. In other words, a large
majority of the officers and seamen were old sailors. These young men
were not ignorant, stupid persons, into whose heads it was necessary
to hammer an idea; but nearly all of them had a tolerable education
when they entered the institution. The fact that a large portion of
them were wild and wayward did not detract from their natural ability,
for the wildest and the most wayward are often the most brilliant and
quick-witted. With such a proportion of well-trained seamen on board,
the new comers learned more from them incidentally, than from the set
exercises in seamanship. They were interested and anxious to become
familiar with the details of their profession, for he was a dull and
stupid fellow who did not expect, some time or other, to be an officer.
But Cantwell had not been long enough in the ship to master the
details; besides, his manner was cold and repulsive, and the veterans
were not disposed to make much talk with him. He realized now that he
had made a mistake in not cultivating the good will of his shipmates.
Captain Cantwell expected trouble among the officers. He knew that,
with half a dozen exceptions, they disliked him exceedingly. Cumberland
treated him very handsomely. Sheridan, the fourth lieutenant, had been
elected to a position higher than his merit-rank by the opposition, and
therefore the captain counted upon his influence and support; and the
second purser and first and fourth midshipmen had come into the cabin
from the crew by their own merit. But at least nine of the officers
were hostile to him; some of them bitterly hostile, as Beckwith and De
Forrest. He was confident that a few of them would do all they could to
expose his deficiencies, and to make his position uncomfortable. When
he appeared in the cabin, in the uniform of his rank, he could not fail
to see the sneer which was on the faces of several of the officers. But
he maintained his dignity, resolved not to notice any demonstration
unless it was an open and palpable insult. After dinner most of the
officers went on deck, and in a short time the principal sent for the
captain.
"The fog has lifted, and the pilots say they can go to sea now. You
will get under way immediately," said the principal.
Captain Cantwell touched his cap, and called to Brown, the fourth
midshipman, who approached him with the proper salute.
"You will ask the first lieutenant to come on deck," said the captain.
"On deck, sir," reported Cumberland, touching his cap to the new
captain; and it seemed very strange to Cantwell to see the late
commodore paying this mark of respect to him.
"You will get under way immediately."
"Under way, sir," replied the executive officer, saluting his superior
again.
It is rather doubtful whether Cantwell could have given all the orders
in detail which were necessary to execute this manœuvre, and
certainly his position as captain was much less trying than it would
have been as first lieutenant. If a majority of the officers were surly
and dissatisfied, a majority of the crew were delighted when they saw
the new captain on the quarter-deck; not that they had any particular
respect or regard for him personally, but because he represented their
cause, and was the evidence of their triumph. All hands were called,
and never were orders more promptly obeyed. In a few moments the Young
America was standing off before the wind, followed by the rest of the
squadron. The vessels threaded their way through the channels among
the islands, and passed out into the broad bay, for it was not deemed
prudent to take the steamer's course, nearer the main shore. The usual
routine of study was pursued during the afternoon, as the squadron,
with a light breeze, rolled lazily along towards her next port.
"Your plan does not seem to work very well, De Forrest," said the
principal to the new first purser, whose duties required his presence
in the main cabin, when he had finished his recitations.
"No, sir; we didn't have fair play. Scott got up a secret society,
and dragged more than half the seamen into it," replied De Forrest,
bitterly. "I hope such things will be prevented."
"What things?" asked Mr. Lowington, mildly.
"Secret societies, sir."
"I am not in favor of such associations for political purposes; but I
think the crew had a perfect right to organize for this election."
"But the students who joined the society had to pledge themselves to
vote for Cantwell."
"That is virtually done at all caucuses and political conventions. You
think such societies ought to be suppressed--do you?"
"I certainly do, sir."
"Then I suppose we must begin in the cabin," laughed the principal.
"We had no secret society in the cabin, sir."
"No?"
"Certainly not, Mr. Lowington."
"Inasmuch as no seaman is allowed to enter the after cabin, your
meetings there were, to all intents and purposes, secret. You proposed
to keep the offices among yourselves, and you nominated the candidates,
without consulting the crew, who were to find most of the votes to
elect them, if they were elected. I think Scott was perfectly justified
in taking the course he did. The secret society, I suspect, is rather
for amusement than for anything else. You knew of its existence, and it
is only a fair counterbalance for your meetings in the after cabin."
"We have come to the conclusion, sir, that our plan does not work very
well," added De Forrest, rather sheepishly.
"It has not been tried under favorable circumstances. I have a higher
opinion of it than you seem to have," replied Mr. Lowington. "It was
brought forward, I am told, by yourself and others, to prevent Cantwell
from becoming captain or first lieutenant. This was an unworthy
purpose, and in the eyes of the crew it amounted to persecution."
"We did not think he was fit for either of these places."
"Perhaps he was not; and if your plan had not been adopted, he would
only have been fourth lieutenant. As the matter stands now, you have
actually made an unpopular officer your captain by your attempt to
persecute him. However odd and ridiculous Scott's tactics may have been
to defeat your intentions, they were based upon a genuine love of fair
play. You have been caught in your own trap."
"I confess that we have, sir; and we would like to get out of the
trap," replied De Forrest.
"That is quite impossible. Cantwell has been fairly elected, and he
shall serve out his month."
"But after that, sir?"
"I adopted the new plan to please you, and I purpose to give it a full
and fair trial. It has some very manifest advantages, the principal one
of which is, that it makes the officers in some measure responsible
to the crew for their conduct. It encourages courtesy and kindness in
the superior. But I am aware that it has some disadvantages, not the
least of which is this electioneering, though this is inseparable from
republican institutions."
"I think we shall ask to have the old plan restored," added De Forrest.
"After two or three months' trial of the present plan, if a large
majority of the squadron desire it, I shall be willing to make the
change; but I hope to see one election which shall be fairly conducted,
and in which no false issues shall be introduced. In the last, the
main question was whether the officers should deprive Cantwell of his
merit-rank; and every other issue was in some manner related to this."
"But Cumberland, whose rank by merit was No. 1, was displaced from his
office, though all the students like him very well; perhaps not so well
as Lincoln, but very well," suggested De Forrest.
"It was known to the crew that Lincoln wished to have a caucus of
the whole ship's company--a spirit of fairness to which he owes his
election. If Cumberland desired the same thing, it was not known in the
steerage."
"The fellows say that three of the new cabin officers are members of
Scott's secret society," added De Forrest.
"Then they will be likely to interfere with the secret proceedings of
the after cabin."
"Brown, the fourth midshipman, is one of them. He may be the next
captain;" and there was an expression akin to horror on De Forrest's
face.
"He may be; and he is a better seaman than Cantwell, for he has been in
the ship two years."
"But it will be too bad to jump him over the heads of all of us."
"That is one of the difficulties incident to your plan. Even
politicians will acknowledge that the ablest and best statesmen in our
country are very seldom elected to the highest offices; but in the army
and navy, in time of war, the ablest men are almost certain to find
their proper sphere."
"I hope the old plan will be restored, sir; for I don't like the idea
of a secret society jumping the lowest officer over all our heads,
simply because he is a member. It doesn't look right to me."
"It isn't right; but I expect to see the same spirit of fairness at
the next election which was displayed at the last one. If the cabin
officers give the crew fair play, I have no doubt the seamen will
exhibit the same spirit. If you wish to do the business just right,
have a fair caucus, and you will nullify all the influence of the
secret society."
The principal went on deck then, but in the evening he had a long talk
with Scott, who declared that all he wanted was fair play, and that the
secret society would not, and could not, be used in the interest of
anything but fair play.
The next morning the squadron was approaching Helsingfors. The town is
protected by the extensive fortifications of Sveaborg, planted on seven
islands, and from its great strength the fortress has been called the
"Gibraltar of the North." The scenery in the vicinity, consisting of
vast numbers of islands, is quite picturesque. The works were bombarded
by the combined English and French squadrons during the Crimean war,
in 1855; but though the attack was a very fierce one, it was entirely
unsuccessful. It was the last stronghold of the Swedes in Finland,
and when it was besieged by the Russians, in 1808, it was surrendered
to them by Admiral Cronstedt, while he had still sufficient means of
defence; and he is charged with treachery, though it has never been
proved, for he did not enter the Russian service, and left no fortune
at his death. The Finns were indignant at his conduct, and their
patriot poet, Runeberg, has written some indignant verses, which have
the ring of Scott's minstrel poem:--
"Conceal his lineage, hide his race;
The crime be his alone;
That none may blush for his disgrace,
Let it be all his own!
He who his country brings to shame,
Nor race, nor sire, nor son may claim."
The appearance of Helsingfors, approaching from the sea, is very
imposing, for its public buildings are large, elegant structures, the
principal ones being on elevated ground. The inner harbor is nearly in
the shape of a square, and vessels go up to the wharves on the left.
"What is that large building, Dr. Winstock?" asked Commodore Lincoln,
as the ship stood up the harbor.
"That is the Russian church."
"It is a magnificent building," added the young officer, as he gazed
with admiration upon the lofty building with its gilded dome.
"All the Russian churches are beautiful buildings; and you will
find that those in St. Petersburg and Moscow far excel this one.
The large structures in front of us are the Lutheran church, the
University,--which was moved from Åbo to this place,--and the Senate
House."
"I did not expect to find any such place as this away up here. Why,
it is one of the finest cities I ever looked upon!" exclaimed the
commodore.
"I was as much astonished as you are when I first came here," added the
doctor.
The squadron anchored quite near the shore, and after the sails had
been furled, the yards carefully squared, and everything hauled taut,
the recitations in the steerage proceeded as usual. They were continued
without interruption, except for dinner,--though of course all the
classes were not occupied at the same time,--till three o'clock in the
afternoon, when the boats were manned, and all hands were allowed to go
on shore.
"The gig is ready, sir," reported the officer to whom the charge of
this boat had been given, to the captain.
"I shall not go on shore," replied Cantwell.
"Not go on shore, Captain Cantwell?" said Mr. Lowington, who stood near
him.
"No, sir; not unless it is necessary that I should do so."
"It is not necessary that you should go, but I should think you would
desire to see the town."
"I cannot spare the time, Mr. Lowington," answered the captain, with a
smile. "As you are aware, sir, I am deficient in seamanship; and Mr.
Peaks, who has kindly consented to help me, has more leisure when the
ship's company are on shore than at any other time."
"I commend your zeal, and I will not interfere with your purpose,"
replied the principal, as he went over the side, and took his seat in
the professor's barge.
On the shore, the doctor, the commodore, Paul Kendall, Shuffles, and
the ladies, made up a party, and went to the Society's House, which
is the name of the principal hotel here, as well as in Åbo and Wyborg,
where they endeavored to procure a _commissionaire_ who spoke English;
but none was to be had. The elegant Greek church was the first object
of interest, and they walked over to the hill on which it is located.
As if to follow literally with the words of Christ to Peter, this
church "is founded upon a rock." It is built of brick, and, like nearly
all Russian churches, is in the form of a Greek cross. At a little
distance from the main structure, but connected with it, is the bell
tower. As the party approached, the bell began to ring for a service.
Its tones were quite different from those heard in other countries, but
more melodious, and lacking the sharp qualities. Instead of a wheel and
rope to ring it, as most bells are rung, two men were stationed in the
belfry, and, by a rope attached to the tongue, were swaying it hack and
forth, till it struck the metal on each side.
As the tourists entered the building, they were passed by a man with
a long, heavy, red beard, clothed in a kind of brown gown, or robe,
who, the doctor said, was a priest. The interior of the church was
different from any other which most of the party had seen. Opposite the
entrance was a screen, or partition, extending to the ceiling, which
was covered with pictures of the saints, or other holy persons, of the
Greek church. Only the face, and sometimes the hands, of the person
represented are shown, the rest of the picture being covered with gold.
In the middle of this partition is a lofty archway closed by two doors
of gold, or gilt. In front there is a platform, on which the priests
stand in performing the service. In various parts of the church are
pictures of the Russian saints, before each of which is a candle, or
other light. In one corner there was a cenotaph, covered with gold,
which represents the tomb of Christ, used at Easter and Christmas
in the service. There was no seat, bench, or other convenience for
sitting, for no one is allowed to sit in a Russian church. Men were
lighting the candles and lamps before the pictures of the holy persons,
reverently bowing and crossing themselves as they approached them. The
party were deeply interested, but they obtained a better idea of the
religion of the Russians in St. Petersburg.
The travellers next obtained admission to the Senate House, in which
the hall intended for the meeting of the senate on state occasions is
the principal attraction. It contains a magnificent throne for the
emperor, who has twice presided in person at the sessions of this
body; but whether he is there or not, his gaudy seat seemed to be
the representative of his power. This building contains the remains
of the library saved from the great fire at Åbo, which has been
increased to one hundred thousand volumes. After a walk through the
University, founded by Queen Christina, which has usually about five
hundred students, and a walk up the long flight of steps leading to the
Lutheran church, the party returned to the great square.
"There's a costume!" exclaimed Lincoln, when, in turning a corner, they
came suddenly upon a Russian drosky, the driver of which was dressed in
the long pelisse and bell-crowned hat of his class.
"Yes; and that's just what you will see in every Russian city,"
replied the doctor. "All the drivers are dressed just alike, and this
garb is worn only by them."
The pelisse was a long green garment, reaching down to the ankles, with
bright globular buttons. The hat was similar to a European fashion
which had its day at least fifty years ago, and an occasional one was
seen even forty years ago. The diameter of the body at the top was
about twice that at the brim. The drosky was a narrow vehicle sitting
low on four small wheels. The seat for the passengers was narrow,
though two persons can crowd into it. In front, and higher up, is a
seat for the driver. At the end of the shafts was a wooden bow, or
arch, over the horse's shoulders.
"What in the world is that bow for?" asked Lincoln.
"That's a question which is more easily asked than answered," replied
the doctor. "I have looked at it a hundred times, but I have never been
able to see that it is of the slightest use, though I have seen a check
rein attached to it. For this purpose it is worse than useless; and if
there is a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals in Russia,
I hope it will take hold of the matter, for it is infinitely worse for
the poor beast than when the check is hooked at the saddle."
"If it is useless always, and sometimes cruel, I hope all the bows in
Russia will be banished," laughed Mrs. Kendall.
"Sent to Siberia," suggested Mrs. Shuffles.
"Beaux are very well in their places," added Dr. Winstock; "and
marriage seems to be a better remedy than banishment."
The driver of the drosky gathered up his petticoats and jumped off his
box, when the party paused before his vehicle. He looked vastly more
pleasant and amiable than a New York hackman, touched his hat, bowed,
and smiled blandly, as he pointed insinuatingly at the carriage. At the
same moment three more droskies rushed to the spot, the drivers intent
upon obtaining a job. They talked, but of course none of the Americans
could understand a word they said. The party intended to ride, and
three of them were taken; but it was no easy matter for either of the
ladies and her husband to crowd into the seat. Paul Kendall solved
the difficulty in his own case by taking half of the driver's place.
Lincoln and the doctor were better accommodated, and led the way, the
latter pointing in the direction he wished to go. They went up a very
broad street, with a green in the middle, like the Champs Elysées in
Paris, in which there were well-kept avenues. On the walks were several
neat stands for the sale of soda, which were attended by pretty girls,
who seemed to be doing a good business. A ride up this street, and down
another, with what they had seen before, nearly exhausted the town,
which contains twenty-four thousand inhabitants, but is spread out over
a large extent of country. All the streets were wide, some of them
disagreeably wide, when any one wishes to cross to the opposite side.
Returning to the square, Dr. Winstock pointed down a street by the
steamboat landing, which extended along the west shore of the bay. The
driver understood him promptly, for this street led to the Botanical
Gardens, which is a popular place of resort for the people. It was
about a mile from the town, and on the arrival of the party a band was
playing in front of a large building which contained a very handsome
restaurant, sometimes used as a ball-room. The tourists entered this
place, and seated themselves at one of the tables.
"What's the use of coming in here, when we can't speak a word of the
lingo?" laughed Paul.
"I never go hungry for the want of language," replied the doctor, as a
very polite waiter presented himself.
"Do you speak English?" he added to this man.
The waiter shook his head.
"Do you speak French?" asked the doctor in this language.
The attendant shook his head again.
"_Sprechen sie Deutsch?_"
"_Ya; ein wenig; nicht fiel_," replied the man, a gleam of sunshine
lighting up his face, when the difficulty seemed to be solved.
But his knowledge of German was exceedingly limited, though after
several blunders he brought the lunch and coffee which the surgeon
ordered. The feast consisted of the same "snack" which is served in
Sweden--little fishes, thin slices of sausage, and of salmon, and the
inevitable sandwich of _caviar_, or fish spawn. As in Sweden, the
coffee was excellent; but none of the party had yet conquered their
repugnance to the slimy _caviar_. When they had about finished the
lunch, the attentive waiter appeared with half a dozen dishes of veal
cutlets.
"What have you there?" asked the surgeon.
"_Kalbfleisch_,"--which means veal,--replied the waiter.
"I did not order it."
"_Ja, mein herr._"
"No; I said _kalt Fleisch_," added the doctor; and Paul laughed
heartily, though this was only a specimen of the blunders the man made.
The surgeon had called for _kalt Fleisch_, or cold meat, and the first
word is not unlike _Kalb_.
"_Rechnung_," said Dr. Winstock, which means, "Bring me the bill;" as
the French say, "_Addition_," for the same thing, and the Austrians,
"_Bezahlen_."
The bill, which doubtless included the veal cutlets, was three marks,
or sixty cents, for each person--a foretaste of Russian prices, dearer
than in any other part of Europe. It was paid, and the party took a
walk through the gardens, extending down to the sea-shore. It is simply
a pleasant place, without being very attractive. A hill near the point
of the peninsula commands a fine view of Sveaborg and the Gulf. There
is an extensive bathing-house near the rocky shore. A trip among the
islands in the vicinity is very agreeable, and little steamers may
be chartered for such excursions at three rubles an hour. The party
returned to the town, and drove to the landing-place, where they were
fortunate enough to find Professor Badois, to act as interpreter in
paying the drosky fares; for however bland the drivers were in their
manners, they were evidently familiar with the tricks of their craft.
The several ship's companies went on board at once. The next morning
the squadron sailed for Wyborg, where she arrived after a day and a
night at sea, though the steamers make the trip in twelve hours.
Twelve versts from the town, the vessels passed into the harbor, which
is an extensive bay, through a narrow passage, on both sides of which
were vast piles of lumber, from which craft of all sizes and kinds
were loading. Off the town the squadron came to anchor, but no one was
permitted to go on shore until after the recitations in the afternoon.