Most important among the events of the early part of the ensuing drill season was the election of Lieutenant Lyman Root to be navigator of the battalion to succeed Lieutenant Robert E. L. Hutchinson, promoted to be lieutenant-commander and in turn succeeding Lieutenant-Commander Frank S. Cornwell, promoted to be commander of the battalion, _vice_ Commander Averill, retired. In his capacity as chief of the division, Mr. Root had shown exceptional versatility, having been successful in the social and athletic lines, as well as in drill and discipline. At the next drill evening he took formal farewell of the division which he had so long and so ably and so considerately commanded, giving generously of his best energy and most faithful loyalty. He had taken the helm when the command was little better than a wreck, had nursed it back to health and prosperity and made it the finest military company in all Hartford. In fair weather and foul weather, in joy and sorrow, on soundings and off soundings, his steadying hand had been at the wheel and had time and again brought the division safe into port. Strong and clear purpose, affection for the command and for salt water,—these were our chief’s dominant traits. The ability to read character was another quality. But of these three characteristics his affection for the division stood ever foremost. [Illustration: LIEUTENANT HOWARD J. BLOOMER ] Captain Howard J. Bloomer came over from the infantry to act as next lieutenant of the division, not the least of the prerogatives being the privilege of presiding as toastmaster at the yearly banquet. On the menu card was a huitrain re-rigged from Coxswain John Kendrick Bangs so as to read: Oh, Navy Plug, Ottoman, Alonzo, Puritan Boy, Especial, H. Clay, Invincible, Rosedale, Alphonso, Soby’s Best, German Lovers, El Rey, Elegantes, Re-ina, Selectos, Oh, Two-For, Madura, Grandé, Shoe Pegs, Oscuro, Perfectos— You drive all my sorrows away. A floral bell nearly as large as the foretop was lifted and revealed an elegant silver loving cup presented to Mr. Root as testimony to their high esteem. A little later followed the elevation of Mr. Root to the rank of lieutenant-commander of the battalion. ❦ COURSE TEN ❦ THE COLUMBIA Sail drill was the feature of the cruise on the Hartford in 1904 and in the following year drill in small boats was the feature. On the training ship the boats usually hung outside the rail, but on the cruiser the boats were frequently kept inside the rail. With the ship’s four funnels and her multitudinous skylights and deckhouses her superstructure was unsuitable for “setting up.”