Michigan (Steamboat), 17 Sep 1891

Chicago Lake Interests - Collector Clark has undertaken to get tip a naval display at the unveiling of the Grant monument in Lincoln park, Oct. 7. The United States will be represented by the MICHIGAN, FESSENDEN, and ANDY JOHNSON. The monument is near the lake shore, and a naval display on the lake would add greatly to the ceremonies, which will be witnessed by 50,000 or more people. Vessel owners cannot afford, of course, to hold their boats ill port to add to the naval display, but it seems entirely feasible that captains of incoming or outgoing steamers could stop off Lincoln park for half all hour or all hour during the ceremonies. The steamers could at least run in and pass the park under check. There is plenty of water half a mile from shore. A half dozen steamers in the background of the display would add greatly to its attractiveness Several local vessel owners are going to considerable expense to assist the collector in having their boats at anchor off the park. If a fleet of twenty or thirty steamers and sail vessels could be off the park during a part of the ceremonies the effect would be surprising to the spectators, who would imagine the lake was full of boats. The lake marine could well afford to lose all hour's time on a few boats for the effect it would have ill showing the masses that there is a big traffic on the lakes, something that most people in Chicago are lamentably ignorant about. By instructions to their captains, owners can do Chicago and themselves a good turn Let not the lake interests alone be without patriotism and too greedy to lose an hour in honor to the greatest general of the rebellion.
      The Marine Review
      September 17, 1891


Chicago Lake Interests. - The man-of-war MICHIGAN is here, and will remain in this vicinity until after Oct. 7, when the Grant Monument at Lincoln park is to be unveiled. Thus far this season she has recruited about eighty boys for the navy. The boys must find their initiation into naval life anything but pleasant, as they are sent below, and kept there. The frame of the MICHIGAN's engine must be replaced, as it is becoming shaky. The engine itself is as good as the day it came out. A frame that has stood since 1844 deserves to be retired on half-pay.
      The Marine Review
      September 24, 1891


Through the excursions of members of Congress and Washington newspaper representatives on lake steamers during the past summer, as well as the scheme of the Lake Line Agents' Association of Chicago, in taking the municipal authorities of that city with government officials for a trip up the crooked and troublesome Chicago river, the vessel owners have begun a most favorable system of acquainting members of important legislative bodies with the extent of lake commerce and its needs for further advancement. Great benefit will undoubtedly result from these and other public demonstrations during the present season and efforts in this line should be continued. On Oct. 7, next Wednesday, the Grant monument at Lincoln park, Chicago, will be unveiled and many thousands of people from all parts of the country will witness the ceremonies, for which great preparations are being made. Collector of Customs Clark of Chicago is endeavoring to secure a creditable naval display in connection with this grand event, and is desirous of having as many vessels as possible assemble on the lake front off Lincoln park during the few hours taken up by the ceremonies. The vessel owners of Chicago are also anxious that boats in port on that day take part in the display, not only from a patriotic standpoint but also from the fact that Chicago seems to scarcely know of late whether she has a marine or not, and all vessel owner,,, have been at a loss, accordingly, through unfavorable legislation from her city council. The government vessels MICHIGAN, FESSENDEN and ANDY JOHNSON, as well as several of the line boats, will take part in the exercises, and it would seem that if for the single purpose of impressing upon the citizens of Chicago the importance of the lake marine and its needs in their harbor, all vessel owners having boats entering or leaving on that day should order them to join in the movement.
      The Marine Review
      October 1, 1891