A DUTCH TESTIMONY TO BRITISH SAILORS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7398, 26 February 1902, Page 4

A DUTCH TESTIMONY TO BRITISH SAILORS.

The Telegraaf, of Amsterdam, publishes a graphic description by a Hollander of the succour of the Dutch packet Konigin Regentes by the men of H.M.S. Proserpine, with which warship she collided in the Thames during the foggy weather recently. The language of the narraior is mo3t flattering to the British tars concerned, and comes as a welcome relief after the vituperation of Great Britain indulged in by a certain section of the Dutch press. " The coolness and the bravery, the splendid discipline of the British officers and tars were marvellous to behold," says the enthusiastic writer. " When some of the male passengers in their panic endeavoured to thrust and shove the shrieking womenfolk from the ironclad's ladder, they themselves were pushed off by the officers and sailors, who shouted out, 'No Burgoyne business here.' On board the British ship, the captain and officers surrendered their quarters to the ladies and children, vied with each other in hospitality and kindness, prepared coffee and cocoa for shivering and frightened ' steerage women, and hot toddies for us men. It was splendid to see the sailors calmly go on board the Konigin Regentes, which we thought was doomed, to fetch our effects and mails, as if it were quite the most ordinary business in the world. It was a magnificent spectacle of superb discipline, I tell you — one which none of us will over forget. We tried to press money on the gallant fellows ; we endeavoured to get the bluejackets to accept a subscription, but they snid, c Thank you, gentlemen ; we were glad to be of service, but we only did our duty. We ask and accept no reward.' The commanding officer and his staff, who deserve our undying gratitude for saving us from a watery grave, also declined to accept any recognition of their services, and seemed to regard the whole exciting episode as the most ordina ry thing in the world."