Secretary of the Navy, Admiral PORTER. I found him in his office,
surrounded by bills-of-sale of main-tops, carronades, iron-clads,
bo'sen's whistles, navy-yards, and other naval articles, the proceeds of
which were needed for the future experiments of the Department. These
papers were being bound up into bundles and stowed away by his
assistant, ROBESON.

After the ordinary greetings had passed between the admiral and your
correspondent, the following conversation ensued:

_Cor_. Admiral, what do you think of the Fifteenth Amendment?

_Ad_. All right. When Americans want votes, I say, give 'em to 'em.

_Cor_, (_A little apprehensively._) Votes are different from boats, then,
admiral?

_Ad_. Certainly. What do the negroes want with boats?

_Cor_. How are you satisfied, Mr. Secretary, with the plan of always
providing you with a civilian as an assistant?

_Ad_. I don't like it. Can't help it, though. This one, however,
(_pointing his thumb over his shoulder at_ ROBESON,) don't give me much
trouble. Quiet man.

_Cor_. What do you think of the condition of Cuba,

_Ad_. Very nice indeed! Got Admiral POOR out there, cruising around.
Just like a picnic, you know.