The “Michigan” bearing down, coming at full speed.
RISKS OF PHOTOGRAPHING BATTLE-SHIPS IN ACTION
BY E. MULLER, JR.
Formerly Official Photographer, United States Navy
Of all the marine pictures that have ever been taken, this picture of the U. S. S. Michigan, flagship of the Atlantic fleet, is considered the most remarkable, When I took it, the experience was one in which I nearly lost my life.
It was just before sundown when, in a small motor-boat, I arrived in the direct course of the Michigan, several miles out in the open sca off the coast of Maine. Once there, I did n't have to wait long before the ship's smoke on the horizon warned me of her approach. I was eager to get a picture full of life and dramatic action,—of the ship under full speed, taken from directly in front, something never before accomplished,—so I ordered the engineer to gage the distance and allow me to stand in her course until the last possible moment before making our escape. She was nearing us now, and bearing down at the speed of twenty-two miles an hour—a great, overawing monster! The vibration from our engine was bothering me, so I decided to take a chance, and ordered the engine stopped. On came the ship, her bow-spray looming up before us like two green, foaming, white-crested wings. The moments were precious now, so I shot the camera, and shouted for full speed ahead. The engine gasped, made a struggle to work, but gave up immediately. I was frightened; even the engine seemed to foresee its fate! In the delay, I had but one idea: a chance for another snap-shot. Now the ship was within thirty yards of us, cruelly pointing her bow directly toward our little boat. I snapped again, and almost as if the little engine had been waiting for this to happen, it answered immediately with a chug, and we swerved across the dreadnought’s bow. There834
