Page:Men of Mark in America vol 1.djvu/428

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ROBLEY DUNGLISON EVANS

complete the work. Again he served on the Lighthouse Board from January, 1897, to March 25, 1898. Placed in command of the battleship Iowa in the United States navy, he did most efficient service in the blockade of the forts of Cuba and in the destruction of Admiral Cervera's fleet in Cuban waters, July 3, 1898. Since that time he has been president of the Board of Inspection and Survey, and in October, 1902, was appointed commander-in-chief of the Asiatic station.

Admiral Evans is a member of the New York Yacht club; of the Larchmont Yacht club; of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers; of the Army and Navy club, Washington, District of Columbia; University club. New York; of the Loyal Legion of the United States; of the Metropolitan club, Washington, District of Columbia, and of the Pittsburg club of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. His greatest enjoyment physically comes from "open-air work, handling a fleet, shooting, and fishing for sport." He has given especial attention to boat and yacht racing. His own personal wishes and preference led him to enter the navy. His vigor, love of action, power of attention and of concentrated labor, and his knowledge not only of exact military science but of chemistry, engineering and manufacturing, have contributed to his usefulness, and have supplemented his natural fitness for the career of his choice. He says his early impulse toward the naval branch of the United States service, came from "reading the life of that early gallant seaman and naval officer, Paul Jones."

He places first among the strong and governing influences of his early life, " home, and hard work; second, contact with men of action." "I have failed in some things because the days were too short, and the nights too long," he says. In a most emphatic manner he commends to young Americans this thought: "Learn to do something with your hands ! Regard work as the most honorable thing in the world ; and always stand by your father and mother, no matter what their calling may be." He is the author of "The Sailor's Log," 1901.

When Prince Henry of Prussia, brother of Emperor William of Germany came to America on an extended visit in 1902, Admiral Evans, whose acquaintance with Prince Henry, as well as their common knowledge of, and interest in naval affairs and personages, particularly fitted him for this duty, was appointed by President Roosevelt as the special escort of honor to the Prince during his stay in the United States. He accompanied the Prince and his suite in