half past twelve
A line of flags was extended from the end of the jib-boom over the topmast-heads to the end of the main boom . The flag of Belgium , which consists of black , yellow , and red in equal parts , perpendicularly divided , floated at the foremast head . The Young America was similarly decorated , and the Victoria and Albert hoisted the royal standard of the United Kingdom , which is a magnificent affair , consisting of four squares , two , in opposite corners , being red , one blue and one yellow , with a harp and the lions and unicorns worked upon the squares . At half past twelve , the professors ' barge , with the American flag in the stern , and the Belgian in the bow , put off from the ship and pulled to the Quai Vandyck . The eminent individual who was to be received by the squadron was no less a personage than the governor of the Province of Antwerp , an office once filled by the distinguished Charles Rogier , the present minister of foreign affairs . As the boat containing his excellency put off from the Quay , the yards of both vessels were manned . All the students were dressed in their best uniform , and the display was really quite imposing .