Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1893-05-03

down from the arms. 1t was Just PIP as
EngIand's crack cruiser, the Blake, fired
her first gun. There was big puff Of
smoke and deep boom, entirely different
from the sharp sounds of the guns of the
smaller vessels. The Philadelphia saluted
as the Dolphin reached the head of the line
and came to a stop just in the rear of the
caravels. At the same time all the steam
boats, tugs and pleasure blew their whistles
and made din almost as deafening as the
saluting. There was cheering and waving
of hats, handkerchiefs and umbrellas, and
the triumphal procession of the presidential
party was ended The whistles sent up a
cloud of steam, which added 10 the smoke
of the guns, obscured the view of a large
portion of the river. The admirals of the
different squadrons then embarked in steam
launches and proceeded to the Dolphin to
pay their respects to the President. Sir
John Hopkins, the British admiral, was
first received. Next came Vice-Admiral
Koznahoff. the Russian admiral. Rear
Admiral de Libran, of France, was third.
Then followed Rear-Admiral Magnaght, of
Italy. The Spanish admiral, Senior y.
Lono. though an invalid, did not fail to
paw this ceremonial mark of respect to the
Chief Executive. and was followed by Rear
Admiral Howard, of the Argentine; Rear
Admiral Norhona, of the Brazilian feet,
and the blonde-haired and blue eyed cap
tains of the German and Dutch steamers
These visits formed one of the most inter-
esting features of the day. As nearly all
the foreigners spoke or understood English
the ceremonies were attended by no stiff for
malities. but were marked by cordiality and
some degree of convivialty also. Fifteen
minutes before the reception ended and
when the President was preparing to land,
an admonitory signal was given from the
Dolphin, and as he left the vessel and en-
entered his barge, at the foot of Ninety
sixth street, every vessel in the fleet again
manned yards and rails and once more fired
a salute of twenty-one guns, following the
Dolphin's lead Then the Presidents flag
was lowered from the Dolphin and the pub
lie ceremonies of the day were considered
over.
An interesting account Is given Of the dis
play at night of electrical search lights with
which the war vessels are provided. The
American ships showed the many ways in
which the lights are used in active warfare
to protect themselves from attacks Of those
marine neutrality-suspicious.. At times
the projected rays were concentrated at GER
tain spots on shore, then turned far up the
Hudson, making objects plainly visible at q
distance of five miles. At given signal
every light in the feet was turned toward
the zenith. Slowly the rays converged until
they formed the apex of brilliant silyery
pyramid of incalculable height. Experts
say it could have been seen seyenty-fye
miles away i'm any direction. In conclu
sion, the operators gave some examples of
high art in ray-projectiug and described
various figures on the heavens.
The Columbian Ball the same night, at
Madison Square Garden, is said to have
been the most splendid ever given in the
New World in its decorations and arrange
ment and the number of distinguished
guests. The naval celebration ended
Friday with a land parade of ma
rines from the visiting vessels, naval re-
serves, and several regiments Of the Nation
al Guard. There were about 10 900 men in
line.