The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-04-16
RRNDEzvoUs OF THE FLEETS.
The British SQuadroa xpeoted to ar
rive Tomorrow.

rive Ac-t4AUEIONs
FORTRESS MONROE, Va, April l5.-The
Gsyest resort in the country to-day is in "a
state Of feverish excitement over-the ex-
pected arrival Of the British feet next Mon
day. headed by the finest specimen OF for-
eign marine architecture that will be at the
review, and upon which more interest Is
centered than will fall to any other war
vessels in the roads next week. Admiral
Gherardl expects the Britshers TO arrive
early Monday morning and to be followed
the next day by three Italian ships and
possibly the trench and brazilian vessels.
the third Russian, which has been due for
some days, has not yet made her appear
auce, but may drop in unexpectedly at any
moment When the fashionable set and
late rissrs looked out upon the feet riding
to stiff northwest wind this
morning with the surf lashing
tho shore and tho waves high enough TO
toss the steam launches about in a reckless
manner, there were murmurs of regret at
the apparently hopeless prospects OF COM
fortablY visiting the fleet in the morning,
but by the time those who had engagements
TO 90 aboard with the officers arrived the
fierce dark clouds In the east broke away,
the sun shown warmly and the wind
moderated to gentle breeze, making an
ideal day for marine picture.
THE FIRST VISIT.
Inspector General Breckenridge, Ia full
regalla and accompanied by two staff
officers, started the guns TO firing on the
Philadelphia when at 10 O'Clock be paid an
official call upon Admiral Gherardi, and an
hour later they again belched forth the
number due his rank when he departed over
tho ships side. Following tho generals
launch we're any number of others from the
fleet taking visitors out to see
~ i ~.
deck to the engine rooms. Barges and gigs,
whaleboats aud cutters propelled by vigor-
Gus tars were conveying persons all tho
morning, and now aud then a gig would
come ashore with the captain of sOmo shtp,
when the government wharf would lmme-
diately be a scene Of animated activity TO
watch the pretty sight OF ten or twelve
jack tars tossing as many oars TO perpen-
dicular aud letting them drop quickly ia
the boat before landing the commander
with pomp and care.
Crowds continue to pour in. This morn
ing's steamer brought many people from
the north, who will be unable TO secure
quarters, and who will take their DEPART
ure this evening. The hotel people can
promise rooms TO no one and even as far
away as Newport News and Hampton there
is liItlo room left.
A GERMAN AT THE HYGEA.
The last week before the naval rendeZ~
vous proper was closed with brilliant ger
man given by the ladies of the Hygea hotel
to the Russian aud American officers of the
fleet in the roads. Sixty beautifully gowned
women danced with nearly as many uni
formed officers Of the navy, the half dozen
army officers stationed at the post and tho
few civilians who we're fortunate enough TO
be included among the guests Tho ladies'
! to-day determined to let down the bars and
include few Of the army men aud civil
iens In their list as il was not considered
courteous TO come on the promontory Of the
army and not invite them. As no
one could be secured TO accept the
part of leader j. Lane StearnsO OF Richmond
was asked to take this responsibility and TO
make him feel perfectly at home among 30
many men In the service Of the government
half dozen civilians we're honored with
invitations.
Every ship in the roads whose officers
could he spared, sent her quota 60 either
dance with the girls or look on with the
captains and admirals. The ball room,
which extends almost TO the edge Of the
water, and from which the ships with their
brilliant electric Signals could Le
seen stretching for two miles
on the placid water. was q
beautiful sight with the handsome uniforms
OF the officers, the elegant costumes OF
women and appropriate decorations OF
electric lights and flags Of Russia and tho
United States. At 8 o'clock the german
began and lasted until midnight. Admirals
Gherardi, Benham ard Walker were present
with their staffs and watched the intricate
figures danced. Every section of the country
was represented by It's own type OF beauty.