The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-08-23
Cervcra'S Fleet.

New York, August 20.-Hundreds Of
thousands Of people along the banks
Of the Hudson and thousands on all
styles Of river craft blended their
shouts in royal welcome to the re-
turned North Atlantic squadron, un-
der command Of Rear Admiral samp-
son, and as fine an August day as
could be desired was natures tribute
to the return of the VictOrs. For al
most three hours steam whistles of all
sizes, steam sirens and small guns
along the shores shreked and DOOmed
in the effort to display the heartfelt
enthusiasm for the home coming Of
the naval heroes with their battle
SCARED ships.
Early in the morning the seven big
ships-the New York, Iowa, Indiana,
Brooklyn, Massachusetts, Oregon and
Texas-Iay in New York bay just off
TOmpkinsvilIe, S. 1. There was no idea
with Admiral Sampson that New York
was prepared for 50 rOuSing recep-
ton, but the news was brought short
ly by a tug from the navy yard and
all of the ships Of the squadron were
Immediately put under preparations
for dress review.
BY 9 o'clock the big, dull looking
fighting ships, looming high above the
picturesque confusion of smaller craft
which had come down to get a glimpse
of them, were ready for movement.
Strung out along their decks, in long,
regular lines, were the white uniform
ed jackies. with here and there a blue
coated officer; all strongly contrast
ed against the sombre, lead-colored ar
NOR of the ships.
When the hour for the start come,
it looked as if it would be impossible
for the great ships to make their way
through the perfect jam Of river craft.
Vessels of all descriptions, from the
smallest steam launch to the great
ocean liner, were banked around the
squadron. Cheers and shouts of well
come rose from every deck, and the
boats whistles all joined in the shout
of welcome. Suddenly there was a
movement on the flagship New York
and the big vessel started forward
with a slow, stately glide. She was
Immediately followed by the other six
ships in the following order: Iowa,
Indiana, Brooklyn, Massachusetts, Or
egOn, Texas 1t was some time before
the vessels could get into review for
nation, but by the time the New
YOrks PROV came in line with Gov
ernors Island, the other ships had
formed in q regular line.
The start was made accompanied by
tremendous cheering, screeching
voices and booming of cannon. From
Castle William came the first salute.
1t was merely a flash of bright red,
which was Immediately smothered in
q sheet of smoke before the detonatiOn
was heard. Then came one roar
across the waters, and the ships head
ed right in the river on the way to
General Grants tomb
All along the line, on piers, sheds,
houses and every possible point of
vantage, people were packed. The riv-
er craft CrOwding the warships close,
were Jammed with passengers, sink
ing the sides of the vessels almost to
thSir guardrails on one side, giving the
impression that even the ships them
selves bowed in unconscious salute to
the returned naval heroes. The width
of the Hudson river was a struggling
huttermg, darting mass of color, con-
fusion and cheers.
As the vessels moved further up the
river. the water, which had peen calm
at the battery, was churned by the
action OF the hundreds of steamers
and wav4S dashed over the small boats
and shells of spray dampaned the pas
sengers ON the lower decks of the
larger steamers.
AS the grim-loOkiI.g battleships NOV
ed up the river, the crowds became
denSer and the enthusiasm more mark
ed. AT Riverside drive. with its steep
grassy slope. the scene was like a
vast amphitheatre. Tens of thousands
OF persons covered the green slope and
;aS the battieships approached a
"nlShty cheer arose that reveTberatea
'Dack and forth across the Hu dson. At
che bottom of the slope an observation
tram crawled lazily along, keeping
even with the ships above this the
vast sea OF humanity, and Gro wnne
1lls feneral Grants tomb, which, was
10 mark the beginning of the return OF
tne squadron, where a national sa lutte
OF tWenty-one guns was fired. ,rhe
tomb, standing high. white, and SOL
emf, faf above the waters Of the rive T.
looked to be built up on a foundations.
of faces.
For the first time in the parade the !
battleships drew together. Just at the |
point OF return there was q momentary
lull, as If eXpectant of the climax. |
Suddenly, from the sides and turrets |
OF the battleships there was a vivid |
flash: following this a tremendous |
Toar, announcing the first gun of the |
national salute. The heavy smoke |
1Imbled down towards the water and
UP into the air until the ships had been
almost hidden, but the roar, coming |
again and again, seemed to rock the |
waters themselves. 1t was an impos- |
ing spectacle as the big battleships |
doomed q salute to the nation. as the |
warships s2luted the final resting place {
of General Grant and the guns that |
the knell of Admiral Ger |
Veras ships at Santiago doomed a |
reYerential Obeisance to the dead hero.
The salute ended, the return of the