The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-06-29

Especial Correspondence to The Herald }
ON BOARD THE CITY OF SYDNEY
Honolulu, June-3, 1S9S-The first division of
the expedition dispatched from San Fran
cisco to the assistance of Admiral Dewey
IN the Philippines reached Honolulu on the
evening of the list. inst. The troops were
received with the most enthusiastic demon
strations of joy and their stay has been
made pleasant one. The islanders have
overwhelmed them with hospitality, for the
generosity they have shown in entertain
ing the soldiers could not be surpassed.
From San Francisco to Honolulu the
voyage was uneventful one. Fair
weather prevailed all the way, and there
was nothing to disturb the perfect tram
quillity of the passage. Sailing three abreast
much of the time, the great transport ships,
City of Pekng, City of Sydney and Austria
liza, made an average of more than three
hundred knots a day.
With the two thousand and odd soldiers
hurrying across the Pacific the departure
from San Francisco bay was the beginning
of an entirely new experience. The first
part of their voyage as far as Honolulu has
indeed marked an epoch in their lives.
Whatever may happen from now on, it is
Bafe to say that the memory of these first
few days at sea will ever remain fresh.
A glorious farewell was accorded the de-
parting troops at San Francisco AS the
great transports steamed through the Gold
en- Gate with their prows pointed across
the Pacific toward Manila thousands of pa
triotic men and women cheered themselves
hoarse, sirens screamed, whistles shrieked
and small cannons added their own to the
general uproar. 1t was demonstration
not to be forgotten.
Strong Heart, Weak Stomach
But the cheering multitudes were soon left
behind, and the vessels bore out into the
broad ocean, actually started on their long
voyage. Beyond the bay the swells were
running high enough to make the ships toss
around a bit. Many of those aboard had
never been upon the ocean before, and it
vas soon evident that strong heart Is not
proof against weak stomach. 1t was not
long before severauo of them reluctantly sue
.umbed to the vessels motion and poured
their latest ratons overheard At first the
seasick ones were joshed by their compan-
Ions, but soon the joshers fell sadly into the
minority, and sea sickness ceased to be con-
Bidered joke.
Crowded Quarters
The vessels comprising the fleet have been
arranged very much alike for the accommo-
dation of the troops. The hold in the for
ward part of the vessels, which is ordinarily
used for Storage passengers, has been
fitted up for the rank and file of the army.
Hundreds of hunks have been constructed
close together in tiers, one above the other,
and in these the men sleep side by side,
sometimes as many as five in row. The
quarters are somewhat crowded, and the
air is sometimes bad, since the port holes
opening into this part of the ship have to be
kept closed, except when the sea is very
calm If opened at any other time to adj
init the air wave is liable to dash in and
drench everything within radius of sew
eral yards. The men have put up with the
inconvenience, however. and have general
ly borne their discomforts uncomplainingly