The evening Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1902-1902, 1902-05-22
OUR FRENCH GUESTS
Interesting Naval Ceremonies
at Annapolis.
FORMAL WELCOME IS EXTENDED.
Representatives of the Government
Board the Gaulois, just Arrived
From France, ana Exchange
Courfeaiea.

ANNAPOLIS. Md, May 22.-The ini.
tial reception Of the representatives OF
the French republic who are here 10
narticpate in the ceremonies attendant
upon the unwilling of the Rochampeau
monument in Washington next Friday
took place on board the French battle
ship Gaulois in Annapolis roads at
O'Clock yesterday The weather was
ideal, the sun shinging brightly, while
a refreshing breeze was waited IRON
the Chesapeake bay,
The scene on Annapolis bay was pic
turesque and inspiring. Besides inc
usual contingent of sailing vessels anu
small craft dotting the bay there We're
number of. formidable representa-
tives of the American navy ut anesof
in the tranquil waters of the severn
These included, besides the Dolphin,
the auxiliary cruiser Gloucester. the
hattleship Indiana, the training snip
Chesapeake, the monitor Terror, the
practice ship Standish, the torpedo
boat ,Gwynn and the submarine boat
Holland.
The commissioners representing the
United States namely, Colonel Iheo-
dore f. Bingham, superintendent OF
public grounds in Washington Assist
ant Secretary Of State II. ii. u. FIERCE
and Commander b. r. Rodgers-reach-
ed Annapolis from Washington on the
9:l5 train and at once proceeded III car
riages to the wharf, where they EN-
barked on the dispatch boat Dolphin,
commanded by Captain Albert uleaVes.
The commissioners were accompanied
by the several members of the frehch
embassy at Washington.
At 1870 the Dolphin got under way
stcaming slowly over the shailo"
channel to meet the incoming Gaulols.
The Gaulois and the American escort
the Olympia Alabama and kearsarge
under the command of Admiral Hig-
einsou. were anchored off Greenberry
point lighthouse, five miles below An
lapolis.
On board the French steamer every
preparation had evidently been made
for a most pleasing reception of the
American representatives. The giant
baltleship, Il perfect model OF modern
naval architecture, WAS spick and span
from bow to stern, ana every sailor,
marine and officer was in proper place
| to give a hearty welcome to the Ameri-
can visitors. AS soon as the commas
sioners touched the deck of the eau
lois they were effusively greeted by
General Brugere, Admiral Fourier ana
their staff officers.
Those present as commissioners from
France were as follows:
General Brugcrc, Admiral Fourier.
General dc Chalendar, Lieutenant Colo
mel Meaux st. Marc Lieutenant Colo.
mel Hermte. Commandant Berthelot,
CAPTAIN de Poilieue de st. Mars, Cap
tain Filloneau, Captain Lasson, Lieu
tenant Commander sauvaire Jourdan.
!. Lieutenant Commander de Relnach de
. Werth and Lieutenant Commander lie
| Jay.
After greetings had been exchanged
the visitors were escorted to the cabin.
, which had been tastefully decorated
: for the occasion with flowers and fruits,
where the brief ceremony Of welcome
and response at once took place
In the evening General Brugere and
: Admiral Fourier received at dinner
Admiral Higeinson, Flag Lieutenant
Evans and other American officers.