Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-04-14
DOLPHIN AT SAN JUAN
MooDY'S PARTY
CORDIALLY RECEIVED.
A Brilliant Reception-Review of the
Regiment-Visit to Moro Castle
Wild Rumor Of German Insult.
Special Correspondence OF The Evening Star.

Special Correspondence OF The Evening STAR
SAN JUAN, P. l.. April 8, 1903.
Secretary Of the Navy Moody. who has:
Just visited this island, has come SO close
to an open avowal of his preference Tor
San Juan over Culebra az site for the
West Indian naval station OF the United
States that the people of the capital OF
Porto Rico are encouraged. Secretary
Moody does not hesitate to say that he
considers San Juan harbor superior to
Great harbor in Culebra, but he is dis
creetly noncommital as to whether either
place ought to be made more than a base
of supplies. His recuperation from his re-
cent illness has been rapid, and apparently
he has enjoyed every hour Of his stay In
Porto Rico.
The Dolphin arrived at San Juan On April
1. bearing Postmaster General Payne. Sec
rotary Moody. Senator Redfield r. Proctor
Of Vermont, Representatives Joseph Can
non George E. Foss of Illinois and FRED
erick H. Gillet Of Massa chusetts; judge
Dunbar of Boston, J. H. Pearle, Mr..
Moody's law partner. and Fred L. Fish
back, Mr.. Moody's private secretary.
The Dolphin came into San Juan harbor
just six hours after the departure OF MISS
Alice Roosevelt on the Coamo and thus the
excitement attending Miss RoOsevelts leav-
ing had hardly subsidized when the visit OF
the distinguished guests, whose presence
meant much to the commercial and social
interests of San Juan. was begun.
A Wild Rumor.
Within an hour after the Dolphin had
dropped anchor there were many stories
afloat to the effect that the German gun
boat Panther which reached San Juan from
Venezuela a few days before. deliberately
insulted Secretary Moody by refusing to
salute his flag. That the Panther did not
,1,,fo SC, tr.,o butt nr pnY YV19
ately sent to the Dolphin an explanation
that she was not saluting vessel. A sim
liar explanation was sent to Gov. Hunt.
and war with Germany was again III
definitely postponed.
Official calls were made between the ves-
sells. and on the following night the Ger
man officers were guests at the palace,
where Gov Hunt invited all the official and
social dignitaries of San Juan and the OFF,
GERS of the Panther and on the Italian
cruiser Giovanni Bausan to meet the Post
master General Secretary Moody and the
Dolphin party. The reception followed q
dinner given by Gov. and Mrs. Hunt. and
was brilliant affair. the old Spanish
throne room being beautifully decorated
with palms and flags for the occasion.
Commandant Dunlap of the San Juan
naval station had arranged day reception,
which was Cancelled because of the sudden
death of Lieut.. Alonzo c. Baker of the
United States Marine Corps on the battle
ship Maine. Secretary Moody and his en-
tire party attended Lieut.. Bakers funeral.
On the following day Secretary Moody re-
ceived informally on the Dolphin about all
| the people who are prominent in official and
social life in San Juan. The trim little ship
looked gay with palms and bunting, and the
Porto Rican regiment band played while
the visitors chatted and slipped punch.
The next day was day of inspection.
and on Saturday morning. in a trolley car
hidden in American flags and palms. the
Dolphin party rode to Rio Piedras, where
they took coaches for a trip across the
island over the military road to Ponce, the
Dolphin proceeding to Ponce by sea.
Reviewed the Regiment.
During their stay in San Juan the party
were escorted to Moro Castle barracks by
Colonel Buchanan and witnessed a review
Of the Porto Rican Regiment. soon to be
disbanded All expressed themselves as
highly pleased with the soldierly appear
ance of the native troops. Next to Mr..
Moody Uncle joe Cannon excited the
most attention among Porto Rtcans, who
seem to be impressed by his name. Post
master General Payne said he was graft
fed with the state of postal affairs In this
island, which indicates growing prosperity
among the people and a most efficient local
management
While the Dolphin was In port she was
visited by many natives. One of these.
feeling thirsty, turned to man In white
and wearing a sort of naval cap, said: "Ill
have drink of water" The man hurried
away without word and soon returned
with the water. which the native drank.
The man in white then took the glass back
to the cabin. While he was gone an Ameri.
can, who had seen the whole procedure,
said to the native, You ought to have tip
ped that fellow" The native fumbled In his
pocket for a coin. but mildly protested.
why should I?' And the American said,
Because that was Mr.. Moody, the Secre-
tary of the Navy" 1t was true. and when
the Secretary emerged from the cabin the
natives profuse apologies were made as
only one of the Latin race can make them,
while the Secretary. laughingly tried to put
the Porto Rcan at his ease