Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-12-25
Arrived at Trinidad Ahead Of
Schedule Time and People Crowd
ed Waterfront 10 View Sight.
HEARTY WELCOME FROM The PEOPLE
Jackics VIII Pass Christmas Among
People Who Will Give Them the
Most Cordial Sort of Greetings
Two Thousand Men Given Shore
Observation-Disclosures Pleased.
tBy Associated Press)

by Associated Press)
PORT OF SPAIN, Dec. 24.-The
first day of the officers and men of
the American battleship fleet at this
port proved to be an enjoyable one.
Bright sunshine favored the visitors
and after everything was made ship
shape on board the battleships two
thousand men were permitted to come
ashore. The officers of the fleet to
the number of a hundred or more at
tended a garden party. at which they
had an opportunity of meeting many
of the prominent public men OF Port
of Spain.
Sir Henry Moore Jackson. governor
OF Trinidad, accompanied BY his
staff. returned the visit of Rear Adj
miral Evans. which the American
commander had made in the morning
and extended to him and some of the
fifty Superior officers an invitation to
luncheon.
All through the day the great
American ships. as well as those who
manned them, were objects OF special
interest to the entire populace, who
found time to make the occasion n
gala one. The town put on its best
attire and pleasing decorations greet
ed the eye at every turn.
The men of the fleet. who were Civ
en- shore spent their time in sight
seeing ana playing ut various, games
and their behavior in every respect
was most exemplary. The holiday
feeling spread even to the ships
themselves where amuscments of all
kinds were permitted.
There will be numerous social func-
tions here in honor Of the American
officers and one day will be given
over to the races.
PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD, Dec.
24.-Although not due here until to-
day the American hattleship fleet ar
rived In this port yesterday, complet-
ing the first leg of the 14,000-mile
journey to the Pacific.
Daylight today showed the warships
anchored Is four column formation.
about four miles from the wharf The
people crowded the waterfront to
view the imposing array of white
ships of war, entertainment commit
tees completed their final arrange
ments. and the town rapidly took on
its best holiday attire.
Port of Spain has prepared to well
come the fleet with hospitality and
good fellowship.
Nnmberess launches, rowboats,
small yachts and harbor craft Of all
sorts began putting out at an early
hour to take sightseers over 10 the
American vessels. They clustered
and crushed about between the an
chored warships, glistening in the
sunlight of warm, perfect day, while
the crowd voiced its admiration.
Rear Admiral Evans, accompanied
by his staff, called on the governor OF
Trinidad, Sir Henry Moore Jackson.
this morning They We're received on
landing by a squad of honor from
the local militia.
party Of officers from the fleet
came ashore this afternoon. The
warships this morning. took coal
from the Golfers. All on board the
vessels are well.
The tender Yankton. arriving dur
Ing the night, several hours later
than the feet. She was unable to
Keep up with the other vessels.
TWO thousand of the men of the
battleship feet wece granted liberty
this afternoon and we're warmly well
coined by the populace when they
landed. They gave themselves up to
the enjoyment of sightseeing and
playing baseball and other games.
The town presents a lively appear
ance.
During the movements of the tor
pcdo boat llotila. preparatory to
leaving the harbor this morning. the
destroyer Whipple's propeller fouled
the anchor chain of the collier Fortl-
ma. This accident delayed the de-
parture of the 1otilla second time.
The torpedo boat returned here yes
terday after having sailed Sunday.
because of damage to the machinery
OF the Lawrence. The Whipple at
once was hove to and divers we're
sent down to clear the propeller. The
accident was not serious
Where Christmas Will be Spent.
The City of Port of Spain lies on
curve In the Gulf of Paria on the
West side of the Island of Trinidad.
1t is one OF the cleanest. most attrac-
tive and comfortable towns In the