The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-05-12

speeches. After the luncheon a move was made to the grandstand, specially erected for the witnessing of the spectacle of the naval attack on the island. The attacking party were dressed in white and were further distinguished by the use of white ensign. while the defenders, in blue, carried the Union Jack
 The operations were carried out by the men under training in the gunboats at tached to the island, assstance' being giv- en by officers and men of the Vernon Torpedo school in the sweeping and min ing work which preceded the attack, these operations being to clear the defending mines from the channel leading to the island, so as to enable the gunboats to pass in. Picket boats, with explosive sweep, steamed up the channel, firing charges and blowing up the mines, this work being carried on under fire from the gunboats. As soon as the gunboats opened fire two companies of defenders arrived and lined the lower trenches on the shore of the island
 Landin Under Fire.
 A few moments later 1t was noticed that the landing party was being disem- parked from the gunboats into pinnacles and simultaneously another detachment of the defense force arrived on the spot, manning the upper trenches and epoul- ments. The north side of the island is  giving some protection to defenders
 Now, however shells began to explode in the lower trenches, driving the defepd- CTS out and at the same time four com panies of the attack landed with twelve pounders and Maxims. The guns of the defending party were now supposed to be silenced, the gunboats ceased fire and the attack occupied the trenches vacated by the defenders, who still held the heights.
 This was not for long, for the attacking guns had now arrived on the right flank and opening fire, forced them to with draw with their guns. They fell back into the loopholed building, from which cover they were able to check their as sailants.
 The attack now played it's trump card bringing on shore a Al inch gun, which was smartly landed on a muddy beach and in less than ten minutes brought into action. quickly clearing out the defenders from their block house, the attacking in fantry extending at the same time as If for a final rush.
 But the game was not to be won so easily, for, just as everything seemed to favor the attack, armored train ap- peared with endorsements. These cap tured the attackers Maxms and, opening fire, drove back the 12-pounders, forcing
 the enemy to evacuate the crest of the hill.
 They have to dismount and leave their
 AT inch gun, although they manage to re- embark some of their 12-pounders, but they only just manage to get away. the defenders readvancing and capturing many prisoners. Just as cease fire sounds and the operations end with God Save the Kingn'
 These exercises. theatrical as they were, owing to the conditions of time and space, afford excellent opportunity for the ex- ] hibition of the smartness and dexterity with which the bluejackets handle heavy guns under favorable cumstances. The arrangements of every kind were most excellent and the novelty and spirit of the spectacle pleased everybody immensely. But the programme was not yet finished. | for the visitors now embarked in tugs at l the pier head and proceeded down the harbor, passing the old Victory and the historic point made memorable by Mar