Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-24
WELCOME RATHER CHILLY
People as a Rule Not at All En-
thusiastic.
INCIDENTS OF THE VOYAGE
Preparations for Jolly Christmas.
Neptune Sends Aboard His Proc
lamation in Due Form.
Special Cablegram to The Star.

optCldl SdDltglhun 10 L uc StdI
PORT OF SPAIN. Trinidad, December
4.-The battleship feet under command
of Rear Admiral Evans reached it's first
port of call in it's 14.OO0-mile voyage to
the Pacific yesterday afternoon, q full
day ahead Of schedule.
The ships entered the harbor in four
divisions, and, steaming past the city.
came to an anchorage in the gulf Of
Paria, about four miles from Port of
Spain. The feet made fine spectacle as
it swept through the Dragons mouth and
down the harbor. The ships came to an
Choir in splendid form, all the anchors
dropping with splash simultaneously.
The usual port ceremonies followed at
once. The harbormaster and health off,
Ger of the British colonial city called, and
pratique was granted without delay.
Admiral Evans gave shore liberty to the
first-class men.
The voyage from Hampton roads was
successful and uneventful.
The entire fleet witnessed a burial at
~
the Alabama, who enlisted in Dallas in
August. died of meningitis. The columns
came to stop, flags were half-masted
and three volleys fired as taps as the
body was committed to the sea. The Mis-
souri, was detached to San Juan and the
Illinois to Culebra, each to take an Ill
member of the crew to hospitals, sub
sequently rejoining the fleet.
Tests Patent Fuel.
The little tender Yankton was unable
to keep up with the. battleships, and by
Saturday was so far behind that she was
out of sight. She came into the harbor
at midnight Monday. eight hours behind.
and anchored with the fleet.
Admiral Evans conducted a. briquette
test on the Connecticut for six hours
Sunday.
After passing out of the capes the feet
sailed for two days in four-column for
nation. then proceeded in two-column
formation until approaching the coast,
when single column was the order.
Heavy swells were encountered above
ST. Thomas From there on strong trade
winds with occasional brief showers were
met Otherwise the weather was clear
and fine.
There was constant drilling. routine
drills by day and practice in Ardois sig
mailing at night.
Neptune's Proclamation.
A proclamation has been made to all
ships regarding the Neptune equator
ceremonies. 1t gives warning that ''all
land lubbers, pollywogs and sea law
yers'' will be unable to escape the initia-
ton. Men with families were ordered to
make. wills, and three-fourths of all the
crews will be ducked and barbered.
On Christmas day the Minnesota win
entertain all the officers in the after
noon There will be racing and boxing
and a general jubilation on every ship.
Coaling started at daylight today. The
coal consumption during the trip here
was slightly below expectations.
Sailors in High Spirits.
Yesterday and today were pay days
aboard the fleet. The men \are in high
spirits over the prospect of a trip around
the world.
The torpedo flotilla sailed for Rio de
Janeiro this morning. The Lawrence dis
abled her valve gear eighty miles east
of Trinidad Sunday and returned for re-
pairs.
The Whipple buried seaman off Hat
teras. His death was caused by alcohol
ism. Another of the Whipple's men went
insane.
Two men OIL the crew Wcnl dOTll
in a dory in the Gulf of Paria Monday
and were given up for lost A sarch was
kept up, however, and they were recov-
cred that night.
Monday night the Hopkins encountered
a derelict off Hatteras and slightly dam
aged her propeller.
Rear Admiral Evans and Sir H. NJ.
Jackson Governor of Trinidad and To-
bago exchanged calls today.
Generally speaking, the people of Trini-
oil tta 10 A II
can fleet.
Admiral Evans, accompanied by the
members of his staff. landed at II o'clock
They were received by guard of honor
from the local militia. Accompanied by
a band, the officers proceeded to the Gov
ernment house, the admiral riding in the
governors carriage.
The city of Port of Spain lies on a curve
in the Gulf of Paria, on the west side Of
the Island of Trinidad. 1t is one of the
cleanest most attractive and comfortable
towns in the West Indies.
From the bay the view of the port Is
bright and beautiful: while walled houses
capped with red roofs nestle among lux
uriant and BRILLIANT tropical foliage; in
the foreground sparkle the blue waters of
the gulf. while behind the town the en-
circling hills make frame OF Changing
hues.
1t is an English town. English is the
tongue of the blacks. and Christmas is
observed in the English way. 1t is a
modern town. with well paved streets,
good street car service. good stores and
hotels. attractive tropical parks, and ex-
tensive gardens.
There are several clubs. some in the city
and others in the nearby country. The
famous Trinidad asphalt lake Is sixty
miles from Port of Spain. 1t supplies.
under lease to an American company raw
material for American pavements. The
waters of the bay are shallow. and ves-
| sells of deep draft have to anchor some
distance out. The climate at this season
| is warm and pleasant.
Greeting Sent to Fleet.
Secretary Metcalf has sent the follow
ing Christmas greeting to Rear Admiral
Evans, commanding the Atlantic fleet.
which has just arrived at Port of Spain.
Trinidad:
1.-THE department extends to you and
the officers and the men Of your COM
mand best wishes for Merry Christmas.
| (Signed) '.METCALF."
This message is to be sent by wireless
telegraph. starting from the station at the
Washington navy yard. and then down the
Il