The Colfax gazette. [volume] (Colfax, Wash.) 1893-1932, 1908-05-29
FIGHTING SHIPS ARRIVE
Greeted at Seattle With Patri-
OtiC Demonstration.
Imposing Marine Parade Witnessed
BY MuItitudes- Reception to
Officers Exposition Work.

Seattle, May 24.-(SpeciaI to The Ga
zette. 1.-The American Armada arrived
in this port yesterday afternoon on
schedule time almost to the minute, and
lies at anchor in the spacious waters OF
Elliot bay. The sight Of so many yes
sells Of war gathered together at one time
was never witnessed before by any Of the
thousands who came from far and near
to see the spectacle, and the enthusiasm
enkindled knew no bounds and gave vent
in every form Of patriotic feeling. And
no less inspiring was the sight of the fleet
of boats carrying thousands of sight
seeTs, that steamed out to meet the war
vessels and accompanied them as they
came in single file to their assigned places
OF anchorage. 1t was marine display
that covered miles in extent Of craft Of all
descriptions, such a gathering perhaps as
will never be seen in these waters again.
1t is estimated that nearly half million
people looked down upon this spectacle
from every view pOint-cOvering house
tops, peeping out of windows, spreading
over every hillside fronting the bay, lin
ing the water front. Did you ever stop
to think, dear reader, what it means to
turn about and face nearly half million
human beings at one glance? 1t is hu-
man hive that beggars description-al-
most as interesting as the picture spread
on the blue waters OF Puget Sound.
The line of war vessels, headed by the
flagship Connecticut, consisted Of twelve,
four Of the fleet having been sent to the
navy yard at Bremerton for repairs.
The day was perfect. Alter casting
anchor hundreds Of the jackies were sent
ashore from the different vessels, and
were soon looking at the sights and
mnging with the crowds. They were
made welcome everywhere. During the
three days the fleet is to be here, certain
of the vessels are receiving guests, which
is being taken advantage Of by thous
ands Of people.
Seattle is to be congratulated on the
manner in which she has handled the
vast throngs. All have been provided
for, with few instances Of extOrtiOn re-
corded And such instances, when
brought to the attention of the reception
committee, have been advertised, 80 that
the world may know the names Of those
engaged in the business. With one ex
ception none OF the hotels advanced
rates, although they could have rented
their rooms many times over. That ex-
ception is the Lincoln hotel, which at
tempted to charge So night for bed.
The reception committee took the mat
ter in hand and stopped, as far as they
could, the nefarious proceeding.
Seattle is in patriotic attire. Flags,
bunting, streamers, patriotic designs
cover all the buildings. Flags are in ev
idence everywhere and in everything.
Scarfs, necktes, handkerchiefs, tri color
ribbons adorn beautiful women and are
sought for by men. 1t discounts any
Fourth Of July celebration ever seen in
the Northwest. The shipping in the har
altogether the spirit Of patriotism has
been rekindled and is burning at almost
white heat. The pessimst has stopped
his street meetings for the time being,
evidently having gore away back and
sat down. And the electrical display at
night is q dream. Looking up or down
any OF the main streets it is like peering
into fairyland, thousands of arc lights
being strung on each side, in addition to
the usual liberal display. Thousands
line the sidewalks to see all this. And
no less beautiful and effective are the
sights seen on the waters. The twelve
battleships, bound from stem to stern
from hull 70 masthead, with electric
lights, is a sight that enchants the
senses and must be seen to be understood
Rece ption to the Officers.
Rear Admiral Sperry and the officers
of the fleet were given a reception at the
New Washington Hotel last night that
was attended by fully 1000 persons.
1t was a swell affair, where swallOw-tail
coats and other eccentricities were IN
evidence, although one PalOuser, with
hayseeds combed out and attired in
rigid black, was made welcome and
( shook hands with the genial admiral and
his fellow officers. Admiral Sperry is
spare built, Of medium height, wearing
grey moustache. He appears to be Of
retiring disposition, evidently being
averse to receiving expressions of mere
fIattery, which, Of course, he had thrown
at him on divers occasions. His wife
stood beside him and together they
we're first in line. After being presented
to the officers of the fleet, who were
dressed in full uniform, the guests had
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