The sun., 1908-12-20


IL would ~ better to serve bssg enly
with the mems meals. but soft drink
ware TO be had at any time. For two
days the men had Chinese chow for
their meals and then, as ives the case
with the offioers. II was changed TO
European food.
II was just long play spell all around.
When the men got tired OF loahng
around the parade ground they went up
to the temple. Several times during the
day religious services we're being held
by the priests. They were praying for
good weather and were giving thanks
for the safo arrival Of the feet.
SO the days went by rapidly. Every
morning and afternoon there were sports
until the championships were decided.
That brought out the rooters.
II you want to See fun 60 to q baseball
or football match between TWO ships.
There is one aspect Of naval athletics
that 10 most praiseworthy. Umpires
and referees are usually officers. The
sense Of discipline prevails on the athletio
aeld as II does on shipboard. When
an umpire decides there is no chewing
the rag. You can hear almost every
kind Of a shout except the familiar howl.
XIII the umpirel-
Word had been passed around that the
Government had sent most beautiful
prizes down. There were gold cups
valued at $1,000 each for the baseball
and football championships and minia-
ture copies OF the large cups for the indi-
vidual players. For rowing and field
sports there were silver cups,
Well. the Louisiana got all the rowing
honors. as was to be expected. She
fought out the football finals with the
Virginia and the Virginia won. That
sanne day. and using some OF the men
from the football team, she fought out
the final game in baseball. and the Ken
tuoky won by q close SCORE. Prince Lang
and Mr.. LANG insisted on watching oil the
sports.
orBrs FROM THE RECEPTION COMMISSION.
Il was on the afternoon OF the last day
that the full hospitality was realized.
Then were presented the costly gifts
China had prepared 10 commemorate
the visit.
In addition to presents and trophies
for the athletes and those who managed
them there were beautiful and expensive
presents for. commanding officers and
even for the ships. Every ship received
a beautiful silver bowl. The Admiral and
Captains each received a beautiful bowl
nearly an large as those given to the ships.
at least two chairs and a table in ebony
inlaid furniture. Then there were lacquer
boxes, dressing sets. ivory jewel boxes
and a lot Of other beautiful things show
cred upon the commanding officers.
In addition each officer in the feet re-
ceived a oloisonne vase. in which the
fags Of America and China were crossed.
Each man In the squadron received q
cloisonne cup. The squadron was fairly
loaded down with gifts.
One Of the last gifts that came to
the Louisiana was about forty wicker
cases containing enormous pomelos. g
kind Of grape fruit. They oame from the
private garden Of the Dowager Empress.
TIE GOODBYE.
The leavetaiings at the landing stage
that night were little hard to say. Ad-
miral Sab seemed to find II difficult to keep
down emotion In true Chinese fashion. The
Americans had been guests on his ships.
They had found his flag ship marvel
OF cleanliness and naval shipshapeness.
to use a word which one OF the Americans
coined. Never was q private yacht In
a more beautiful condition. was fire.
quent remark.
sah took it hard. this good-by business.
but finally all got away and promptly at
0 A. NJ. on November the squadron
started out of the harbor. Sab In his
flagship leading the way. A great cloud
OF smoke from millions CT frecraokers
that were set OF along the wall Of the
parade ground hid the scene Of the festivi-
ties from sight. Sah finally stopped.
honors and salutes were exchanged and
the squadron passed out to sea.
When once outside the harbor the
Louisiana turned southwest to 60 to
HonRkonR. Admiral Schroeder took
charge Of the seven other ships and they
Aired salute to the squadron commander
about to be retired. The salute was re-
turned in the usual style.
Admiral Emory hauled down his flag
and the customary salute Of thirteen guns
was given just before sunset this evening. |