The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-15
CH|LEANS GREET
 ADMIRAL EVANS BaitteShip Fleet Has Arrived At
 Valparaiso EXCHANGE OF C0URTESlES President Montt and Chilean Officials Meet the Americans Several Miles Out From the City and
 Extend Welcome.
EXCHANGE OF C0URTESlES

Valparaiso February 14 2:10 p. m.-The fleet of American battleshps under Rear Admiral Evans has just been sighted off Point Curaumilla light. The yes sells are in column formation and are approaching rapidly. The day is beau tiful and the spectacle of the Is big ships of war forging steadily over the blue water is magnificent.
 Valparaiso is filled with people who have come in for the naval review and the greatest enthusiasm prevails. Many boats have put out the better to witness the passing of the fleet. The shore along the point is crowded with people.
 The converted cruiser Yankton came in here several hours ahead of the war ships
 President Montt and the other high of ficials of the republic came out from shore to greet the battleships and almost the entire Chilean navy exchanged salutes with them as they swung around Carau- milla point and into Valparaiso bay in single file, headed by the Chilean cruiser Chacubuco and five Chilean torpedo boat destroyers.
 
 at 10 minutes after o'clock this after noon, the Chacabuco and the five Chilean destroyers led the Connecticut and her 15 sister ships into the view of the thousands who had awaited their appear ance since dawn. The day was perfect and the spectacle of the fleet stretched in great semi-circle as seen from the high hills around the bay was magnifi- cent
 President Montt and other Chilean off, cials embarked on the training ship Gen eral Baquedano and took position well out in the harbor. Around the Baquedano the fleet swung at speed of four knots, firing the presidential salute as they passed in review. It was one hour from the time the head of the fleet entered the bay until the last vessel had passed the Presidents ship and turned toward the open sea. Then the Baquedano lifted anchor and escorted the fleet well out or the bay and on its way to the north. It was a view such as has never before been seen in Valparaiso bay and one that will long be remembered by the people of Chile, who came miles to see it.
 Shipping in the harbor and the prin- cpal buildings in the city were dressed for the occasion as the day was ob- served as a holiday in honor of the fleet. The enthusiasm of the Chiieans was all most boundless, and they cheered Justify as the ships swung around the review ing ship, their sides lined with tackles in immaculate white and the bands play ing patriotic airs. The noise of the cheer i ing was lost, however, in that of the saluting guns from the fort and the fleet. i Altogether 1200 shots were fired. 1 After the fleet had passed to the north ward banquet was served on board the ] General Baquedano by President Montt, in honor of the diplomatic corps and his other guests. Toasts were drunk to Pres i ident Roosevelt and Admiral Evans and 1 his officers, crews and ships. In the city of Valparaiso tonight celebrations of 1 every kind are in progress and every 1 where may be heard words of praise for 1 Admiral Evans for having honored Val 1 paraiso with a visit.