Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-06
ADMIRAL EVANS IMPROVING
Squadron Will Salute in Passing
Port of Valparaiso.
5 SEAMEN NEARLY DROWNED
Breakfasts and Dances-Punta
Arenas Is Having a Feast
of Music

Pt tNTA ARENAS, STRAIT or Magellan.
February 6-The social gale ties in con-
necton with the presence here of the
American fleet of battleshps under Rear
Admiral Evans continue unabated. Din
ners and dancing. excursions and recep-
tions follow one another in quick sue
cession. the Americans trying to repay
the hospitality of their Chile an hosts
and the Chileans striving constantly to
put their visitors further in their debt.
1t was originally planned to have the
fleet leave here last evening, but this
program was changed and the departure
was delayed until tomorrow in order to
give the Americans more time in which
to return the hospitality extended them
by the residents and the authorities of
Punta Arenas.
The health of Rear Admiral Evans, who
at Rio Janei iro was suffering from rheu-
niatism. is improving steadily.
Valparaiso Next.
The fleet will leave Friday night at
IL o'clock. The torpedo boat f1otilla will
accompany the battleships throught the
str ait as far as Cape Pillar. al the west
end. from which point the smaller yes
sells will take an inside passage to the
north.
A. Valparaiso the fleet will steam close
in shore and salute the town. The Chilean
cruiser Chacabuco will precede the feet
out of the strait. The vessels expect to
arrive off Valparaiso Friday, February
IA. about clock in the afternoon.
One Of the boats of the battleship Rhode
Island, in which Midshipman Herndon r.
Kelly and four seamen were rowing. was
capsized off the spit near Punta Arenas
yesterday afternoon by sudden heavy
gust of wind. The five men clung to the
bottom of their upturned boat and sig
nailed for help. Their plight was quickly
observed from shore. and Capt. Martin
the maritime governor of the territory
Immediately went TO their assistance in a
launch He was successful In getting all
five men safely transferred to his boat
They were rather exhausted from their
efforts to keep af1oat in the heavy seas
but otherwise none the worse for their
experience.
Entertained at Breakfast.
John Hicks. the American minister to
Chile, who came down to Punta Arenas on
the Chacabuco, entertained the American
admirals and captains at breakfast yester-
day on board this vessel. Commander
Hodges of the British cruiser Sappho also
was guest. No toasts were offered by
the officers but Henry l.. James. secretary
of the American legation at Valparaiso.
made a brief address. closing with the
statement that he expected that some day
the sailors of the British, Chilean and
American navies would claim and attain
dominion over the seven seas.
While the officers were being entertained
in the wardroom of the ChacabucO 200
American and % British bluejackets were
given a splendid breakfast the lower
the sailors drank to the health Of their
respective nations and their commanding
admirals.
Had Hanging Orchestra.
Tuesday afternoon there was dance on
board the Chaca buco at which the society
of Punta Arenas was we'll represented.
Four hundred guests danced until 6
o'clock in the evening.
Among those present were Minister
Hicks. Admirals Thomas. Emory and
Sperry of the American fleet and other
American officers, members of the follow
ing Punta Arenas families. Chaigneau,
Braun. Guevara. Stuven. Menendez, Cam
pos. Roberts. Martin and Rojas. as we'll
as several British and Argentine naval Of
fcers. The decks of the Chacabuco were
draped with the flags of all nations anS
decorated with evergreens. while foun-
tains and niosks had been arranged where
they would not interfere with the dane
ing. refreshments were served at small
tables. the orchestra was installed in the
boats hanging at the davits. The after
noon was one of animation and the dance
came 10 end with the American cake
walk and the rendering of the famous
Chilean dance. the "CueCa."
Punta Arenas Is having a feast of music
Every day bands from one or another of
tn American warships play on the plaza.
Valparaiso and the Fleet.
VALPARAISO. Chile, February 6.-The
news that the American feet Of battle
ships will pass close to the shore and sa-
lutte the port has been received with en-
thusiasm. Preparations are being made
for a great demonstration of welcome
The people regret that they will have no
opportunity Of entertaining the American
officers and sailors on shore.