Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-31
Formal Entry of Americans of
the Fleet Into City.
GREETED BY THOUSANDS
Spirit of Fraternization the Domi-
nant Note in Greeting.
DECORATIONS ARE GORGEOUS
Admiral Sperry and Staff Met by
Prime Minister Deakin and
Premier Bent.

MELBOURNE, August 31.-The formal
entry of the Americans into Melbourne
took place today. Admiral Sperry and
his staff landed at the st. Kilda pier.
where they were met by the prime minis
ter. Alfred Deakin the premier of Vic
toria. Sir Thomas Bent, and the other
members of the commonwealth and state
ministries.
The other officers of the American feet
and blueJackets and marines, to the num-
ber Of more than two thousand, landed
at Port Melbourne pier at 9:45 am. From
that point they marched. twelve deep.
past Port Melbourne and South Mel
bourne town halls to ST. kilda road, the
main southern approach TO the city,
where the densest masses of sightseers
had assembled. The school children had
gathered there and formed themselves
into a tableau. giving a great welcome to
the men. .IlaA n
1t was a blustery day. and clouds OF
dust somewhat marred the spectacle. but
notwithstanding the threat of rain. the
city never had such crowded streets.
The dominant note since the arrival of
the fleet has been deep and universal
spirit of determination. which has per-
meated all classes and creeds. without
regard 10 age. lHOuSdUOS WcIc dotiI
and by the time the procession passed
they occupied the points of vantage for
the six miles en- route. Gorgeous deco
rations were to be seen everywhere.
From Princess bridge the line of march
took it's way through Swanston street,
Bourke, William and Collins streets to
the treasury. and thence on to the ex-
hibtion building
All of the buildings were blaze of
color: fiags hung everywhere and stream
ers In profusion stretched across the
streets No single house or business
building was without an emblem of good
cheer. The windows, the balconies and
roofs were thronged.
Australian Fervor Indescribable.
1t was more like a triumphant march
than a parade Of visiting sailormen. The
fervor of the Australians welcome was
almost indescribable. The exhibition
building was reached at 1915.
The enormous crowd that turned out to
witness the formal entry Of the American
sailors this morning proved too much for
the Princess bridge. which spans .tns the
to the city proper. The bridge barriers
were 'overborne and as a result several
people we're slightly injured.
At the exhibition buildings to welcome
Admiral Sperry and the officers and men
of the fleet were Lord Northcote, the gov
ernor general Of Australia: Sir Thomas
Gibson-Carmichael, governor Of Victoria:
the federal and state ministers. Vice Ad-
miral Sir Richard Poore. commanding the
British Australian squadron. and repre-
sentatives OF other Australian states.
In bis speech Of welcome the prime min
lister, Alfred Deakin. said: We can Of
fer you nothing better in the way Of
friendship than a hearty Australian well
come" In his reply Admiral Sperry said
that the reception given the fleet in New
Zealand seemed unsurpassable; in Sydney
1t was even better. but the climax had
been reached in Melbourne.
1000 Tars March to Church.
Rear Admiral Sperry, commander OF the
American fleet. expresses himself as high
ly appreciative Of the warm welcome ex-
tended to himself and the men under him
and the kindly greeting of the Australians.
both at Sydney and at Melbourne, has de-
veloped a feeling of qualification through
out the fleet. All are looking forward
with pleasure to the coming week. of
which this is the official landing day The
weather Is fine and hospitality promises
to be abundant.
as free day." nothing in the way of
formal entertainments having been ar
ranged for the visitors. but. nevertheless,
those who came ashore from the warships
managed to spend some enjoyable hours
driving and sightseeing. Seventeen mill
tary trains arrived Sunday morning from
the various centers throughout the coun-
try. bringing into Melbourne large body
of cavalry, which will participate in the
grand review Thursday.
Twenty-Five hundred men Of the ships
were given shore leave Sunday. of which
one thousand marched through Collins
street to ST. Patricks Cathedral. where
pOntiflcal mass was held at noon. The
American bluejackets and marines were
preceded by 1000 cadets and q number OF
bands were In the procession. The streets
were thronged with spectators, who gave
the men hearty welcome. After the
services in the church were ended the
mOn were served with lunch in the
Cathedral Hall.
Special Services in Churches.
Special services were held in all the
Protestant churches. and later the Mel
bourne Automobile Club, in 100 cars. took
the officers Of the feet to view the points
OF interest in the city and the suburbs.
During the course of the afternoon mu-
rnerous private entertainments were
given.
There were comparatively few visitors
to the warships owing to the distance the
vessels are lying from shore. but those
who made the trip were enthusiastic in
their expressions of admiration for the
beauty and powerful appearance of the
American men-of-war
The pulpit OF St. Patrick's Cathedral
was occupied Sunday evening by the Rev
Father Gleeson. chaplain of the Con-
| necticut and the congregation overfiowed
the edifice. Services In the other churches
were again well attended in the evening
Much informal individual hospitality was
shown to the sailors and marines. and
many of the officers and men enjoyed the
pleasure of Sunday meals at the family
board.
Sperry Calls on Ohacials.
! Rear Admiral Sperry this afternoon Of
| ficially called on Premier Bent and the
| lord mayor. who returned the courtesy at
Offices specially placed at the admirars
disposal in the treasury buildings. where
| the Royal Australian Artillery acted as
| guard of honor. When Admiral Sperry
and his officers landed at st. Kilda's pier
| this morning amid salutes from a battery