The Washington herald., 1908-04-15
SHIPS AT ANCHOR IN
AMERICAN WATERS
Continued from Page one.

bringing officers on leave 10 join their
mothers. wives, sWeethearts, and sisters.
who thronged the yerandas Of the Hotel
Coronado. The corridors Of that hotel
presented a scene similar 70 that Of Old
Point Comfort before the fleet sailed
away.
The navy women were there in full
force. this time no tears in their eyes.
All was eager anticipation and impatience
because the launches hadn't the steaming
capacity Of at least forty knots an hour.
When the loved ones did meet-peThaps
It is just as well to let il so at that.
Some Of the men OF the feet soon rushed
over the little ferry into San Diego. They
surely knew they were at last in an
American city, for the beloved street
faker was hawking his wares all over the
town.
There were photographs of Admiral
Evans, marvellous medals, banners. canes.
badges. grotesque limitations of the ships
and naval embiems
The streets were ablaze with color, and
especially effective decorations. The lead
ing highways north and south. were en-
hammered with long emblems of yellow
and white, indicating the gold and silver
Of California. Straight streets running
east and west were decorated similarly
with red. white. and blue.
Every building was festOoned- All sorts
of curious devices were employed in the
twisting and Welding TO give a new
kink in the patriotic effects to the five
great arches which spanned as many
leading junction points In the city's prin-
cipal highways. Across all the supporting
irs-sysa saT ha J.
10 pole flags and banners depended.
City Beautifully Decorated.
II was not until tonight. when the
city was lighted especially in honor OF
the fleet. that the fuH beauty of the dec
oratiOns were visible. Electric lights
were strung across streets about thirty
feet in the air, at such intervals as Il
give the effect of a paneled ceiling
lighted brilliantly.
one could look down street after street
and fancy walking through an illuminated
hallway To an unlimited extent dozen;
of buildings were outlined by electric lights
and the little town OF San Diego resem,
bied combination of the Great White
Way in New York and minarets and
temples of Coney Island.
At S o'clock tonight all the battle ship:
turned on all their searchIights for hall
an hour and also Illuminated IN every
outline, from TO II o'clock. II was the
usual brilliant illumination which ha:
ts-ken place in every. port, except Trini-
dad, since the feet left the Atlantic coast
Tonight a banquet was given at tht
Hotel Coronado. limited to fifty persons
given in honor Of the admirals and the
| captains of the fleet 1t will be the only
| formal dinner of the stay Of the fee
/ here.
| Admiral Thomas and Gov Gillette made
| the speeches of the evening.
Thousands on Water Front.
The water front was thronged by tens O
thousands, who gathered there to witness
the illumination of the ships.
Tomorrow will be the great day, fol
about 4,5o0 bluejacxets will parade. ant
there will be the ceremony of the presen
alton Of a sword for Admiral Evans anc
| 4 casket and key to represent the freedom
/ ef the city. Besides these, medals for tn,
aGnirals win also be presented.
/ Admiral Thomas must make no les
/ than three speeches of acceptance, Th'
! exercises will be in the open air. The ad
miral is girding up his loins for the occa
/ sion. He freely admits he expects &
strenuous day.
| The night closes with San Diego still II
state of delightful hysteria. The streets
are thronged and noisy. The city has tht
/ Atlantic feet within her goals, and Ia
] first day of California's biggest show OF
earth ended.