Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-15
CHILE HAILED, FLEET
Evans Squadron Passed VAL
paraiso Yesterday.
WELCOMED IN THE SMOKE
Thunderous Exchange of salutes as
They Arrived.
GENERAL HOLIDAY OBSERVED
Immense Crowds Covered Hills
Around the Harbor-Review
Greatest on Record.
GENERAL HOLIDAY OBSERVED

VALPARAISO, Chile, February 15.-The
great American fleet of sixteen battle
ships, under the command of Rear Admit
raj Evans, passed Valparaiso yesterday
afternoon and continued on its voyage
northward for Callao, Peru. the next stop
ping place. All Valparaiso and thousands
Of persons from every city in Chile wit
messed the passing Of the fleet. President
Montt and the other high officials 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 Curaumilla point and into
Valparaiso bay in single file. headed by
the Chilean cruiser Chacabuco and five
Chilean topedoboat destroyers.
Turning sharp around Curaumilla point
at 2:1O o'clock the Chacabuco and the
five Chilean destroyers led the Connecti-
cut and her fifteen sister ships into the
view of the thousands who had awaited
their appearance since dawn. The day
was perfect and the spectacle of the
fleet stretched in a great semicircie as
seen from the high hills around the bay
was magnificent.
President Was Present.
President Montt and other Chilean Of
ficials embarked on the training ship Gen.
eral Baquedano and took a position we'll
out in the harbor. Around the Baque-
dano the fleet swung at speed OF four
knots. firing the presidential salute as
they passed in review. 1t was one hour
from the time the head Of the fleet en-
tered the bay until tn last vessel had
passed the presidents ship and turned
toward the open sea. Then the Baque-
dano lifted anchor and escorted the fleet
he
north. 1t was a great review such as
had never before been seen in Valparaiso
bay. and the sight will long be remem-.
hered by the people of Chile who came to
witness it.
The shipping in the harbor ard the prin-
cipal buildings in the city were dressed
for the occasion. as the day was observed
as holiday in honor Of the fleet From
the picturesque. sloping hills. dotted with
houses. profusion of bunting and the
waving of flags was discernible from the
bay. Thousands of persons from Santiago
and other places in the republic had come
to Valparaiso for the occasion, and the
roofs of the Bolsa Commercial. with it's
two huge towers the custom house and
the large warehouses and other buildings
along the circular road skirting the bay
front were black with spectators.
Whole City Celebrated.
The enthusiasm Of the Chileans was al
as each battleship of the fleet swept
around the reviewing ship, their sides
lined with tackles in immaculate white.
and the bands playing patriotic airs. The
noise of the cheering was lost, however,
in that of the saluting guns from the fort
and the feet. Altogether. 300 shots
were fired
After the fleet had passed to the north
west a banquet was served on board the
General Baquedano by President Mont
Tn honor of the diplomatic corps and the
other guests. Toasts were drunk to
President Roosevelt and Admiral Evans
and his officers, crews and ships, and the
universal wish was expressed that the
Americans may have fair weather and
a safe passage to their destination.
In the city of Valparaiso at night cele-
brations of every kind were in progress.
and everywhere were heard words Of
praise for Admiral Evans for having hon.
ored Valparaiso with visit.