Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-02-06
PRAISEFORF FLEET
The ChiIesDs Are Throwing Their las in the Air and
 Preparing Spreads
VALPARAISOPREPARES

Punta Arenas, Strait of Magellan, Feb 6.-The social gaieties in con nection with the presence here of the American fleet of battleships un- der Rear Admiral Evans continues unabated. Dinners and dancing, ex- cursions and receptions follow one another in quick succession, the Americans trying to repay the hos pitality of their Chilean hosts and the Chileans striving constantly to put their visitors further in their debt. It was originally planned to have the fleet leave here the evening of February 5, but this programme was changed and the departure was delayed until the Eth in order to give the Americans more time in which to return the hospitality ex- tended them by the residents and the authorities of Punta Arenas. The health of Rear Admiral Evans, who at Rio Janeiro was suffering from rheumatism, is improving steadily. The fleet will leave Friday night at Il o'clock. The torpedo boat fiotilla will accompany the bat tleships through the strait as far as Cape Pillar at the west end. From this point the smaller vessels will take an inside passage to the north. At Valparaiso the fleet will steam close in shore and salute the town. The Chilean cruiser Chacabuco will precede the fleet out of the strait. The vessels expect to arrive off Val paraiso Friday. February IA, about 2 p. m. One of the boats of the battleship Rhode Island in which Midshipman H. B. Kelly and four seamen were rowing, was capsized off the Spit near Punta Arenas yes- terday by a sudden heavy gust of wind. The five men chung to the bottom of their upturned boat and signalled for help. Their plight was quickly observed from shore and Captain Martin, the maritime gov ernor of the territory, immediately went to their assistance in launch. He got all five men safely trans ferred to his boat. They were some what exhausted from their efforts, to keep afioat in the heavy seas, but otherwise none the worse for their experience.
 John Hicks, the American minister to Chile, who came down to Punta Arenas on the Chacabuco, entertained the American admirals and captains at breakfast yesterday on board his vessel. Commander Hodges of the British cruiser Sappho also was a guest. Toasts were offered by the officers but Henry l.. James, secre- tary of the American legation at Val paraiso, made a brief address which he brought to close with the state- day the sailors of the British, Chilean and American navies would claim and attain dominion over the Seven Seas.
 While the officers were being enter tained in the wardroom of the Chaca- buco 200 American, 20 British blue- jackets were given breakfast on the lower deck. Great enthusiasm pre- vailed and the sailors drank to the health of their respective nations and their commanding officers.
 Four hundred guests danced until 6 o'clock in the evening at an after noon dance held on board the Chaca- buco. Among the guests present were Thomas, Emory and Sperry of the American fleet and other American officers, members of several prominent Punta Arenas families as we'll as sev- eral British and Argentine naval off, ficers. The decks of the Chacabuco were draped with the flags of all na- tions and decorated with evergreens, while fountains and Kiosks had been arranged where they would not inter- fere with the dancing. Refreshments were served at small tables. The or chestra was installed in the boats hanging at the davits. The afternoon was one of animation and the dance came to an end with the American cake walk and the rendering of the famous Chilean dance, the "Cueca."
 Tuesday night there was a gala performance at the theater on shore which was attended by many of the American officers. Among those pres ent were Admiral Thomas Moritz Braun. the American consul here. AL, fred A. Winslow, the American con- sul at Valparaiso. Governor Chaigneau and the officers of the Chacabuco. The evening was most enjoyable.
 Yesterday afternoon there was al picnic to Rio Seco. Thirty-four Am- erican officers drove out to the refrig- erating plant where lunch was served returning later in the day. Punta Arenas is having feast of music. Every day bands from oneo r another of the warships play on the plaza.
 Valparaiso. Chile. Feb 6.-The news that the American feet of battieships will pass close to the shore here and salute the port. has been received with enthusiasm. Preparations are being made for a great demonstration of welcome
 Called to Rome.
 Rome. Feb 6.-Mgr Montagnini. who vas at one time secretary Of the