Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-05-07
CROWD HALLS FLEET,
Passage Through Golden Gate
 Acclaimed by Thousands.
CALIFORNIA CITIES HOLIDAY

Delegates from 1undreoS or Flaces
 Swell Thronss In San Francisco.
 Admiral Evans Unable to Participate
 in Fetes.
 San Francisco, May 7.-Through the towering rocky portals of the Golden Gate into the harbor of the new San Francisco risen from the ruins of two years ago, the Atlantic battleship fleet steamed in review of multitude un- numbered.
 It was the same imposing pageant of immaculate white ships that sailed from Hampton Roads nearly five months ago in the wake of the presi dents flag. but with the splendid ac- complishments of record breaking cruise of more than 14,0O0 miles and three weeks of wonderful target work behind it. The white anchored and four starred blue flag of the secretary of the navy fiuttered from the main- mast of the gunboat Yorktown, while Governor Gillette of California, the mayor of San Francisco and the people of a hundred towns and cities voiced the greetings of the enthusiastic west.
 City Turned Inside Out.
 Men and women" and children all took a vigorous part in the greatest welcome ever extended to warships en- tering the harbor of the Golden Gate. Girls were dressed in their best, and young men escorted them, as on a spe- cial holiday occasion, down to the side of the sea. The coming of the ships had turned the city almost inside out. Strangers in the city-and there were thousands in the welcome. and the railroad added to the great throng by granting special rates to those wish ing to visit the city and see the ships.
 It is the wonder of the town and the visitors alike how San Francisco. but two years in the rebuilding, is going to care for everybody. The town is not yet equipped as it used to be. With all her marvellous progress there is far way to go before San Francisco has
 
 her bravest. and if any one sleeps in the open it will be because he chooses to do so or because the last room in hotel or house has been taken.
 Chinatown is a blaze of oriental and occidental glory. There are American and Chinese ensigns intermingling in the streets, over the streets and on the walls and tops of the houses and shops. Lanterns which came from Canton hang in long strands like big beads.
 Japanese Join In Rejoicing.
 The Japanese have entered into the spirit of the week. They will try to show the American sailor that they like him. They are printing in their local papers long accounts of what the fleet had done and what it plans to do. Nearly $3,o00 of the amount raised in San Francisco to entertain the fleet was contributed by Japanese mer. chants and officials. After they had dumped a liberal sum into the laps of the official committee they came a sec ond time and gave $500 more. San Francisco. Oakland and other cities near by all took holiday to witness the coming of tho fleet. There was q complete cessation of business. and the streets in the downtown sec ton were absolutely deserted. More people came into the city than left ii during the terror and homeless days following the fire. A few remaining scars of city shaken and burned appeared rose tint. ed in the joy of the general celebra- ton. A sign spelling Welcome" in letters fF.- foot high topped the