The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-15
BRILLIANT EVENT
 IN RID JANEIRO
American Officers Cordially Re-
 ceived By BraziIianS
T0ASTS ARE FEuCITOUS
Ambassador Dudley Entertains His Countrymen and High Personaqes
 of Brazil Unite In Well
 come To Navy Men.

l Rio De Janeiro. January 1.-The first of the navy official functions to be given in i honor of the visiting American naval of- l heers during their stay here took place l yesterday. The first event was a visit to l the Brazilian minister of marine. Admiral Alencar, and this was followed by a re- eeption by the President of the republic, Dr Penna, and q banquet by the Amer lean ambassador Irwin D. Dudley. Dr. Penna cordially welcomed the visitors to l Brazil The ambassadors function was q brilliant affair.
 In the afternoon the American officers went out 10 Petropolis the home of the diplomatic corps, some 20 miles distant from the capital. They were accompanied by many high. Brazilian officers and by representatives of the various legations. Al the railroad station of this suburb they We're received by the secretary h MT. Dudley, and joined shortly afterward by lhe ambassador himself. The party then proceeded to the residence of the Presi- ant MT Dudley presented Admiral Thom- as to Dr. Penna, and Admiral Thomas then introduced to the President each of heer in turn Replying to a complimentary address made by Admiral Thomas. pr. Penna said:
 | am extremely gratified at the pres enee here of the officers commanding the powerful fleet sent to these wateers bv a nrlendly nation of the north, a nation to which We are united by bonds of strong. friendship. l congratulate you upon your apolilty as naYigatOrs and express my ad- hlfatlon. You have arrived punctually at your destination in spite of the great diff neuIles presented by your undertakings You are cordially welcome here, and | trust that your stay in Brazil will be happy"
 Thomas Makes Speech.
 In response, Admiral Thomas made a short speech of thanks
 Upon leaving the residence of pr Penna. the officers Were driven to the home of pr. Dudley. The banquet was superb Among those present were all the Amer leah admirals. the commanding officers ol each battleshiT, the Brazilian minister or marine, the Brazilian minister of war. the chief of the naval staff, an official representing the minister of foreign af- lalfs Baron De Rio Branco. and q num-
 
 At the close of the banquet. Ambassa- dor Dudley said:
 IT Is very great and deep satisfaction To call your attention to the warm wei come that the Brazilian government and the good people of this city have prepared Tor the fleet; a programme upon which the fleet can rely sincere and which asSuredly will render your stay most agreeable 1 am confident that our peo- pie at home are keenly appreciative of the courtesy and honors being extended to you down here at this time by the friends of long standing, the friend who has stood the test, the United States of Brazil"
 Ambassador Speaks.
 Referring to his Brazilian guests, Am bassador Dudley said:
 Permit me, gentlemen, to thank YOU sincerely for the welcome you have eX- tended our fleet and at the same time l have the honor and pleasure of pro- posing the health of his eXcelleney, your illustrious president, Dr. Penna, and that your great and noble nation continue long in the path of peace and prosperity''
 Admiral Alencar the Brazilian minister of marine, spoke in reply to MT. Dudley He proposed the toast, President Roose- welt, the United States, and the American NaVyr'
 Two thousand men had shore leave from the fleet yesterday. Two sailors were run over by an automobile and are in d hospital aboard their vessel. In spite of the large number of sailors on shore there was only one serious brawl.
 The Americans of Rio de Janeiro have arranged to give a series of free theatri- cal entertainments for the crews of the battleships.
 This morning the officers of the fleet went to Sylvestra on special tramway cars and then continued the trip by rall- road as far as the Hotel Paineiras, where refreshments were served.
 Viewing the Scenery.
 During the trip the Americans had ample opportunity to view the beautiful scenery which met their eye and later when they reached the summit of Mount Corcovado, a magnificent panorama spread out before them. They remained on the top of the mountain for half an hour.
 On the return. about half way down the mountain, a splendid breakfast was served at the hotel, covers being laid for 500 persons. The minister of marine, Admiral Alencar. presided and on either hand sat Admirals Thomas and Emery. Admiral Mirity made a spech in Eng fish, extending greetings to the admirals and the other officers of the officers of the American fleet. He prayed for the health and prosperity of the sister navy, "One of the mghtiest and most illustr- ous, whose sacred embed God grand may float side by side with our forever and forever for the benefit of universal peace and good of mankind"
 Admiral Thomas touched upon the pro- gress of Brazil and its2 splendid future and spoke words of praise of the Brazilian navy.
 Alencars Toast.
 Admiral Alencar ended an eloquent spech of greeting by offering a toast to the health of President Roosevelt amid great applause The band played the American and Brazilian national anthems and the songs were loudly cheered
 Already the officers of the fleet have be- gun to arrange an entertainment in re- turn for the many receptions given in their honor This will take the form of a reception and probably a dance on board the four f1agships.
 Rear Admiral Evans. who has been Suf- fering from rheumatism for the past few days, has improved considerably since yesterday
 The announcement is made that the Argentine republic will send division of warships to meet the American fleet off Paganoia and Brazil will send a di- vision with the battleship Captain Prat as flagship to meet the Americans and es cort them as far as Africa.
 Grain Elevator Burns.
 New York, January 14.-With fire