The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-01-18
BRAzILIANS ANED
BY GRANDEUR Of
AMERICAN FLEET
NativesSpend Their Days
in Gaping at Monster
Fighting Ships.
Torpedo Flotilla Arrives
in Good Shape, But
Men Are Tired.

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 1S.-TEe PEG
pie of this city stand in amazemeut at
the spectacle the bay presents Never
before have so many ships Of war rid
der at anchor at one time in these wa
tiers, and the natives stand on shore,
counting ana pointing at each vessel
until, fading from view in the distance,
they try hard 10 discern the last OF the
vessels to arrive-the torpedo fiotilla.
Then they discuss with each other the
revelation that has broken upon them
for, while realizing IN a manner OF the
naval strength Of the United States,
they had but faint idea Of the awe
some grandeur OF the feet assembled
In addition TO the sixteen United
States battleships and the torpedo flo
tilla. the entire fleet OF Brazilian war
ships and the German cruiser Bremen
are anchored in the bay. Scores OF small
boats are plying between the ships and
shore, carrying the thousands Of men
who have shore leave for the day. The
city has given itself up 10 a gala time.
Brazilians. Americans, Germans, and
people OF other nations are merry to-
gether. The best Of feeling prevails,
particularly with regard to the Ameri-
natives are enthusiastic.
Flotilla in Good Shape
The torpedo fiotilla. which arrived yes
tsrday, is in good shape, with the eX-
Ceptiou Of the Lawrence, which is in
need Of repairs to her machinery. These
repairs are now being made The crews
were fatigued by the vibration Of the
vessels. the intense heat and the lack
OF Ice. but aside from need OF few
days quiet, the men are IN excellent
condition. It was evident that the
men on the IiOtilla are having more
severe time than those on the battle
ships for the smaller vessels plunge
heavily in the rolling seas
While the men are enjoying them
selves through the city. the officers are
being entertained at garden parties,
banquets, and sightseeing tours.
Il Is almost impossible 10 describe
the scenes in Rio today There Is
grandeur about the entertaining OF our
men that is strange to Jne people Of our
country. Refreshments are served
along the lakes and on the walks Bands
play in the plaza and there IS dancing
on the lawn. Weird songs are sung In
the cafes and dancing girls strive TO
outdo themselves. Tropical plants and
iutertwined flags add a beautiful touch
Of color TO the general scene.
Band Concert Planned.
The bands from the Connecticut. the
Georgia, the Minnesota. and the Ala
bama are coming ashore Monday, and
viii give the natives taste OF Amer
lean music in the plaza. This day IS
the anniversary of the founding Of Rio
de Janeiro. and the celebration Will be
of an especial nature
TWO men were arrested yesterday,
and returned 10 one Of the American
golfers. from which they tried 20 dc
sert. They told a story Of harsh treat
ment which was sCOTned by the other
men on board The vessel
The feet mas finished cOaling. for
which the men are thankful. More will
be permitted to spend the day on shore
from now on
Considerable surprise was caused
Yesterday by anxious inquiries from
the United States. concerning a report
OF an accident 70 the battleship Con-
necticut. All the troublesome ruInors
are originating in the North. To 80
q trite expression, the feet IS having
& smooth time OF Il.