Los Angeles herald., 1908-04-06
FROLIC FOR
SAILOR MEN
IS PROMISED
CALIFORNIA TO ENTERTAIN
JACK TARS
SAN DIEGO ALREADY IN HOLIDAY
ATTIRE
Coronado Hotel to Be Scene of Merry
making-Jeffries' Fistic Con-
tests Are Eagerly
Awaited

by AsSOClaLeu IIess.
SAN DIEGO, Cal. April 5.-With
the coming of the Atlantic fleet less
than ten days away, San Diego, the
first of the California cities TO cele-
brate the return of the ships to nome
waters, is taking on gala attire ana
preparations for the various entertain
ments are being rushed to a conclu-
sion.
Welcoming arches are being erecetd
along the principal streets, and all OF
the large buildings are being outlined
In electric bulbs. At Coronado beacn,
lust across the bay, where the oni-
GERS are to be entertained with pam
auets and balls, an ocean pier reach
ing out 700 feet across the breakers
has been constructed for the conven-
ience of landing parties from the ships.
The families OF naval officers from
all parts Of the country already are
gathering at the Hotel Del Coronado,
which will be the center of the gaye-
ties, and here also, Governor Gillett
will come to extend formal welcome
to the shores of California.
Great rivalry exists among the cities
that are to be visited by the fleet ana
the sailormen of the sixteen ships will
be fairly surfeited with attentions
ashore.
Fun for Sailors
The people of California are espe-
cially anxious to do something out OF
the ordinary for the enlisted men, and
while some of the features of the pro-
gram will not exactly be In line with
the blue Jackets ideas of frolic. the
committees have striven earnestly to
arrange all of the affairs In keeping
with the wishes of men now in the
service or who haves served terms or
enlistment In the navy In recent years.
4I.A T.fsae M
lures here and in one or two other
cities, but as compensation for these,
the men are promised all sorts of good
things to eat, wild west shows, theater
matinees. and large variety or -en-
tertainment.
Los Angeles already has won warni
spot In the sailors hearts by arranging
a series of boxing bouts to extend
over a period of four days. under the
management of James ]. Jeffries.
There Is nothing that appeals more to
the enlisted men of the navy than
good fight with eight-ounce gloves. In
addition to bouts between we'll known
fighters of California. there will be
matches among the men of the fleet
for purses of $50 each. The bouts Will
be held in accordance with the fleet
regulations and with Jeffries as ref
cree. The approval OF the command
ing officers of the fleet have been given
to the program and reports from Mag
dalena bay say the sailors are looking
forward to the fights with eager in
terest Several matches have been
made at Magdalena and the men OF
the fleet are loyal hackers of the favor
ties In their respective crews.
Boat races will be another feature OF
the entertainment program to appeal
to the sailors. Beautiful silver trophy
cups will be given for the winners of
the races scheduled in San Diego bay
and at other places along the coast.
At San Francisco there will be both
cup and money prizes. 500 being given
to the winning crews in each race.
Baseball games also are being ar
ranged everywhere, and when the fleet
reaches San Francisco there will be
championship matches between mines
representing the Pacific and Atlantic
fleets. These baseball games always
are a gala occasion.
Take Mascots Ashore
The sailors are granted shore liberty
in large numbers. They bring the ships
band and all the ships mascots-bear
cubs, billy goats, monkeys, parrots. |
bulldogs and all-and have a lively
time.
The Illness of Admiral Evans is a
source of deep regret all along the
coast. He has figured above every
thing else in the reception plans. His
pictures are everywhere and his name
is emblazoned on all the banners of
welcome. Golden keys to the city have
been manufactured for him at almost
every place the fleet is to visit, and
presentation swords have been elabo- |
rately engraved with his name and
record.
Appreciating the warmth of hospi- |
tality behind the plans of the several
cities, Admiral Evans, who is at Paso
Robles Hot Springs undergoing treat |
ment for rheumatism has announced
his determination to rejon the fleet at
San Diego. If it be within the bounds
of human possibility. and to take part
in all the receptions planned in his
honor along the coast
The committees are going ahead with |
the idea that Admiral Evans will be
able to participate. but in case he is |
not, they promise the officers and men
of the fleet their best endeavors to
make them feel their coming is appre-
ciated ana their presence an honor to |
the city.
A quiet week OF preparations is be-
fore the fleet at Magdalena bay. The
last gun, Of target practice was fired
last week. and torpedo exercises are
practically at an end Most of the
ships began coaling soon after firing at |
the targets. Cleaning and painting |
ship is a matter of but few days !
work, so the hard labor of the training |
ground concludes with the last ton OF |
coal stored in the bunkers.
Fleet Regatta
fleet regatta is to be held all day
Friday, beginning at $3.50 in the morn
ing. There are seven rowing, or pull |
ing" races as they are known in the
navy. on the morning program. and |
five sailing races In the afternoon.
The pulling races include one at three
miles. picked crews. for the Batten-
berg cup. presented by Prince Luis
OF Battenberg: two-mile race of first
enlistment men for the Belmont cup |
a mile race Of thirty-foot gigs Tor the
tContInued on Page Two)