Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1908-06-20
Saw THE FLEET
FRED RUPERTs WRITES OF THE
b FAMOUS BATTLESHIP FLEET
4 AT SEATTLE AND FORMER BIS.
MARCKERS NOW LIVING AT
SALEM, ORE.

gtig k3AIANNIs OlGDs tG {84s
The following letter from Fred
Rupert, who formerly lived here, but
is now a resident of Salem, Ore, was
over two weeks reaching here be-
cause of the railroad tie-up in Mon
tana. 1t is interesting nevertheless.
1t follows:
Salem, Ore, May 80, 1905.
I have just returned from Seattle,
Washington, where among many
thousands of others went to see the
Atlantic battleship feet. 1t certain
" was a grand sight, and one
which made a lasting impression on
all Of those who were so fortunate
as to be able to witness the specta-
Gle of such a powerful armada on
our Pacific coast. Arriving in Sc
attic on Friday, May %, I found the
city fairly swarming with strangers,
many not being able to find accom-
modations. The weather was truly
ideal for the occasion, the weather
man having been very kind to the
multitude gathered together to well
come the vessels. e .f
II boarded a steamer at 1900 a..
M, Saturday along with 1900 9TH
ers, and we sailed out on the bay
about 80 miles from Seattle, and
met the fleet about 1900 p. m. COM
ing in in a long line, each ship be-
ing an equal distance apart, the line
being headed by the grand flagship.
Connecticut, and the Illinois bring
ing up the rear. In all there were
thirteen vessels, the remainder be-
ing at San Francisco and at Brem-
erton navy yards for repairs. We re-
turned to shore alongside the battle
ships, being only about 400 feet dis
tant4 from the line all the way in,
J The bay swarmed with craft Of all
! kinds, and there was a continual
cheering and noisy welcome to Uncle
Sans boys.
All the larger vessels carrying
sight seers were gaily decked with
flags and on board our vessel was a
fine band which discoursed music as
the feet passed by. The battleships
came to anchor in the fine harbor in
front Of the city in the form of a
crescent, and the nearest vessels to
/ shore were hardly more than a
stones throw from the piers lining
i the water front. The hills above
the city were black with humanity
seeking to catch a view Of the yes.
sells, but think we on board the
boats had the advantage OF q better
In the evening boarded the same
vessel and we passed out into the
harbor among the ships, which were
Illuminated with electric lights which
we're strung over them, showing the
outline Of each one, also the masts
and cross arms were hung with long
strings of incandescent lights, which
when lit presented a sight never te
i be forgotten. The name of each
vessel was also shown in lights or
the bridge in front. Shortly after
4 the lights were turned on each shiI
4 played its searchlights over the wat
er, and this was a spectacle ever
more grand than the illumination
4 each powerful beam of light casting
4 q light over the water for miles, anG
i they We're moved upwards and down
i wards, d back and forth, for abou
i half an hour.
Sunday morning sought out thu
| sergeant Of the patrol at pier 10, tn,
landing Of the, vermont's men, ant
| upon stating to that officer that :
4 desired to visit a friend, Midship
man Cochrane, on the Vermont, h.
very kindly sent me to the vessel OF
board one Of the steam launches at
!. tached to that ship. was warml.
1 greeted by Will, who I was exceed
i ingly glad to see. He was just about
to go on watch, being in commant
of the upper gun deck, and he kind
4 ly detailed member of the ship!
crew to show me about the vessel
i was taken all over the grand shi]
with the exception Of the engine
4 room, where visitors we're not al
a lowed togo.
\ Upon stating to Midshipman Coch
rane that Il had an acquaintance OF
board the Connecticut, Machinis
4 defender, he requested one of thu
officers from his ship going to shor,
4 in the launch to put me off on board
the Connecticut. I met Lieutenan
j wainwright on that ship, who accord
1 ed me the courtesy of visiting al
81 parts of the vessel, including the en-
. CINE room, and I went over the shi]
/ from the fighting top to the very bot
tom of the hull 81 feet below tn,
y water line. / was ushered into tn,
n quarters where the grand old salt
VI Rohley ID. Evans Was nuarferpd 4,