The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-24
Climax Comes to FGtes in Honor
 of Visiting Americans
ENTHUSIASM AT FEVER HEAT
Last of Brilliant Receptions Is Given to Officers and Men of Fleet at Yokohama and the People
 Are Very Cordial.

Yokohama, October 23.-The series of ,ncomparably brilliant functions which have characterized Japan's reception of the American battleship fleet came to a close here today with a dinner on board the battleship Fuii. the guests of which were confined to the American amba assador, rear admirals and other officers. There was also a brilliant reception on the battleship Mikasa to which all the prominent Americans here were invited, with the accompani- ments of an illumination of the fleet. fire works and torchlight processions on shore.
 Rear Admiral Sperry today endeared himself to the Japanese people by per sonally attending the funeral of Gen. Count Nodzu, and placing a wreath on the casket. Later luncheon was given at the Chiba palace, and the ad miral, accompanied by his aides, walked from the palace to the Shim- bashi railway station, passing along the Ginsa, the principal street of Tokio, which was massed with people. The
  mobbed by tens of tn ousands of Jap anese people, but everywhere he was treated with respect. Thousands sought to shake hands with him and the ova- tion lasted the whole length of the street. The stern old admiral evidently was impressed deeply and at times stopped, shaking hands with some in dividuals who were speaking English, and halted him for the benefit of others.
 Greetings for All.
 Rear Admiral Sperry was accom- panied by Read Admira1s Schroeder and Wainwright, who, with their aides, were kept equally busy exchanging greetings.
 The party arrived at the Shimbashi station half an hour before the time set for their departure, and took refuge from the pressure of the friendly crowd in the waiting room. When the Japanese officials, who were to &C., company the American officers to Yokohama, arrived, Rear Admiral Sperry was invited to enter a carriage again for a short drive in order to give lHe peOple WHO dTTlNeu late an opportunity for a final greeting He consented, and when he appeared, bed lam broke loose. He was driven | short distance and returned to the station. Along the whole route he was, | given an ovation such as is impossible | to describe in words. The tumult was | simply deafening. On arriving at the square opposite the Shimbashi station thousands of children waved flags and sang in his honor.
 Brilliant Scene.
 The station was crowded with Jap | anese officials and prominent citizens. The American embassy, headed by Am 1 bassdor O'Brien, Colonel Irons, Ameri- | can military attache, and Lieutenant Commander Dougherty, naval attache, and their staffs, hundreds of the high naval and military officers of Japan
 together with many ladies. made up a most brilliant scene
 l When the special train moved out of | the station there was a constant din, the cheering of the people mingling with
 the blare of three brass bands. The 1 route to Yokohama, as on the occasion of the going of the Americans to Tokio. 1 was lined with school children singing l and waving flags. The same scenes were continued In Yokohama along the route of the Americans to the wharf where the ! launch of the flagship Connecticut await ed the rear admirals and the cheers | continued until they reached the ship.
 Heroic Blue jacket
 l A single incident will illustrate the 1 spirit in which the American sailors &C., cepted the welcome of the Japaneses. This evening triumphal arch at the entrance of the principal street of To- kohama caught fire, the blaze reaching up towards a Japanese flag floating from a flag staff at the top and threatening to destroy the lag. An American jackie | dashed up the framework of the arch, ! through the blaze, broke off the staff and carried the flag safely to the ground. This act was witnessed by thousands and created a profound impression The youngster received a great ovation. The famous Maple Club of Tokio was the scene tonight of one of the most brilliant functions of this entire week of the fleets entertainment.
 The American Friends association, of which Baron Kaneko is president and Baron Takashi vice president enter tained 250 officers and a number of the most prominent ladies of Tokio. The association is composed entirely of Jap anese who have visited America, a num- Der being university men and all speak ing the English language The entertain ment included dinners, dancing and fire works.
 One of the most striking features of the stay of, the Americans in Japan has been the perfect order maintained by the sailors while on shore. Not a single case of dlsorderly conduct has occurred on the streets. The governor and mayor said to the Associated Press that one If the most impressive features of the visit of the fleet was the excellent behavior