The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-10-20
JAPAN STARTS ENTERTAINING A Great Reception to
 Americans. THE OFFICERS VISIT TOXIC Ten Thousand Massed School Chil- dren Sing National Hymn. The AdmiraIs of Atlantic Fleet are Driven to Mikado's Palace in Im-
 periaI Carriages Attended
 By Aides.

IOkiO,+ OCL. lS.-h1OHQhy HloIhihk broke calm and beautiful lover Yoko- hama. the harbor being bathed In bril- liant sunshine which threw into strong relief. the glistening white sides of the American battIeships where they lie at anchor beside the darker Japan csc fleet, which showed strongly against the horizon.
 The first item in the reception to the Americans was the departure Of Rear Admiral Sperry and the admirals and captains of the fleet for Tokio. They were driven to the station in carriages elaborately decorated with flowers. where they entered a special train at g o'clock Even the carriages of the train were specially prepared for this occasion, having been newly-painted and draped with American flags and beautiful decorations while the inte- riors were filled with flowers. Along the whole eighteen miles of the way to Tolio. there was a contin- ual ovation to the Americans. Admiral sperry bowed his response from an ', open windows and his officers waved their hats. while the ladies of his party waved flags and handkerchiefs from every window of the train. The trip was one long procession through lane of waving flags. The wonderful Inspiration of the Tnassed childrens voices was evidently part of a care- fully thought-out plan. 1t Is the tn- tention of the reception officials to have 1000. .000 school children this week voice the sentiment Of the nations coming generations.
 On reaching Tokio. the train was met by committee composed of represen- tatives Of every department of the Government. Secretary Jay, Of the American embassy. and the entire stan from the legation. were also on hand to greet the visitors. After the ex- change of formal greetings on the station platform. a procession was formed and then came great 5urprise when the band struck up the national hymn and 10000 school children, massed in chorus which packed the entire approach to the station. sang the words of the hymn in English. An Imposing Scene.
 The entire effect of the American naval officers walking through the narrow passage and the walls of chil- dren of Japan singing the national anthem in English. was such as to even of the weather beaten commander Of the American fleet. who, with his officers. passed along. After fifteen minutes of continuous singing, the band stopped and the leader stepped out and 10000 voices cheered again. giving the American cheer. three times and a tiger
 ed to carriages in waiting and the work of the day commenced.
 The adnlirals of the fleet were driven to the palace In the imperial carriage, attended by aides. The twen- ty-seven captains and commanders were taken to the Imperial Hotel. The streets leading to both places were literally packed. hundreds deep, with madly- cheering crowds.
 The admirals received official calls this morning and returned them, after which they called on Ambassador O'Brien and remained to partake of an informal luncheon at which only the Ambassadors stan and the naval ofl- cers were present, This will be fol- lowed by two garden parties, one at the American embassy and the other at the residence of Baron Owasaki.
 A dinner was given tonight bys the American Ambassador at the Imperial Hotel.
 One thousand sailors from the fleet will be brought on the special trains daily to Tokio. where every form of entertainment will be provided for them Every where the sailors are rendered the kindest hospitality.
 The streets of Yokohama are packed with "Jackies" of both nations, fra ternlzing, and the utmost friendliness and good humor prevails everywhere. The American naval officers say that tn cir reception exceeds anything that they have experienced on their long cruise, but the Japanese say that re- ception has hardly commenced.