New-York tribune., 1908-08-31
SAILORS LAND TO-DAY
GREETING At MELBOURNE
Manu- Men attend Services on Shore
-VisitOrs to Ships.

Melbourne Aug 3l-The formal entry OF the
Americans into Melbourne took place to-day
Admiral Sperry and his staf landed at the St
Kilda Pier. where they were met by the Prime
Minister Alfred Deakin: the Premier Of Vic
tcria Sir Thomas Bent, and the other members
of the Commonwealth and State Ministries.
The other officers of the American fleet and
hluejackets and marines, to the number OF more
than Two thousand, landed at Port Melbourne
r,er at a:45 a m From that point they
marched past Port Melbourne and South Mel
bourne town halls to st. Kilda Road. the main
southern approach TO the city. where dense
masses of sightseers had assembled. The
school children had gathered there and formed
themselves into a tableau, giving a great well
come to the men.
1t was a blustery day. and clouds OF dust
somewhat rnarred the spectacle. but notw1th-
standing the threat Of rain. the city's streets
were never crowded
The dominant note since the arrival OF the feet
has been deep spirit OF determination which
has r,ermeated all classes. Thousands were
early astir and by the time the procession
passed they occupied points OF vantage along
the xix miles of the route. Gorgeous decora-
tions were to be seen everywhere From Prin-
cess Bridge the line OF march was through
Swanston street. Bourke, William and Collins
streets TO the Treasury, and thence to the Ex-
hibition Building. All the buildings were
blaze OF color: flags hung everywhere, and
strearlers In profusion stretched across the
streets No single house or business building
was without an emblem The windows. the paa-
comics and roofs were thronged-
It was more like triumphant march than q
parade Of visiting sailormen. and the fervor Of
rt,e Australians welcome was almost indescrfb
able The Exhibition Building was reached at
la.15 O'Clock where public reception WAS held
IN honor Of the officers and men by Lord North
cote the Governor General and Sir Thomas Glib
son-Carrnichael, after which the visitors were
entertained at luncheon.
Rear Admiral Sperry, commander OF the
American feet expresses himself az highly ap-
preciative of the warm welcome extended TO
himself and the men under him. and the kindly
greetings Of the Australians. both at Sydney and
st Melbourne has developed feehng OF srau-
fcstion throughout the fleet
Sunday was set down on the programme as q
.-f-ee DAY. nothing in the way OF formal enter
fainrrlent having been arranged for the visitors,
but nevertheless, those who came ashore from
the warships managed to spend some enjoyable
hours in driving and sightseeing Seventeen
military trains arrived here yesterday morning
from the various centres. bringing into Mel
bourne a large body OF cavalry which VIII take
part in the grand review on Thursday
AiAN-
shore leave yesterday. One Thousand OF them
marched through Collins street to St Patrick $
Cathedral where there pontihcal mass al
~ The American bluejackets and MARINES
we're preceded by two thousand cadets. ana
number of bands in the procession Inc
streets were thronged with spectators. who gave
the men a hearty welcome. After the services
;n fhe church were ended the men were enter
tained ct luncheon at the Cathedral Hail.
Srecial services held at all the Protes-
fanf churches ard later the Melbourne Autono-
a7ile Club in one hundred cars. took the ohlcers
of the feet to see the points of interest IN tne
CITY and the suburbs. in the afternoon many
rrixafe entertainments were given
There were comparatively few visitors 10 tne
.1-srsf.ir.s owing to the distance of the Vessels
from shore but those who made the trip were
enthusiastic in their expressions of admiration
AT the beauty and power of the American meh-
of-war.
The pulpit of St. Patrick's Cathedral was oc-
cupied last evening by Father Gleeson chapiain
of the Connecticut and the congregation over
flowed the edifice Services in the other churche0
were again well attended in the evening MUCH
informal individual hospitality was SHOWN 70 tie
sailors and marines.