The Washington times., 1908-08-09
Will Give American Sailors a
Hearty Welcome to City Tomor-
row-Many Sights TO See.
FLEET SCHEDULE

AUCKLAND. New Zealand, Aug. 3.
II a. m.-The great American battleship
feet splashed its anchors in the waters
of Waitemata bay, in front OF Auck-
land, at S:SS o'clock this Sunday morn
irg, thus completing another leg of its
great world tour.
Almost upon the moment set by the
commander. the Connecticut. steamius
at three knots. poked her nose into the
glass-like waters of the harbOr. and,
followed by her fighting sisters in sin
gle formation. maiesticaIly swept up 10
her anchorage. When all were in pO-
sition, the signal drop anchor" hutter-
ed from the truck Of the flagship. and
almost simultaneously the huge sea
anchors were let go
Long before daylight thousands OF
Aucklanders and visitors gathered along
the water front TO await the coming OF
the ships. Some brought blankets and
food, while others were content 10 fore
go the pleasures Of eating and resting
by walking ana watching.
It was shortly after o'clock when the
lookout al the entrance TO Waitemata
hay flashed the welcome intelligence
that the feet had been sighted The
word was quickly passed along and soon
there was concerted exodus TO the
points OF vantage along the water front
II was long wait before the monster
tea fighters hove into view Of the wait
ing throng, and a stiu longer wait be-
fore they dropped anchor, but the crowd
was good natured and patient
Statutes Exchanged.
Once fairly inside the harbor. the feet
broke into two columns, the Connect
cut resting at the head Of the first line.
Little time was lost and, anchors drop
ped, saluJes were exchanged between
the flagship Powerful Of the Australian
squadron OF the British navy, and the
Connecticut.
The crowd ashore CheereG itself hoarse
from the moment the ships appeared,
and fairly went mad with enthusiasm
when the firing Of saIutes had been con-
Guided. Despite the fact that this is
Sunday, Auckland is making a festival
Of the arrival, and if this morning
demonstration is any criterion then the
American sailor is in for one OF the
times of his life as long as the fleet
remains here.
In observance of the day, the Amer
leans will remain aboard their ships
today, and no demonstration Of any
sort will be made in response TO the
noisy welcome.
Shortly after the ships anchored, Ad-
miral Sperry received an official visit
from Mayor Myers and representatives
Of the New Zealand parliament, which
adjourned yesterday for a week. in
order that its members might give
themselves over unTeseTyedIy to the en-,
tertainment Of the American sailors and
officers.
Reception Tomorrow.
Tomorrow Monday Admiral Sperry
ana his stan will go ashore and viii
receive a formal welcome on a dais
erected at the shore end Of the Queen
street wharf. Sir Joseph Ward the
prime minister. will make the Welcom-
ing speech, 10 which the admiral viii
reply. Members Of the cabinet, parlia.
ment and omcials Of every important
town borough, and country district If
sne dominion, will be present 10 make
Inc welcome as hearty as possible.
The sailors are looking forward Il
one Of the most pleasant weeks of tho
entire cruise in this wonderfully deco.
rated town and its interesting environs
There will be races at EIlerslie Wednes.
day, Maori war dances Thursday. q
visit TO the Geyser Tikitere, island trim.
and a score of other interesting fea.
lures on which the natives have beer