Los Angeles herald., 1908-05-03
.FLOTILLA CREWS
ARE ENTERTAINED
LOS ANGELES SCORES STILL
ANOTHER HIT
VISITING BLUEJACkETs WELL
PLEASED
Given Auto Rides, Theater Parties
and Dinners - Leave for
tho North This
Morning

Another triumph OF hospitality was
scored by Los Angeles yesterday when
she dropped anchor in the hearts of
the visiting officers and men Of the
torpedo fiotilla and entertained them
so that they all, whether commissioned
officer, warrant officer or sailor,
unanimously voted Los Angeles the
winner of their good will, and sur
passing all cities in cordial and hearty
welcome on this cruise SO far.
IT don't believe Frisco can beat you,"
exclaimed one of the bluejackets Of
the Hull last night. 1--WE aren't going
to Santa Barbara. The secretary of
the navy has ordered us to go direct
ly north from here"
when we get our pay We'll come
down here to spend It," interpolated
another sailor, 'even when we're in
Frisco"
And the way Los Angeles won this
praise was as follows.
The Pacific Electric again furnished
the members Of the visiting fleet free
transportation. Consequently the $50
enlisted men as soon as they had OBJ
tained shore leave came to Los An
geles as fast as the electric Destroy
ers" could carry them.
They gathered at the chamber of
commerce. where they were started on
a still more exhilarating ride in auto
mobiles. loaned for the occasion by
patriotic, citizens. There was no par
ticular route, but the main sights Of
the city were visited by the men.
l Cheer after cheer was sent up by
the visitors in blue for their hosts
whose royal welcome to the big fleet
had prejudiced the men of the flotilla
in their favor.
After this two hours ride, which
was enjoyed despite the occasional
shower which drifted over the
city, the enlisted men returned to the
heart of town and were given a lunch
at Levy's cafe. These refreshments
consisted of soup, salad. roast beef.
green peas, potatoes, strawberry short
cake and coffee. And the gunners who
had had practice of three weeks drill
ing at Magdalena bay hit the target
every time.
Then came the matinee at the Or
pheum, where the men cheered the
telling hits of the various attractions
In true sailor fashion.
Last night they were feted at
Chutes park, where everything was
free for sailor and where their money
was mo good"
Meantime the sixteen officers allowed
shore leave from the fleet had their
good time as WELL
The autos took them over to Holly
wood, where they enjoyed a glimpse of
the Tilting Tourney, and after which
they returned to Los Angeles In time
for luncheon at the Jonathan club. The
dinner served in their honor at the
California club at night came after an
other auto spin about town, while the
| theater party closed the days pro-
gram for them.
The feet is due to sail north at 8
| a. m. today and will sail close in shore
past Redondo and Santa Monica. The
| chamber of commerce wired Rear
| Admiral Thomas asking that the feet
| be permitted to stay at Los Angeles
until 3 p. m. today but no answer was
received. The fiotilla Is hurrying
north to join the big squadron at Santa
Cruz. The men are positive that they
are to be stationed off the Pacific coast
permanently and seem glad to have
| this shore for their anchorage.
Postmaster Motley H. Flint, chair
man of the committee on reception of
! enlisted men, received a telegram from
Capt. Veeder of the flagship Alabama
yesterday, thanking the city of Los
Angeles for its trophies sent to the
champion boxers of the Alabama.
Postmaster Flint has many sailors to
send to the big fleet up north, most of
the bluejackets enjoying their "over-
time at Los Angeles, despite the fact
that they will be days late in rejoin-
ing their comrades up north.