The Washington herald., 1908-02-23
PARDO LAUDS FLEET
Calls 1t Most Powerful Ever
in Pacific Waters.
WELCOMES OFFICERS TO PERU
Admiral Thomas Replies, as Evans
IS Unable 10 Leave His Flagship.
Banquet i'm Nations Capital a Gala
OceasiOn-JacI>fes OF the Battle
ships Play Baseball IN Bull Ring.

Lima. Peru. Feb 22-A great banquet
was given in honor OF the officers OF the
American feet at o'clock tonight in
the Exposition Building. More than $50
ohicers-from the various American ships
were present President Pardo. In a well
coming address. said:
The arrival at OR shores OF American
war ships is always looked forward 70
with the greatest pleasure by The gsv-
ernment and citizens OF Peru, as il gives
an opportunity Of showing the tone OF
| friendship that exists between this coun-
try and the United States. and induces
Peruvians TO extend a cordial welcome 10
the American navy.
Were il possible for our welcome to be
extended. it would be augmented by the
glorious spectacle presented in CaIIao OF
the Star-Spangled Banner waving from the
masts Of the most powerful fleet that ever
navigated the Pacific. And your success
fuI accomplishment OF this difficult voy-
age proves the power and discipline Of
the American navy WHICH is to-day ae-
knowledged over the entire world
+ with sincere welcome the government
and people Of Peru wish 10 express their
admiration for the justice which has in
spired President Roosevelts policy in the
relations OF the United States with the
Latin-American countries and their rela-
( tions between themselves. This policy met
]
ference at Washington and assured the
permanent peace OF Central America.
Welcomes the Officers.
Welcome 10 YOU. admirals and officers
Of the American fleet, Peru receives you
with hearty friendship. and reminds you
that you tread on friendly strands. On
l this day. when your country honOrs the
memory Of George Washington. the
founder of your glorious independence
and admirable form OF government, l ask
you 10 join me in these toasts 20 the
prosperity OF the United States. to the
health of the eminent President Roose-
velt that good luck may ever accompany
the fleet you command"
! Admiral Thomas replied on behalf OF
( the American officers. He regretted that
;he condition OF Admiral Evans health
I
/ social duties. Admiral Thomas thanked
| President Pardo and the Peruvian people
/ for the many courtesies extended TO the
officers and men Of the fleet and the
warmth of their welcome. He advocated
! closer intercourse between the American
republics and slid:
My fondest wish is that Pan-Americau
solidarity shall not be theoretical
phrase, but an accomplished living fact ."
Fleet Always Ready.
Admiral Thomas then went on to pay
tribute 70 Peru's splendid memories,
and present prospects. and. in conclusion.
said;
The American feet is ready al an
times for instant action. but to-day. in
the near future, and, hope. in the in
definite future. is a messenger OF that
most desirable OF all things-'peace on
earth. good viii 10 men. -
The scene in the banquet room was a
magnificent one The illUminations were
brilliant. including a display OF the Amer
| lean colors by electric flashes on foun-
tains and palm trees. The crowds out
side cheered the American officers en-
Enthusiastically as they marched toward
/ the exposition building. Squadrons Of
police and the Presidents escort kept the
road clear. The square outside the build
ing Was beautifully lighted by electricity
Native Peruvians. were initiated into the
mysteries of the American national game
-baseball-this afternoon, when teams
from the various war ships OF Evans
squadron contested il, the bull ring. From
the standpoint of spectators in the United
States the contests probably lacked
some of the fine points, and the plays
We're understood by few OF the specta-
tors. but all caught the spirit of the
game. and joined Justify in the cheering.
with which the jackies of the ships en-
couraged their players.
Celebrated the Day.
At noon the Peruvians joined heartily
with their visitors in a celebration of
Washngton's Birthday salute was
| fired by the battle-ship fleet. and was
responded TO, gun for gun, by the Peru
Wan war ships. On land the salutes were
the signal for several street demonstra-
tions by the sailors and citizens
Nearly 1900 of the jackies enjoyed
shore lsave to-day. and as a consequence
Cailao and LIMA were overrun. The best
of order has been maintained by the sail
ors, and good feeling is manifested every
where they so.
Tomorrow several trips to inland points
OF interest have been arranged for both
officers and sailors Of the fleet. and the
day viii be spent in sightseeing Ar
rangements have been made TO entertain
visitors on all the war ships and il is
expected thousands will take advantage
of the opportunity. Tonight Lima and
Callao are both crowded with thousands
of persons from the interior. who have
come in for a glimpse Of the fighting ves-
sells over Sunday.
III. apo,.I v,.....-