New-York tribune., 1908-02-23
PERU GREETS AMERICA
WELCOME To THE FLEET.
Presidents Cordial Speech and Id
miraI ThomQs's Reply.

Lima Feb. "A dinner was given this even
ing by President Pardo in honor of Washing
tons Birthday TO the officers of TIE American
feet About two hundred and fifty guests from
the varships were present and the occasion was
marked by much enthusiasm and warm express
sions OF mutual good viii
The Exposition Hail. where the dinner was
held was decorated American flags being prom
inently displayed. The walls were covered with
American and Peruvian flags and coats of arms.
Thousands Of blossoms lined the tables Dwarf
palm trees hanked the walks Four miniature
American batueships were among the decora-
;ions. In the centre Of The courtyard fountain
played. surrounded by gigantic palm trees. on
which had been set Up scores OF colored electric
lights
An immense crowd in the square in front of
the building warmly cheered the American Off
GERS they arrived In all the guests num-
bered about five hundred.
The President of Peru made speech. in which
he highly praised the white fleet of warships
and the ability OF its officers. He said:
The arrival TO our shores of the American
warships has been looked forward to with the
greatest pleasure by the government and citi-
zens Of Peru. since il offered opportunity TO
show the tone OF the friendship which exists
between this country and the United States
Peruvians unite in extending cordial welcome
TO the American navy and. were it possible our
spectacle presented at Cailao of the Star
Spangled Banner waving from the masts Of the
most powerful feet that ever navigated the
Pacific Your successful accomplishment of this
difficult voyage proves the power and discipline
OF the American navy. which to-day is acllnowl
edged throughout the entire world.
With sincere welcome. the government and
the people of Peru wish TO express their ad-
1uiration for the justice inspired by President
Roosevelt's policy in regard TO the relations Of
tbs United States with the Latin American
countries and their relations among themselves
This policy met warm response at the recent
conference at Washington. which assured per
nanent peace in Central America.
Welcome 10 you admirals and officers of the
American fleet Peru receives you with hearty
friendship and reminds you that you tread
friendly strands this day, when your country
honOrS the memory Of George Washington.
founder Of a glorious Independence and an ad
rui-abie form Of government I ash. you TO join
ne in these toasts: To the prosperity Of the
United States. to the health Of that eminent
President, Theodore Roosevelt: that good luck
may ever accompany the fleet under your COM
rnand.
Rear Admiral Charles. NJ Thomas who rep
resented Rear Admiral Evans, in reply said:
With a deep sense of the honor conferred
upon me. I rise TO acknowledge the warm trib
ute paid BY your exceIlency to my country. the
American navy and TO the feet of which we
have the privilege of being members. In behalf
q the commander in chief. who is detained
through illness from being present, and in be
half o. my brother officers l return sincere
thanks and gratitude Rest assured that the
cOurteSies and the warmth Of the welcome We
have received in Peruvian waters are appreciated
IN the extreme. and the Cordiallty of the Peru
vian government and people viii be reported TO
the government which l have the honor 10 rep
resent
The desirability of closer intercourse between
the Republic OF the North and the sister re-
publics in Central and South america is be
coming daily more and more impressed on the
minds OF my ccunUTymen This banquet to-
night tends To bring more in touch with each
ether heightening the mutual understanding
and respect, and should prove Of immense ad-
--ar1-z in TEriFp ne
intercourse. object earnestly 10 be desired
Ny fcndest wish is F'an-Anlerican solidarity. not
q theoretical phrase, but an accomplished Nv
Isolation and ignorance produce dist-ust and
suspicion. knowledge Of one another. the in
terchange Of hospitalittes and close commercial
intercourse. which so hand IN hand in the march
Of civilization, tend 10 advance Us on the roao
Tbe American feet lying in the hospitable
waters OF country splendid in traditions VIII
be q material aid in effecting the happy results
outlined This powerful feet for our countrys
defence is ready al al times for instant ac-
tion. but to-day and in The near future, let us
hope the indefinite future. II Il a messenger ol
the most desirable human CbJtt Is, peace on
earth and good Viii 10 men
The national salute was fired from the Ameri-
can va~shiTs III CaIIao harbor at noon to-day in
honor Of washington's Birthday The Peruvian
ships q war in port also fred salutes-
The American sailors anG marines are enjoy
ing their shore leave in Ca}ao and Lima and
this morning the launches from the feet began
bringing men 10 the piers in large numbers
and the visitors scattered quickly 10 surround
ing points Of interest Many Of them came up
10 Lima. some by train ana some by trolley
10 fewer than two thousand men were ashore
YESTERDAY and their conduct was generally ad-
ru1red over two thousand had shore leave To-
dav. The centres Of attraction in Callao are the
japanese shops and the fruit stalls and these
Industries report record breaking business Ihe
men are enjoying themselves thoroughly aho
spending their money freely.
Yesterday 2 number Of officers from the war
shfps visited the Union and National oluOS
II. Lima. and were warmly welcomed
= Peruvian composer. Cesar Panizo, has writ
Ten and 7,ubIisred a tvo-step called The White
SQUADRON Il is dedicated to Rear AdHalral
Evans and his officers. and already has become
popular.
Mines from The feet played game OF baseDall
in -be b1.llring this afternoon Many CITIZENS
watched the contest.
Cs~rain J. y Bowyer Of the Illinois ana
fifteen officers from the feet were entertained at
dinner il Lima tonight ~ the head OF the local
branch Of " z Grace & Co