The Hawaiian gazette., 1908-06-12
SPERRY TO
M0TT-sM|TH

Following is the letter received by
Acting Governor Mott-Smith from
Rear Admiral Sparrv commander-in-
chief of the United States Atlantic
fleet:
Office of the Commander Chief
| United States Atlantic Fleet, U. s
| S. Connecticut, Flagship, San Fran
cisco, Cal, May 81, 19OS.
| My Dear Mr.. Mott -Smith-Your letter
of the 14th ultimo has not been answered
principally because l only became CON-
mander-in-chief on the 18th instant
and up to that time could not speak
with authority.
In relation to police arrangements
there can not possibly be any confusion
There is well organized system OF
| fleet patrol in charge of officers, the
senior of whom reports to the head Of
the police authorities in the port visit
ed, and under his direction exercises a
general suDervision over all the men on
shore, taking charge Immediately of
any man who shows the slightest evi-
denee of being under the influence of
drink, without in the least interfering
with the police authority of the local
force. Although we have at times
landed as many as three or four thou
sand men per day, there has never been
the slightest trouble, and | do not an
tieipate any in Hawaii. | enclose here
with copies of fleet special orders is
sued in San Francisco, which will give
you an idea of the organization of the
fleet patrol and the scope of its work.
You will find that within the last ten
years the class of men in the service has
totally changed, ana there is nowhere in
the world body of working men equal
to them in good character and intelli-
gence.
The essential points in handling the
men are:
(a) That not less than six eonven-
lent boat landings shall be provided,
each of which will permit 40-foot
steamer to come alongside with room
for convenient handling.
(b) The men have no desire to loaf
in drinking saloons or other disrepu-
table places, but they do desire to see
the sights, and to that end it is desir-
able that, as far as possible, leaflets
should be prepared and supplied to
them, showing the excursions which may
lie made in the vicinity, the means of
and the lawful and proper
fares. The principal location of trou-
! lie, If any, is at the dock, and to avoid
this every possible facility should be
to enable the men to land
and disperse quickly and to embark
speedily on their return.
AS for the nature of the entertain
ment to be supplied to the men: They are
healthy, intelligent and normal young
and the entertainments sup
piled should be such as beft that class
of our fellow citizens Several times |
Lave been asked, particularly by the
secretary of the executive committee
of Hawaii on reception of the Atlantic
Gect, whether or not the hula hula should
lie given as an entertainment for the
men, and it seems hardly necessary to
say that my answer has been an en-
rhatic negative. 1t is my understanding
that that dance is now, and has been !
for many years, prohibited by law, and
while it may be decently performed. the |
public belief would be quite to the con-
trary if it were given, even if it were
not forbidden.
1t is of the greatest Importance that :
place should be supplied as near the
landing as practicable, where the men /
may find shelter while waiting for their |
boats. If there is not, they are apt to
sit down i'll a saloon and, to pay for the |
seat, take a drink they do not want
Such places have usually been provided |
under the supervision of the Y. NJ C. A. |
In this connection a copy of a letter
from the Y. NJ. c.. A. of San Francisco
S appended to show the extent to which
he men appreciate and take advantage
If such accommodations.
1t is hardly necessary to say that the
are not looking for anything
more than transportation, meals and
'ther things which they require at a
air market rate. They are free landed
md generous, and nobody need lose any
money by reason of the accommodations
which | suggest. but it is certain that /
hey will bitterly and properly resent
ny discrimination against them on ac- !
ount of their uniform, or any attempt z
impose upon them excessive charges ,
The transportation lines along the
'oast towns have very frequently made g
he uniform of the sailor a free pass '
ort on all their lines, and the men /
ave been very much gratifed thereby; a
OF because of the trifing expense a
aved to them, for which they care L
othing, but because of the recognition !
f the dignity of their service. The S
companies on the Coast c
ave received their reward in the i'm v
tense receipts from travel induced
rom far back in the country in order t
} view the fleet, but no such eompen- f
alton is possible in Hawaii, as 1 un l.
erstand it, and the matter is only men a
oned in order to show you the stand 5
lg which has been rightly accorded to o
ne men where it was possible. ?
The feet is expected to arrive at :
onolulu, Thursday, July 16, sailing for
on the 23rd One of the four
visions will proceed at once to Maui
nd anchor there to take coal from
pliers. Three divisions will proceed
} Honolulu, one going inside for coal +
and the other two remain
lg outside, but minor details have not
ct been arranged. They will be com
as soon as practicable to the s.
of the naval station, who t
i'll be requested to consult with you 5
: with the proper representatives, of t
lie Territory. f
Through Governor Frear, a request
as been received from the Leper Set A
ement, Molokai. to have the fleet pass
thin sight during davlipht IL seems r