The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-13
Battleships Drop Anchor,
Greeted by Thousands
of Brazilians.
WARSHIPS ESCORT
ADMIRAL EVANS
Foreigners Man the Yards and
Cheer as the Sixteen White
Fighting Machines File
Slowly Into the Harbor
and Fire
Salute.

RIO JANEIRo. January le.-.rhoI
American fleet of sixteen battlcships
entered tho port OF Rio Jnneiro at 3
O'Clock this afternoon after passag
from Port of Spain, trinidad, more
than three thousand miles, unmarried
by serious accident, rep1ete with inter
esting Incidents and ending with u
royal welcome from the Thousands
that had gathered to greet the visitors.
The fleet weighed anchor at o'clock
on the afternoon Of December %, at
Port of Spain. and exactly at o'clock
to-day the vessels were swinging at
their anchors in this beautiful harbor.
All of the battleships are here, but the
supply ships Culgoa and Glacier are
Still at sea not having been able to
keep along with the others. The fleet
has now covered about 1900 miles,
about one-third the distance Of the
voyage to San Francisco. Early In the
morning, the crowds began to gather
in the streets OF Rio Janeiro. and long
before the signal flags were hoisted
announcing the approach of the Amer
lean ships OF war, thousands OF curious
spectators had taken up their points of
vantage on public buildings and the
elevated quays. When the fleet
steamed into the harbor. under the
splendid mountains that frame the bay,
beautiful in the tropical sun. 1t was a
spectacle Incompatible to the eye.
Fleet Meets Fleet.
Word that the fleet had passed Cape
FrIo. about forty-flve miles ont, was
received at $50 o'clock and immedi-
ately scores of tugs and other small
craft crowded with spectators set out
to meet the visitors and accompanied
them to the anchorage. Outlined
against the horison, the great battle
ships. stretched out In one long line.
came slowly through the passage into
tho bay. The Connecticut, Rear Ad-l
miral Evans flagship was in the lead
with the Brazilian cruisers dressed In
gala attire on either side. Passing the
fortresses; the Connecticut fired a
salute OF twentysone guns which was
responded to by the Brazilian war
ships. the German cruiser Bremen
and tho shore guns. The yards and
Fighting tops were manned and cheers
upon cheers were given for the splen-
did passage of tho flagship and her
sister ship.
city Illuminated.
AS soon as the anchorage waa made.
the. Brazilian minister of Marine Adj
rniral Alencar. the captain of the port.
the American consul, G. E. Anderson,
the commandants of Naval Divisions
and the civic authorities went on
hoard the Connecticut and extended a
hearty welcome to Rear Admiral
Evans, his officers and men. Not less
than $4,000 to 10000 persons were
aboard these boats and more than
10000 others wels gathered on shore
10 celebrate the coming of the fleet.
Tonight the city is beautifully illu-
minated and a gala occasion mas peen
IN honor. of the visitors,
officers nnd Men Well.
RIO JANEIRo. January 1e.-All the
way down from the Port OF Spain the
voyage was an enjoyable one; all Oh
board the ships are we'll and seemingly
happy. To some extent the PASSAGE
OF the fleet vas hampered by the
strong currents and the swells, poor
coal and minor arrangements OF the
auxiliary machinery OF several OF the
speed Of ten knots was maintained
The speed was then increased to eleven
knots and finally to twelve knots.
Neptune's Visit.
At midnight on the fifth. the fleet
crossed the Equator and Father Nep-
tune visited the ships. On the flagship
Connecticut Neptune, surrounded by
his various assistants and satellites,
addressed a warm welcome to the
adnllral IN COIllI11duu. TNcNcIly OciOt o !iehst
so many recruits crossed the line at
one time. numbering fully 80 per cent.
OF the crews The great number of
green hands gave Farther Neptune and
his followers an unusual Opportust
to put them through 'he initiation with
ininitable spirit Neptune's flag hung
at the yard arms during the cere-
monies All the newspapers correspond
ents on the vessels paid the footing
with the older officers and number
OF midshipmen who took the tnitia-
tion.
Drill at Sen.
Early on Friday morning false
alarm OF man overheard was sent out
from the Missouri, which brought the
fleet to a quick stop and boats We're
lowered. It was an excellent drill and
vel! performed. On the night Of the
came day q brig howing no lights en- 1
tered the column and caused break
in the formation. A serious accident
was averted only by the skillful hand
ling OF the warships. Outside Of Ri
Janeiro Brazilian fleet consisting
OF three cruisers. accompanied hy the
SAmerican lender Yanhton. met the
American battleships off Cape Frio and
after an exchange OF greetings steamed
with them along the coast and into
the roadstead.