New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-09-24
CROWDS VISIT FLEET
GREAT DAY ON RIVER,
Flags at Half-Mast During Gop-
ernOr JOhns0n's Funeral.

II any of the Hague peace commissioners were
among the crowds afioat. afoot and in vehicles that
saw the vast assemblage OF warshlps on the Hud-
son when the fighting craft American and foreign
had lined up yesterday afternoon, they might have
shaken their heads at TIE apparent absence OF a
general disarmament
If these same had heard the approving comments
and caught the expressions of wondering admira-
ton from tOddlers and big folk. :hey might have
marvelled at the universal instinct to love the
powerful and respect strength.
New York does not often get a chance 10 see
what fine navy Uncle Sam has acquired I'm recent
years, but IL yesterday and the citizens of all
bOrOughs of the greater city saw some of the big
battleships and cruisers that are represent the
United States on the Hudson among the fighting
ships Of other nations. 1t a sight to make the
dogs of war sit up and howl, for the river has
never harbored such splendid chain of fighting
vessels. The popuace appreciated the fact and
crowded the banks OF the river from morning till
after sunset.
All parts OF New York sent their quota to the
banks of the Hudson TO behold the warlike fotilla
not looking any the less warlike because It on
mission of peace and about TO take part in the
biggest festival ever held in any city. AS soon as
the schools were out boys and girls started on the
double quick for the river bank. They had been
talking of II whenever they had tine opportunity all
day-the big warships in the river. The subject
was the talk of the ferryboat crowds to and from
New Jersey. 1t was office talk and talk on the
streets. II the Secretary OF the Navy had ever
OOupteu tlat the puDuc TOOK proper interest III
department, he would have doubted more could
he have mingled with the throngs yesterday and
heard all parts of a warship discussed most learn
eddy by those who knew and those who did not.
The big feet is not yet complete. for the British
and German squadrons have not entered port, but
the Cuban gunboat Hatuey. the Argentine cruiser
Presdente Sarmiento, the Italian cruiser Etna, the
Mexican gunbOat Morelos and the three French
battleships, Justice yerite and Vietoire, were
anchored last night south of the Soldiers and
Gaf 1Tnln az faan
American battleships and three scout cruisers. In
all there was an armada OF more than thirty-two
ships Of war
Riverside Drive was nearly as crowded as IT is
the day of big land parade in that part of
the town. The driveway itself oyerfiOwing with
automobiles. carriages of ell Sorts bicycles and
motorcycles. The subway stations at esth street
and further up the river. where the United States
warships lay. did an unusually big business.
Buster than the crowded shore was the
river and the harbor police were on the jump
|, afternoon and evening preventing dangerous dis
order among the small craft dotted the
| water and in keeping them from scratching the
paint off the anchored warships. On account Of
the swinging of the big ships with the tide the
commanders requested the police TO look after the
safety of the persons in the little boats by keep
ing them away from the sides. There hun
dreds of rowboats around the lighted warships.
| and officers and crews must have felt as though
they in unctvtlized harbor in the SOUTH
ern Pacific so much curiosity shown over big
guns, uniforms and other naval appendages
The launches and other craft as we'll as the
crowds shore increased after business hours
and dinner time. In the multitude were many
from far inland who had never seen a United
States man-of-war. and found the sight good
one. To many also it was a novelty to see big
ship of any kind
The landing stages for the sailors at the foot OF
139th and 15eth streets were centres of interest,
and hundreds of spectators watched the jackies
come ashore on leave and go back TO their ships
IN the boats. Everywhere there were policemen,
and where the crowds were likely TO grow most
dense Inspector Mccaferty's detectives slipped in
and out. looking for malefaetors.
All the American warships hung their flags at
halfnast this afternoon while the funeral of Gov
ernor Johnson WAS In progress In Minnesota. This
token of respect widely commented upon 10y
the spectators shore.