The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1909-04-06


the Straits. When within about two
aavs Of the Straits the Panther was
again sent ahead to arrange the de-
tails of anchorage. Everything had
been arranged by the time the fleet
arrived. Many furs were secured
here. On the way out Chilian cruls-
r led the way through the Straits,
and Mr.. Simmons says it was one Of
the most magnificent spectacles OF
the whole cruise. On each side were
snow-capped mountains, and follow
ing the lead of the Chilian cruiser
we're the sixteen American battle
ships, and then the cruisers. Just as
the fleet got out Of the Straits a
heavy fog set in, which lasted four
days. When the fog Lifted the fleet
was in exactly the same formation as
when it had settled, and the fleet had
been steaming at ten knots during the
whole time.
The Panther went on to Calico, Pe-
ru, to arrange for the anchorage OF
the fleet there. Elaborate receptions
had been planned for the fleet at CAL
leo, and from Calico many Of the men
went over to Lima in electric cars to
SEQ the bull fights and cock fights.
Weighing anchor the fleet proceed
ed to Magdalena Bay, where the
spring target practice was held. Lat
er the fleet steamed through the Gold
en- Gate, into the harbor of San Fran
cisco. The reviews and receptions
the are matters Of history. Follow
ins the stay in San Francisco part OF
the vessels went to the Mare Island
navy yard and part Of them to seat-
tie, Wash, for repairs. On July 3
the journey across the Pacific was be-
GUN. Honolulu was touched, and then
Samoa, one Of the small possessions
of this country in the Pacific, where
the fleet was again coaled by native
women. Leaving Samoa the Panther
proceeded about two hundred miles
ahead Of the fleet to act as a relay to
keep the flagship in communication
with Washington by wireless. The
fleet proceeded to Auckland, New
Zealand, where the men were paid of
in English money. Staying here about
two weeks, the next leg Of the voyage
was made to Sidney, Australia, where
the most elaborate entertainment had
been arranged for the officers and
men Thence the fleet proceeded to
Melbourne, Australia, which tried to
outdo Sidney in making the meE have
a good time. Mr.. Simmons brought
home from Melbourne the skin Of a
dingo, the native dog, which will go
through a flock of sheep killing them
every one, and not even sucking a
drop of blood. These animals have
become very scarce now, and the skins
are valuable. Thence the voyage pro-
ceeded to Albany, Australia, where
coal was taken on, and then the fleet
was on its direct course to Manila.
Through the Straits of Mallaca it pro-
ceeded, not far from the Island Of
Borneo, made famous in circus lore.
No shore leave was granted the men
during their stay IN Manila on account
Of an epidemic of cholera which was
just being stamped out. The Panther,
however, went over to Hong Kong,
China, where liberty was granted the
men. The Panther rejoined the fleet
on its way to Japan, and anchored at
Yokohama. There they could go over
to Toxic free Of cost, and they were
cordially received by the Japanese sail
ors and the japanese people generally.
A novel feature Of the entertainment
which had been provided for them was
the singing of the "Star Spangled
Banner" by the Japanese school
children in English. The fleet went
back from here to Manila, and the
good-conduct men were granted shore
leave on Thanksgiving day, and Mr..
Simmons was among these and enjoy
ed the fine entertainment which had
been prepared for the Americans. He
and the others on shore went through
tn old walled city, and saw the old
Spanish. cathedrals, and the bridge of
Spain. The Panther later went into
dry dock at Alongapo, and he was
among a party of four who secured
permission to take hunt on the main
land. The deer, however, were wild,
and it was necessary to be constantly
on the lookout for wild boars, and
for the MorOs. also. The Darty killed