The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-01-31
Six Vessels Of American
Fleet Arrive at Pillars
of Hercules.
ENGLISH OFFICERS
SEND GREETINGS
Town and Fortress Decked
Out TO Welcome
Visitors.

GIBRALTAR. Jan. 31.-Six OF the bat
tIeships OF the American Atlantic meet
arrived OF Gibraltar this morning. Sa-
lutes were hanged with the vessels
III the harbc ID with the fort
A rear & H. al s salute was hred when
Admiral Sperry's flagship, the Connect
cut, dipped her flag 10 the British en-
sign flying high on the rock. The port
was alive with interest at the arrival
OF six OF the sixteen American battle
ships, and there was a general exchange
Of greetings.
Officers OF the vessels of the British
Mediterranean feet that were in port
exchanged visits and salutauOus with
the American officers. All was gayety
ia the harbOr ana crowds Of spectators
cheered Justify as the American vessels
steamed majesucally in, headed by the
Connecticut. flying the flag OF Rear Ad-
miral Sperys commanding the feet.
Watched From Shore,
The vessels were picked up by many
held glasses in the han6s Of officers in
the fortress and on board the ships IN
the harbor when the Americans were
Tar out in the ofdng. The word passed
around as If by magic, and all in the
fortress. on the peninsula, in the town
and harbor turned out 10 extend greet
ings. The fortress was in cOmmUniCa-
tion with Admiral Sperry by wireless
long before his division hove in sight,
but apparently this aroused little inter
est until the news spread that divi-
sion Of the American feet had been
sighted.
1t Is probable the high commanding
OFF GERS or the British land and naval
Tor 3 win exchange visits with Admiral
Spe-fy late this afternoon.
The American vessels anchored 70
the eastward, OF the coal piers. All
the other divisions of the fleet are on
their way 10 Gibraltar, and viii arrive
uy tomorrow evening at the latest 1t
VIII be the first time in history that
such a Formidable American feet has
been seen in the Mediterranean near
the British stronghold
Scene of Feace.
The scene in the harbor today was
far from any suggestion. OF conflict or
hostility. It was one of beauty and was
suggestive only OF the good win OF the
nations
There viii be no official social af-
fairs during the few days stay Of the
American heeL OF course, the officers
VIII entertain one another in so far as
the limited opportunities permit
The American vessels excited the ad-
mIraJ4On OF all those who saw them.
Tney appeared in as good shape as if
they had been on but brief shake
down cruise
Now at Anchor.
The battieships Connecticut. Kansas
Minnesota. and Vermont are anchored
IN line and 10 IS understood that the
other vessels win take their position in
squadron order The fourth division
second squadron. under the command
or Rear admiral William =. Potter is
nearing GlDTalLaI. coming from a Iglers.
on the other side or the Mediterranean.
Inc four vessels IU this division the
~ lscOnslus Illinois. j. eaTEaFge and Ken
lucky sailed from AIglers yesterday.
The 0attlesuips Georgia and Nebraska.
me FORMER the uagsGIg OF Rear Ad-
miral Richard wainwright. sailed from
iangler, AgrOccO, Cor Gibraltar This
morning according 10 Information sent
rom admiral N aluWrlElL 10 Admiral I
Sperry by wireless. The BafrIf-Ef-.s
New Jersey and Rhode Island. which
came 20 Gibraltar from AIarse.IIas
rance VIII anchor some time mis-
evening The third division of gHe frar
under command OF Rear Admiral Sear0n
schroeder is understood 20 be on ms
way 10 this port from Negro Bay.
The tender Panther and the collier
AJAX arrived with Admiral SDerrg.s 5l-
vision this morning.