AMERICAN FLEET.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2357, 25 November 1908, Page 7

AMERICAN FLEET.

THE VISIT TO JAPAN.

SCENE or GREAT ENTHUSIASM

American papers to hand yesterday give full accounts of the arrival of the great white fleet in the Bay of Tokio, and the hearty welcome accorded the visitors. The 1,6 battleships, says one despatch from Yokohama, dated October 18, constituting the Atlantic fleet, on its peaceful cruise around the world, aro riding at anchor in the Bay of Tokio, occupying a post of honor in front of a like number of Japanese men-of-war, the white hulls of the American vessels forming a strong contrast to the sombre hue of the Japanese vessels. “In the gray hours before dawn,” says the “New York Herald,” “the leviathans of America’s fleet were discerned manoeuvring off the entrance to Tokio Bay. Yokohama was awake already, and the streets were crowded with excited people streaming from the surrounding, afoot, in rickshas or in carriages, making to the water front and to the hills overlooking the bay, to get their first glimpse of the fleet. _ From thousands of flagstaff's and _ buildings, and every point in the big city, floated the Stars and Stripes. Miles of streets were almost walled in with in-ter-twined American and Japanese emblems. The Bay itself was fairly aflame with bunting. The enthusiasm of the people was evidently sincere, though mixed with national curiosity regarding the big fignung ships from America and tlieir long successful cruise, which has marked a new epoch in naval history. “Foreigners were in a minority in the crowds, but whenever they appeared they were treated with exceptional courtesy, because, to the Japanese, all foreigners must bo Americans, many being unable to discriminate between Americans and those from other lands. The roar of the guns, the bursting fireworks, bombs, the shriek of the steam sirens, with the accompaniment of the drone of the deep notes of the liners, filled tho air with overwhelming sound. Ashore, bedlam broke loose, and words fail to describe the enthusiasm of the. assembled thousands. When the American fleet finally came to anchor it presented an imposing spectacle. Thirty-two great warships occupied four long columns of eight, the Americans taking the place of honor in the forefront.

“Acs. soon as the anchors were cast, a reception committee, from the Japanese Government, representing every department, and attaches of the various foreign embassies and legations, and the mayor of Yokohama, put off from shore for • the flagship Connecticut.” A Hongkong message states that im connection with the visit of the fleet to Amoy the Chinese officials were determined to make the visit memorable in view of the drawing closer of the friendly bonds between America and China. They regarded it as a great chance for showing China’s appreciation of the keen interest taken by America in Chinese affairs and the desire on the part of America to solve the present Eastern question, and at the same tipi© elevate China.