THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 257, 23 October 1908, Page 4

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

JAPAN'S WELCOME. Japan's preparations for the reception of the United States battleship ■fleet bid fair to eclipse anything that , the fleet has experienced since setting out upon its long cruise. As soon as the programme was arranged a special ollicer of the Imperial Navy Stall was despatched with a copy to meet the American. l f leet at' Manila, that every detail might be submitted for the approval of Admiral Sperry. Needless to say, the plan of welcome is fully up to the traditionary standards for which the Japanese are famous, and in point of cordiality and elaborateness of detail promises to exceed all that the guests could desire.

"The programme," says a despatch from Yokohama, "has some unique features, which <[iic may contemplate with a 3 much edification as interest, ft will be remembered that it is Japan's intention that while the American Fleet in I in Yokohama the autumn manoeuvres : of the Imperial navy will be getting 1111- [ der way in Hie waters of Kobe. Th's will give the visitors, if they arc so disposed, an opportunity of seeing something of the strength and general elliciency of the Imperial fleet. "The combined fleets of the two nations will form into line at sea, and make an imposing progress up the coast and to anchorage in Yokohama llarbou.". During the stay of the American fleet ill Yokohama, each of its battleships will have beside her a corresponding Japanese ship as guard, to prevent annoyance by intruders, and to be at tlie service of the visitors on all occasions, livcryone, from the Emperor down, appears to be evincing the greatest interest in the coming of the fleet, and the utmost personal exertions are being put forth by all ranks and classes to enhance the pleasure and significance of the event. The Emperor has placed at the disposal of Admiral Sperrv and eight of the principal officers of the fleet the Shiba Detached Palace, a distinction usually conferred only on princes and the greatest foreign personages; and during tlieir occupation or the palace Imperial servants will be at their beck and call., and Imperial carriages always at their disposal. There will be a separate conveyance for each office''. Thirty-seven rooms and a large reception chamber have been reserved at the Uoyal Hotel in Tokio, to be extended in hospitality to the commanders of battleships and other high ollicers of the fleet. In this case also each officer or occupant of a room will be provided with a free carriage to travel when and whither he will. Free railway transportation will bo accorded to' all the American ollicers and men desiring to visit the historic or beauty spots of the Empire, like .N'ikko or Kamakura; and special trains for the sole convenience of the Americans will run daily without charge between Yokohama ami the capital. Moreover, all the tramear companies have been instructed to collect no fares from those wearing the uniform of the United States fleet. Information bureaux are to be established at and other convenient places in Yokohama to facilitate the operations and movements of the guests, and free interpreters and guides will be provided lor any parly of American sailors or officers desiring such assistance. In addition free postal and telephone facilities will ■!>,. provided; and a special telephone service will be established on Admiral Sperrv's flagship, enabling him . to communicate at leisure with aav >

par! of the Empire." K.tch day of tin. Hoofs sojourn in ■lapan will be fully taken up with festivities ami functions too numerous for description. The various banquets for ollioers, at which will lie present the (liplomiitie representatives of the whole civilised world, may be expected to allord niiiple opportnnilv for interiMtionnl greetings and a strengthenim.- oi international goodwill. Cortainlv .lapui is leaving no expedient unti'ied,'and no sacrifice, economic ,„• otherwise, iinembraeed, that would in imy \ vftv teml to emphasise her sincere regard for tie people of the United States