THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 77, 30 March 1908, Page 5

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

- - -■.■.■ PROBABLY COMING TO AUCKLAND. (B? Cable.—Press. Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, March 29. Reuters Washington correspondent states the Navy. Department has practically decided that the American fleet shall visit Auckland on its way to Sydney. ■ The decision is probably prompted, adds th& correspondent, by the fact that there is an ample supply of good coal in New Zealand, and because the American Government is anxious to show its appreciation of New Zealand's prompt and cordial invitation. ARRIVAL AT VALPARAISO s6 • • —— . (By Mail.) VALPARAISO, February 14. In beautiful weather the United States Pacific Squadron passed here to-day. In compliance with .the strong wishes expressed by the people of Valparaiso. I Rear-Admiral Evans came into the bay. His sixteen battleships, headed by the Chilian cruiser Chacabuco and three tor-pedo-boat destroyers, all English-built, formed in a long line, and steamed a half-circle into the bay, where they passed in front of the training ship General Baquedano. On this were President Montt and the members of the diplomatic body. Each vessel fired a salute of 21 guns as it passed the training ship and dipped her flag. It. was a truly magnificent and imposing spectacle, but there was practically no cheering in the bay. The fleet was not punctual in arriving, but it kept a beautiful line, with exactly three lengths between each ship. The land batteries and the Zenteno returned the salutes. In all 1037 guns were fired. All the ships in fhe bay were dressed. The hills around the bay were covered with sightseers watching the great naval display. The exhibition of power furnished by the American squadron is bound to create an impression here of the importance of friendly relations with, and of the support of, the United States. People here are also much gratified at the compliment paid to Valparaiso, and the action taken in bringing the fleet into the bay was a wise one on the part of the Americans.—Reuter. SUGGESTED VISIT TO WELLINGTON. (By Telegraph.—Pr»ss Association.) WELLINGTON, this day.

The Wellington branch of the Navy League has written to Sir Joseph Ward and the Governor, asking them to use their influence to induce Admiral Evans to extend the visit of the American fleet to Wellington.