THE AMERICAN FLEET

Otago Witness, Issue 2842, 2 September 1908, Page 19

THE AMERICAN FLEET

MILITARY SPORTS.

SYDNEY, August 25.

The weather was cold and showery, ljut there was a big attendance, including a large number of Americans, at the military &porte and gymkhana in the Agricultural Grounds. The Americans tried conclusions in the 100 yards Tunning race and the tug-pf-war, going down to the Britishers in both events.

The Lord Mayor's reception in the Town Hall was largely attended. Big drafts of officers and men belonging to the fleet were treated to railway excursions in the country.'

"They are the finest body of Volunteer ■troops I have ever seen in my whole life," was Admiral Sperry's comment on yesterday's review.

LONDON, August 25.

The Times, in a highly appreciative leading aTticle dealing with tbe respective standpoints of America and Australia and the mutual interest in a cordial and what may be expected to prove a lasting friendship between Aus--tralasia and the Americans,' who are so fittingly; represented by Admiral Sherry's eailors, remarks that tbe efficiency of the American navy is - Teoeivin-g *no inconsiderable test under peace conditions by the present voyage. The Australians' consciousness that the navy of the United States was formed in quite recent years by a people in many points very like themselves tends to quicken their own national self-consciousness ; hence it may be expected that an increased devotion of yublic attention to the question of national Self-defence will remain as one of the lasting effects of this notable visit.