THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 210, 26 August 1908, Page 3

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

PRAISE FOB AUSTRALIAN TROOPb Sydney, August 25. "3*ey arc the finest body of volunteer troops I have ever seen in my whole life," was Admiral Sperry's cornmeat on yesterday's review. YESTERDAY'S FETES. Received 25, 10.20 p.m. Sydney, Last Night. The weather was cold and showery to-day. Notwithstanding this, there "was a tig attendance, including a lar?e number of Americans, at the military sports and gymkana at the Agricultural Grounds.

The Americans tried conclusions in a hundred yards running and a tug-of-war contest with the Britishers, going down to the Britishers in both events. The Mayor's reception at the Town Hall was largely attended. Big drafts of officers and men of the fleet were treated to railway excursions into the country. '

AUSTRALIA'S DEFENCE. LASTING EFFECT OF THE FLEET'S VISIT. THE "THUNDERER'S" APPRECIATION. Received 25, 10.40 p.m. London, August 25.

The Times, in a highly appreciative leading article dealing with the respective standpoints of America and Australia, and their mutual interest in a cordial and <wfrat may be expected to prove a lasting friendship between Aus- ' tralasia and Americans, so fittingly represented by Sperry*s sailors, remarks that the efficiency of the American aavy is receiving no inconsiderable test under peace conditions by the present Toyage. The Australians' consciousness that the navy of the United States has been formed in quite recent years by a people in many points very like themselves tends to quicken their own rational self-consciousness. Hence it may be expected, says the Times, increased devotion of public attention to the question of national self-defence wiU remain a 9 one of the lasting effects,' of this notable visit. -