THE AMERICAN FLEET

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13680, 24 August 1908, Page 5

THE AMERICAN FLEET

THE OFFICIAL BANQUET.

NOTEWORTHY SPEECHES,

Press Associatiou-By Telegraph-Copyright SYDNEY, August 22. The guts's at the Statu .banquet numbered a thousand.' Mr Wade, '. Premier of New South Wales, in proposing the toast of "The King and President," said that' the • feeling of kinship between the United Sta'ci and "Britain was growing stronger year by' year. The British were only too willing to regard their friends across tbe Atlantic as'natural allies. Mr Deakih, in proposing -Lord Northcote V health, paid a glowing fa/ewell tribute to the departing Governor-General. He described the Flea as, harbingers of peace, bringing to Australia a message of .confidence, and carrying 'throughout tho world an aieu'rance of strength. Lord Northcote said he -believed that such visits only .required' .development to become an important- factor : in the peace and progress of the world. Sir Harry Rawson said that the flags of America and Britain were entwined in hope, and would always be on the same side'.

Admiral Sperry, replying to the toast of "The Guests," sard Uiat 'the welcome had been cordial and enthusiastic beyond measure. Evidently it was froih the people and from their representatives, and the representatives of the King, and back of it all was the kinship of common interests and blood, and cominon Christianity. He hoped the ties, - which were as strong as steel, would become stronger and more numerous. Admiral Sperry proposed the 'toast of the British Navy. - ■ ' • Admiral Poors, in replying, attributed tin- enthusiasm and friendship to their interests being almost identical, because each was strong and respected each other's strength-, xind'-beca^rsfe.^of-tireir-united'"Jf-" forts in the direction or peace. JOLLY DAY ASHORE. MAGNIFICENT NIGHT DISPLAY. SYDNEY, August 22. The weather was fine. The day's-pro-gramme included' visits of contingents of the fleet to the country ,a number ol sporting events, concerts, theatre parties, and a, Venetian carnival in the harbour. In the evening the harbour presented a magnificent, spectacle. The .night was dark and cloudy': ' All the ships, British and American, were illuminated', and kept flashing' 'their < •' criscrotiSed, which- had- a ; weifd-'effect,; while: a. splendid display of' fireworks was maintained. Between 300,000 anil 400,000 persons witnessed the spectacle.

A QUIET SUNDAY. VARIOUS CHUiICH PARADES. Received 1.3 .a.m.V August 24th., -\- r SYDNEY, August 23: To-day was a qiiiet one so far as the fleet was concei;netf;. 'Tile chief 'function was a church parade of the Commonwealth ■ naval and riiilifjary forces in Centennial Park. The,/ Governor presented colom's to the' Second Irifaritiy Re>irirent. ; . Over 70,000 spectators 'were present; including a • goodly number' of American visitors. Many- churches arranged special eeryicesy extending invitations to the fleet. Oyer 800 offi'cers-'-Und'ihen'Vatt-endfid high mass at St. Mark's Cathecfral, and the subsequent banquet - arranged by the Catholic community.,-■■:! „ ~ ;

AMERICAN PRESS OPINIONS. Received' .4.30,•p.uY. ! August.23rd. ..''"• " NE#"TORK,. August. 23. Some of 'the'/American newspapers- are inclined to exploit ' the' vx-it politically, and in a sense' hostile to the AngloJapaneaa. treaty. ''.? ' The "Sun" rcniarks that Australia says "hands across 'the, sea," meaning the sea to America,' riot to the Motherland, the' " Suu " adds'>. -—' The occasion shows that the Australians are ' 'flying : in the face of the Imperial policy."- ■., Other newspapers'"declare that in the event of any"ultimate.-quarrel between Britain and "' japan : ; the'" integrity of Australasian territory America will not interfere. . :■''■■ v ' .-• \ ' LONDON, -August ; 22. : The "Dairy Telegraph;" 'in .commenting I oii the total' absence of European battleships in the Pacific, says that. Admiral Sperry's" shifts will iT be an- objeet lesson to 'Australians 1 "in''the cu*' of and show that Australia's naval, interests, at rate for the present, can best be secured by generous contributions for:the maintenance of ? *he British . Navy,. which is powerful to protect her, ..even though .no British battleships: are seen in'an Australasian port Moreover we have .no ■ right to ■'■ doubt thatVthVthorny-Asiatic: question can be. settled- in -perfectly -. honorable terms. The great fleet on both sides of the-Pacific and the leagues - of ocean in reparation, almost as .good! as . impose a reasonable temper on -those in authority. President Roosevelt's •' reference ito: a cru.ise of peace and justice has 4h« same meaning

a&JfrTJel&ih's happy phrase, harbingers Of arbitration.'' 'Tlis battleships will best 'perforin' 'the'latter, duty when they reach waters ?aiid mid: a magnificent welcbrhe fa#^icfcettin% LS^piS£lliohs.