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Show THE FLEET AND PATRIOTISM. Western people have sometimes been reproached with being too occupied with material Interests to take high rank in deeds or even expressions of patriotism. As Is but natural, their Interest In tho affairs of their own state far exceeds their desire to settle national problems. The coming of tlio licet again into homo waters has sent, however, a genuine national thrill all along the Pacific coast and through the, Intermountaln region. Ever since the fleet of sixteen battle ships left Hampton Roads on December Decem-ber 10 under Admiral Evans we have all eagerly followed its progress. We hac exclaimed over Its estimated cost of $100,000,000; we have been glad to dazzle the South American republics with our military display and let them infer that some day wo shall have a navy worthy of our sl.e and Hint the United Stales mall will not always come to them by way of Europe in European vessels, as is now tho case But ever since the fleet arrived in Magdalena bay last Marcli Interest lias become keener and lias taken on an almost delirious form in California where thousands of persons of all sexes and ages slept all night on the sands so that they might see the Illuminations Illumina-tions of tho vessels. This enthusiasm has penetrated to the most remote valley and even hero In our beloved Cache there breathes not a man with soul so dead that he doesn't long to tako advantage of the cheap railroad rates and go to San Francisco and see the greatest fleet of modern times. Parties havo already gone from Richmond, Rich-mond, Smllhllcld, Preston, Logan and other towns and it Is a most promising and hopeful indication of national unity and loo to seo this widespread enthusiasm. The stimulating of such a feeling Is the most beneficial result of the modern battleship. |