The visit of the Great White Fleet was seen as an opportunity for China to restore and enhance her position amongst the other nations of the world. It reaffirmed their territorial rights as presented by Teddy Roosevelt's Open Door Policy providing a warning to Japan against further intrusions into Manchuria.
The visit of the American Fleet fell short of China's desires. Initially Shanghai was selected as the port of call, but after arches and pavilions had been constructed, the Navy Department decided the port was too shallow and the channels too difficult. The Chinese were pleased with the alternate selection of Chefu which was close enough to the Empress in Peking to allow Admiral Sperry to visit. After again building grand stands, arches and pavilions it was rejected by Washington because it faced the Japanese fortress at Port Arthur. Washington felt they would offend the Japanese by honouring an enemy, the Chinese. Instead they recommended the port of Amoy.
Amoy was far from an ideal selection. China felt that it was a terrible selection. For one, the location was far from central China and Peking. Even worse, the city of Amoy wanted nothing to do with welcoming the American Fleet. In fact, they were openly hostile. Amoy was an independent minded city that was generally opposed to the current leadership in Manchuria. The city felt that the American Fleet could potentially inflame the Japanese government into taking punishment out on their city.
To greet the American Fleet in Amoy it became necessary to build a "second city" from an existing town outside Amoy. "Pleasure City", as it was called was constructed against all odds. The city of Amoy provided no support for purchasing construction materials, labour, or food for the sailors. Everything had to be brought in by junk or wagon from northern cities. Further they had to construct the city as a fortress with police and regular troops to provide armed emplacements around the walls. This was completed at a cost of over $700,000.00 and then rebuilt after the city was destroyed by a typhoon on October 12th and 13th. Nonetheless, the city was ready when the Fleet arrived. Over 8,000 troops were in position to protect the American sailors. It was a display of force that caused Admiral Emory to initially choose not to put the liberty party ashore given the amount of hostility that was potentially waiting to greet them. Eventually 2,500 officers and men did go ashore.
Pleasure City was like an amusement park for the American sailor. Sports were organized to provide Fleet competition while sailors were served beer and ice cream.
As part of second division, the USS Virginia visited Amoy, China. The picture shown below, photographed by Walter Stiles, Machinist, Second Class, USS Virginia, shows the championship football game with the pavilion in the background.
The pavilions were equipped with stages with magic and acrobatic shows. It was a visit where the crew members were given gifts. Trophies worth $1200.00 where given to the winning team in baseball and football. Individual ship captains were given silver bowls. Wardrooms were given table and chair sets, and enlisted men received cloisonné vases as the one shown here.
Cheers
Sean
