The News And Observer

The Four Hundredth Anniversary.

By Cable to the News and Observer.

Huelva, Aug. 2.—The Spanish vessels which gathered to take part in the celebration of the four hundredth anniversary of the sailing of Columbus on his voyage of discovery weighed anchor at 5 o'clock this morning and proceeded for Palos port from which Columbus departed August 3rd, 1492. The warships of foreign nations which had been sent to represent their governments in the celebration followed the Spanish vessels. Upon the arrival of the fleets at Palos the Spanish minister of marine, who represents the Spanish government and all of the Spanish and foreign delegates and officers of the ships forming squadrons attended mass in the church in which Columbus received communion before sailing thence on his voyage, in three small vessels, the Santa Maria, Pinta and Nina. The vessel which was constructed exactly on the lines of the Caravel Santa Maria the largest of these vessels on which Columbus' expedition sailed, will complete her preparations at Palos and at day break tomorrow, third of August. She will, should the wind be favorable pass through the lines formed by various squadrons outside the bar. The Caravel will sail for Havana in January and it is expected will arrive in New York in March. She will make the voyage without any escort.