The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-08-18
Torpedo Boat Destroyer Barry Rams the Decatur But
 Damage is Slight
ROOSEVELT'S SON WAS ON
 THE DISABLED VESSEL
As the Ship lighted Herself and Sig nailed All We'll the Ceremonies Continued, the President Ad-
 dressing Officers and Men.

Oyster Bay, N. Y, August 17.-For the first time in the history of the country the President of the United States today reviewed and inspected, in time of peace, a great fleet of United States warships. The ceremony was magnificent and im- pressive naval spectacle. It was unmarred by the slightest mishaps until Just at it's conclusion when the torpedo boat de- stroyer Barry rammed the destroyer De- catur fortunately, however, doing little damage. The incident was exciting. It occurred just at the moment when the President was receiving congratulations upon the success of the maneuvers
 The first squadron of destroyers, con- sisting of Decatur, Bainbridge, Barry Dale and Chauncey, all under command of Lieut. L. H. Chandler, was approach ing the Maylower at full speed. The ves- sels were In close formation
 Orders were signalled from the Decatur to the other vessels to form wedge. In executing the orders the Decatur swung across the bow of the Barry. An instant later the Barry rammed her bow on the starboard side. As the ships were running at a speed of twenty knots the blow was tremendous. The Decatur listed sharply to port and seemed to be in serious dis tress From the Mayflower she appeared to be sinking.
 No Serious Damage.
 The Mayfowers boats were manned in- rtantty but were not lowered as the Deca- tur was seen to right herself. In 1ew minutes she hoisted a signal of no seri- ous damage" The Barry, which nao struck the Decatur glancing blow, nad her bow crumped by the collision put she was not injured otherwise The acci- dent put sudden stop to the inaneupefs of the destroyers squadron. Admiral Dewey ordered Lieutenant Chandler to proceed with the five vessels to the Brooh- lvn naval yard, where such repairs as may be necessary could be made quicks. After the damage has been repaired the souadron will re- join the fleet. Both the pras,dent and Mrs. Roosevelt noted the occident with great calmness, notwftn- standing the fact that their son. Kermit xyas on hoard the Decatur at the tlme of the collision. In commenting on tue accident. Admiral Dewey said that sucn an accident was part or the war ssine and most at times be expected. Presioehl Roosevelt entertained his guests ana the saod,rg officers of the fleet at So,,rh4fnl luncheon on board the May flower.
 Drlnkc to the Great Powers
 During the luncheon the President rose and said. we have with us today repre- any .i,,as of the great powers, Great Bri- tain Germany, Russia and Japan. ASK vou to drink to these great powers anu to their sovereigns." ,r,
 The toast was drunk stanuihs' M the President continued: we also nave with us representatives Of an intsrnd.ioli-
 
 al incident. As to that may 'ne oe'' win.'' ..ot .o.st ,,kay,ise was drunk by the guests stand ing. ,. r.,.,a,, ov,,as- sv addressed the President as foliows.
 'In tbe name of my colleagues, in the name of our soveregns. and in the name Inf our countries. I desire to thank you. I propose the heaitn or the ries'0o"s VI the United States
 Rising again they drank the toast heart y,, Al the conclusion of the luncheon the officers returned to their ships.
 Al 1928 the President went aboard the flagship Kearsarge, where he addressed inc enlisted men and officers of the ship. President Roosevelt said:
 President Speaks.
 "Offcers and enlisted men: l wlsh 10 say A word of thanks to you on behalI or the people of the United States. Tnere are many public servants whom f'id in high esteem; there are no others "ann hold in quite the esteem l do the ofh- cers and enlisted men or the navy anu < army of the United States
 ssIn doing your work here. every Dit should be done with an eye toward tfe day when on every man, from the aonl- ral to the lowest in rank, may rest the responsibility. and duty as to whether or not a new page of honor Tn American HIS tory shall be turned
 .As I passed the Olympia I remember ed her grand victory of May l, 1898, which made her name forever one of re- novvn in OUT history. But all aboard her, from admiral down to the lowest enlist ed man. had been equipped for the worK h,, davs and by years of what must have been to many irksome duty. In speaking to all of you l want chance to say word of special recognition to the gun pointers The shots that hit are the shots that tell I am happy to say that inc American seamen have never been found deficient in the fighting edge, the first requisite of the fighting man. do not praise you for being brave; that is exnected. The coward is to be condemn ed rather than the brave man to be praised. I expect every one to snow perfect willingness to die rather than to see the slightest stain put upon the flag. but in addition. you must know how to fight as well as know how to die. then you will be what believe you are the most efficient fighting force in the world. I again thank you for what you are. A !. peculiar responsibility attaches to each and every one of you. It has, been. nleasure to see the ships and the guns, hut above all, the men behind the guns"
 Bows to Admiral Dewey.
 When the President spoke of Admiral , Dewey he turned toward him and bowed Tre admiral answered the bow. The men interrupted to cheer first the Presi- dent and then the admiral
 The President asked the name and birth place of each of the gun pointers They include men from all states In the Union. California, Texas. North Carolina, Maine. Indiana. Michigan Minnesota