The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-02-12

Annapolis, Md, Feb. 11.-Fifty midship-
men, composing the second section Of the
class Of 1907, were graduated from the
United States Naval Academy here to-
day, and have been ordered to their re-
spective homes for several days to await
their assignment to duty at sea. The
graduation ceremonies were. held in the
mammoth armory building in the presence
OF about LOCO persons. many of whom
were parents, brothers. and sisters Of the
graduates.
In an impromptu address, Hon. Victor
II. Metcalf, Secretary Of the Navy, told
the graduates of the necessity OF their
faithfulness in the performance Of their
duties, and bore strongly upon the fact
that powerful and efficient navy is the
best guarantee Of peace. He laid great
- stress upon the point that the battle ship
is the important fighting machine of the
future. After his address, Secretary Met
calf delivered the diplomas to the grad
yates As he did so he shook each one
by the hand and extended to him his
congratulations on his successful com
pletion of the academic course.
Rear Admiral James II. Sands, superin-
tendent of the Naval Academy, addressed
the graduates before introducing the Sec
rotary. The commencement ceremonies
were simple but interesting
Ceremonies Simple.
To-day was the occasion for the first
official visit that Mr.. Metcalf has made
TO the Naval Academy since he became
Secretary Of the Navy. He was met at
the railway station by Superintendent
Sands and his official aid Lieut.. Arthur
Macarthur, L. 5. n. The party was
driven to the home Of the Superintendent
of the Academy, where Secretary Net
calf was entertained prior TO the cere-
monies.
At the armory the battalion of marines
had assembled. and was paraded in honor
Of the Secretary, while the Academy band
played an air. Entering the armOry. the
Secretary and the receiving party
marched between the two battalions of
the brigade of midshipmen, which was
drawn up at present arms" on each
side. After the invocation prayer, which
was offered by Rev. Henry H. Clark
chaplain of the Academy. Superintendent
Sands addressed the graduates, as fol-
lows:
Upon the conclusion Of his address. Ad-
miraI Sands said he took great pleasure
in introducing the Secretary Of the Navy.
Secretary MetcaIf Speaks.
After the applause which greeted him,
Secretary Metcalf said. in part;
4 wish to say that the time is not far
distant when controversies between ma
lions viii be settled by arbitration or by
international courts instead Of a resort
TO arms 1t is 10 be devoutIy hoped that
disputes between nations VIII be settled
in the same manner as between indi-
viduals. But it seems to me the pre-
paredness of the navy. its efficiency to
Tepel the attack Of any hostile power. is
Of great Importance. We need not fear
of that. There is no power on earth that
can maintain foot on American soil. The
danger Of an attack must come by sea.
It seems 10 me that the best guarantee
Of peace is a well equipped navy. and
that navy must be strong and powerful
enough to cope with any hostile power.
1T is expressly demonstrated that the
fighting machine of the future is the bat
tie ship. The torpedo boat destroyers and
torpedo boats and other vessels have
bulldog ship. as l might call it, with
It's fast speed and great guns. must be
the important factor IN the future con
tests at sea.
Each Gets Diploma.
Then the diplomas were taken from a
receptacle, and as each of the graduates
was called forward, Secretary Netcalf
presented the coveted "sheepskin." The
audience applauded loudly, and il was
more prolonged for those mishipmen who
had distinguished themselves in one way
or another. This was especially so with
William 0. Wallace, of Warrensburg, No.
who ranks first in order of merit. and
Herbert L. Spencer, Of Duluth, Mimi, who
captained the victorious Navy football
team last fall.
After the ceremonies, Supt Sands en-
teTtained Secretary Metcalf at a buffet
luncheon at his residence. at which the
officers and the heads of the departments
and their wives were present Following
the luncheon. Admiral Sands gave re-