Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-11-09
Departure Of Batl|eshIps to Pacific
Promises 10 be Harked by
Notable Incidents.
DISTINGUISHED pAsTY IS COMING
Admiral Dewey, Secretary of the Navy
Metcalf and othero viii be Aboard
the Maynower When tho Chief Ex-
eoutive Bids Rear Admiral Evans
Bon Voyage.

IroSiucnt Roosevelt VIII review tho
16 powerful battleships of Rear Adj.
miral Robcley d. Evans Atlantic fleet
when they steam out OF Hampton
Roads OH December l6 bound on their
cruise OF 1872 miles to san Fran
cisco. Cal, via the Straits of Nlagcl.
Ian. After receiving word that all IN
in readiness for the cruise the Pres
idcnt will leave Washington for
yacht Mayllowcr ana after arriving
at OLD Point he will inspect each of
the bRttlcshlps To satisfy himself that
they are in prime conditon.givc his
last words of advice to Admiral Ey-
ans. his officers and r,cn and then
wish them bon voyage on their jour
ney.
a Great Event.
This will be one of the greatest
cruiHcs III the history OF the navios
OF the world and preparations IN keep
Ing with the Importance of tho event
will be made for the ileet's depart
nre. Admiral Dewey, Secretary of the
Navy Melcalf Assistant Secretary Of
tho Navy Ncwberry. Rear Admiral
Brownson, CHIEF of the bureau of nav.
ignition. Rear Admiral Converse. pres
AN'h' va WV HtNlu vi HHNNl COHSlTllc-
ton, and the respective heads of the
different bureaus Of the Navy DEPART
ment probably will accompany the
President TO Hampton Roads ana join
In tho farewell ceremonies when the
warshiDs put to sea.
President Roosevelt probably will
leave Washington on Wednesday, De-
cember | /, after receiving word from
Admiral Evans that the fleet il ready
for tho trip to the Pacific. Details
for the review and ,he farewell pro.
gram have not yet matured. but ac-
cordinE to dispatches from Washing
ton the President contcmplatcs en-
tertaining Admiral Evans ana the di-
vision commanders ana probably the
captains aboard the Maynower before
their departure.
Address to Officers.
In all probability the President Will
make n short address to the Officers
at that time, explaining the reasons
for sending the fleet to the Pacific
and what lie expects viii be accom-
plisbed for the navy. When tho flag
ship Connecticut weighs anchor on
December 16 and leads the way. Prcsi-
dent Roosevelt and the officials OF
tho Navy Department will review
the ships from the bridge of the
Mayflower.
The Oattleships are now repairing
at the navy yards along the Atlantic
coast, but the work will be com.
pleted by December and the vessels
will assemble In Hampton Roads on
December .. The time between De.
cember . and the date set for tho
sailing will he spent in the final in
snection of everything connected
with the review and farewell exer-
cases.
Preparations for Trip.
The big battleships are being put
into first class condition at the navy
yards and alterations and improve.
ments are being made on most OF
them. Special attention has been
paid to the guns and 1t Is said that
when the vessels pass out OF the
Virginia Capes al their guns will be
In as good condition as they could
be If war We're expected.
Provisions and supplies for the men
VIII be taken OH this month ana
large quantities of smokeess pow
der in forty thousand and lfty thous.
and pound lots has benn shipped
from Indian Head to the Norfolk
navy yard and are ready TO bc loaded
on tile ships when they assemble in
the Roads.