The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-12-16

The belted sides OF each armorclad were
fairly strutting today with the press OF
heavy stores and ammunition, while
decks resounded with footballs OF thou
sand men i'm quarters. On a mission as
pacific as the name of the waters. II soon
will be ploughing. the fleet was sent
away, prepared In every detail for duty.
The day OF departure broke fair and
cool with an eight-mile breeze blowing
from south of west Not cloud hecked
the sky.
PRESIDENTIAL SALUTE.
AS the Mayfower swung around the
water battery Of FORTRESS Monroe and
into Hampton Roads, the Salutng guns
OF the army post were the first to signal
the arrival OF the president and his party.
The white naval yacht kept silently on
her way, accepting the salute as her due
and requiring no outward form OF rec
ognition.
1t was not until the Mayfiower had
nearly reached the Old Point pier that
the president had his first view OF the
splendid fleet. On either side OF vertical
marine boulevard the ships were disposed
in two long lines, the flagships Connecti-
cut and Minnesota standing respectively
at the head of the shore and outer bound
columns.
Each ship was gaily dressed from jack.
staff to flag post with long lines of signal
bunting
The Connecticut. flying the flag OF Rear
Admiral Evans. was the first to speak TO
the president. The Otner SHIPS TOOK up
the firing. and in less than two minutes
time 336 guns had doomed. The smoke.
as OF battle. for a time enveloped the
fleet.
Again without formal recognition OF the
honors bestowed, the Mayfower entered
the warship lane and proceeding slowly
to point about midway OF the assem-
bled fleet let go her anchors.
EVANS PAYS RESPECTS.
No sooner had she done 80 than the
torpedo launch of the Connecticut with
Admiral Evans and his staff on board
was nearing swiftly TO her sides.
The officers. I'm special full dress uni
form. repaired on board the yacht to pay
their respects 10 the president. He re-
ceived them on the quarterback and the
exchange OF greetings was more hearty
than formal. Following the Connecticut s
lead. the launches with admiral and staffs
from all OF the other ships were soon
swarmlng about the Mayilower. The cap
tains commanding the l6 ships followed
the flag officers 10 the Mayflflower and
with their arrival the reception had reach
ed Its climax.
within half an hour after Admiral
Evans had first boarded the yacht. all or
the officers were once more IN their
launches returning TO their several ships.
The last good byes had been said. the
PRESIDENTS last wishes OF good luck had
been uttered when suddenly the signal
Yards OF the Connecticut flashed the mes
sage: Get under way Immediately follow
ing the motions OF the flagship"
orders volleyed from each OF the Of
acers' bridges and the. ships we're soon
robbed OF their gala attire. Everything
was i'm rushing trim and the time for play
was past.
President Roosevelt. accompanied by a
party OF guests. came down from WASH
ington on the naval yacht Mayflowcr.
The Mayflower arrived at Old Point Com
fort at $40 o'clock this morning. the ar
rival being announced by tho firing OF tho
national salute OF 81 gurs from the feet.
which was dIsttactiy Asard = fc-Soik- 20
miles diytcrt
BRIEF RECEPTION.
Then followed brief reception on
board the Maynower. the president hsy-
ing n farewell message for the four rear
admirals and the IN commanders who are
taking the ships throuAl Magellan straits
90 san Francisco.
At the conclusion ef the meeting on
board the Msynowx's ouartsrdsot 1Fssls