Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-23
BATTLESHIPS'
RETURN TRIP
NOT DECIDED
ROUTE BY SUEZ CANAL IS
DISCUSSED
MANY VESSELS MAY REMAIN IN
THE PACIFIC
Secretary Of Navy MetcaIf Says No
Arrangements Have Been Made
for Homeward Journey
Of the Fleet
Special to The Herald.

Special to The Herald
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22.--"The program
for the return of the battleehip fleet Is a
matter that has been discussed among
the officials of the navy department, but
as yet no decision has been reached and
will not for some time to come" said Sec
retary of the Navy Metcalf today.
The secretary's remark was called out
by a wireless message from the flagship
Connecticut stating that Admiral Evans
had authorized the Associated Press to
say It Is his personal belief that the navy
departments present intention Is to have
the fleet return by way OF the Suez canal
next summer or fall.
As the president, through Secretary
Loeb. previously had spoken to the same
effect, It seems clear that Admiral Evans
statement was not suggested by any def
mite move so far determined upon by
those in supreme authority.
In naval circles the opinion prevails that
at most only squadron composed of such
vessels as the voyage to the Pacific shall
have demonstrated to be 'the pick of the
fleet" will be sent home through the Suez
canal, while the remainder will take the
shorter route around the Horn. 1t is not
likely, however, that all sixteen battle
ships will make the return voyage, as the
desirability Of stronger fleet in the Pa
CHIC lHy DC Iu6L ny tuo IOtCHliolit pei
haps, of several Of Admiral Evans ships
In those waters.
But, like Admiral Evans belief as to the
returning via the Suez canal, the ques-
ton of permanently reinforcing the Pa
cific squadron has not progressed beyond
the discussion stage and its final deter
mination hinges on developments of the
next six months.
christmas plans
On Christmas eve the battleship feet
will drop anchor in the Port of Spain,
Trinidad, and complete the first leg of
the impressive voyage to the Pacific. In
that ancient little port the 1900 officers
and men of the armada will celebrate
Christmas with festivities and feasting
aboardship for all and shore for the lucky
ones. Tons of seasonable good things
were laid in before the fleet left home
waters, and all hands will enjoy a break
in the customary rations of deep sea voy-
aging. For five days the ships will lie at
Port of Spain, where the officials and citi-
zens have arranged an elaborate pro-
gram of entertainment Three days will
be given up to racing, baseball, polo and
other sports.
A reception and ball will be given at
Government house and numerous public
and private functions will be held in
honor of the visitors. On SATURDAY the
battleships will head southward for the
long run down to Rio where they are
scheduled to arrive on January IL, for a
stay of ten days. After the first day or
two out from Trinidad probably no word
will be had from the fleet until 1t is re-
ported at Rio, as the ships will have
passed from the zone of the wireless tele-
graph.
The torpedo boat flotilla, less fortunate
than the big ships, will spend Christmas
at sea, being scheduled to reach Para,
Brazil, on Thursday next.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Dec. 22.-
The American torpedo boat fleet sailed for
Rio de Janeiro at o'clock this morning
The fleet should have sailed yesterday
but was delayed on account of the late
arrival of the supply ship Artheusa with
provisions. All on board are reported
well.