East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1908-05-08
SEC. METCALF
REVIEWS FLEET
IMPRESSIVE EXHIBITION
OF FIGHTING STRENGTH
Gazed Upon by Hundreds OF Thou
sands from Surrounding Hills
Fighting BOb's" Official Career
Closes Today-Rear Admiral
Thomas Takes COmmand-Admir-
ais Banquet at $50 Per.

San Francisco, May 8.-While hum
dreds Of thousands of people gazed
upon the spectacle from every point
OF vantage along the water 'front.'
Secretary of the Navy Metcalf today
reviewed the combined Atlantic and
Pacific fleets in San Francisco Bay.
The review was by all odds the most
impressibe exhibition of the strength
and power Of the American navy ever
witnessed and 1t was small wonder
that the eyes of the naval secretary,
the executive director of the great
sea-flghting machine, glistened with
pride and that his fellow Californians
expressed their appreciation in deaf
ening cheers. Spick and span, with
cleaning paint and shining brass
with every man at his post of duty,
the vessels of war passed before Sec
retary Metcalf and doomed forth a
thunderous salute in his honor.
A Costly Feed.
This evening Secretary Metcalf and
the admirals of the fleet will be the
guests of honor at the San Francisco
banquet at the st. Francis, which
promises to be the greatest function
Of its kind ever held on the coast.
There will be more than 600 at the
dinner, which will cost $50 per plate.
While the officers are dining, the sail
ors will continue their athletic carni-
val In the naval pavilion tonight.
Today's review is doubly memor-
able as marking the official close of
the naval career Of Rear Admiral
Fighting Bob" Evans. Although
Evans will not reach the statutory
age for retirement-62 years-until
August IS, the condition of his health
forbids further activity. Rear Ad-
miral Thomas will be in command Of
the fleet during its stay on the coast,
but to Rear Admiral Sperry will be
given in honor of taking the "big
sixteen" back to the Atlantic coast
by circling the globe.
The Pacific fleet. which took part
in today's review, viii lsail tomorrow
for the south to carry out program
of drills, maneuvers and exercises.
Oakland Day.
Tomorrow will be Oakland day,
when the festivities incident to the
visit Of the fleet will be temporarily
transferred to that city. On Sunday
there will be special services in all
the churches and in the naval pa
vilion.
In addition to a grand ball for the
enlisted men on Tuesday night, daily
athletic meets and other amusements
a number of trips are scheduled for
next week. The program OF the
sightseeing committe is an extensive
one and includes the following
events:
Monday, May 11.-Autompbile run
through the city for Secretary Met
calf, distinguished visitors and Off
GERS of the fleet. Observation car
rides for 1000 enlisted men, starting
from Ferry building at $3.50 a. M, IL
a. m, 1880 p. M, and p. M
Tuesday, May "Trip to Mount
Tamalpais and Muir woods. with
luncheon at Mount Tamalpais, for 200
officers of the fleet Car rides for
1000 enlisted men as on Monday. |
Trip to San Jose for 500 officers of
the fleet with grand ball in the eve
ming.
Thursday, May 4.-Berkeley day.
Friday, May 15.-Santa Rosa day |
Excursion to Santa Rosa for 25 Off
,ers and 175 men. Second trip to |
Mount Tamalpais and Muir woods for |
200 officers.