Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-05-10
THANKS Al FOR THEIR EFFICIENCY
Expresses His Great Regret at Leav'
ina His Command But Says He Will
Always Appreciate the Loyal Sup
port Given to Hin-Admiral Starts
for the East Immediately.
(By Associated Press)

san FRaN\ISCO, tAI', May J.
Rear Admiral Robley d. Evans flag
was hauled down from the main truck
of the Connecticut in San Francisco
harbor amid a salute Of 10 guns and
tonight the first commander-in-chief
of Americas first battleship fleet is on
his way to MS nome in Washington
to remain on waiting orders until the
date Of his retirement for age. on his
SIND birthday. the 18th of August.
Accompanied by members of mis-
family and his staff, Admiral Evans
left at d D. m. Az the blue ensign of
the retiring commander futtered down
to the bridge of the Connecticut a new
flag of similar design was broken out
in token of the presence of the new
chief. Rear Admiral Charles NJ.
Thomas. The bunting of the new
commander was saluted by - guns
fired from every ship in the feet. the
waters of the bay and the green sur
rounding hills echoins the signal
shots. On board each of the l6 Lat
tleships the six topedo boat destroyers
and the auxiliaries of the Atlantic
feet An address from the departing
commanderin-chiefw was read.
Admiral Evans was not permitted
by his physician to 20 aboard the Con-
necticut during the ceremonies at
tending his relinquishing command.
His address in full was:
United States Atlantic Fleet, U. S.
S. Connecticut. Flagship.
San Francisco. Cal, May Q. 1908.
Fleet general order No. 3.
Upon relinquishing command Of the
United States feet and hauling down
ICY flag this day aboard the U. S. S.
Connecticut. flagship, | desire to ex-
press to the officers and men of the
flagship my great regret at leaving
them and my appreciation Of and my
hearty thanks for their loyal support.
It has been a source Of great salts
faction and pride to ME during my
period of command not only to see the
number Of vessels in the feet steadi-
" increase and the units become more
and more formidable. but to see the
steady improvement in drill. shooting
and in everything that attends to
efficiency and especially to witness
the growth OF that feeling of conrad
ship and spirit which transforms a
group of vessels into an efficient war
feet.
Cause Of Pride for AL
Il am sure that both officers and
men feel this same pride in the great
increase in the efficiency in these mat.
tiers and as 1t has been accomplished
through their loyalty AND zeal to
them I extend my thanks for all tina.
they have done.
In taking leave of them | wish
TO say to each and every one that
they have my warmest sympathy Ind
best wishes for continued prosperity
and good fortune in the future.
Il shall always watch their move
ments with pride and interest. and
trust they will extend 10 my success
sor the same loya, and hearty support
that they have always given TO me-
in order that | may be able 10 see
from ny home the feet which ! am
now leaving. progress steadily in ef-
ficiepcy so that IL may justify the
faith Of the people that our war fleet
il and always win he a perfect source
of strength for uphoiding the safety
and honor Of our flag.
Il desire that, this order may be read
as soon as possible AZ special mus
ter aboard every ship in the feet A.
a farewell greeting from a departing
coTnmandcrin-chicfi ia whose heart the
officers and men will ever find the
waTmest sympathy.
,Sisncdl
r.. u. Evans. Rear Admiral T.. s. y.
-Commsnderin-cbicf 4. 5 Atlantic
fcct.
No ponnp for Thomss.
The saiuies prescribed by naval
regulations were the only manifesto.
lions cf pomp or ceremony attending
Admiral Thomas assumption OF CON.
Esand.
After q late night ashorc attending
the city banquet a. the 81. Francts.
and the GTc"Bwsy ball. al The Fair
most ho;rl. senior and junior Officers
alike were turned out early this morn
ing tn march In a bri1sde parade of
bluo Jackets and marines from inc
comh ,red dcrts through the streets of