The San Francisco call., 1908-05-10
PRAISES BRAVE BLUEJAcKETs
His message in full is as follows: !:

His message in full is as follows:
Fleet General Order No e--Upon
relinquishing the command Of the
United States Atlantic feet and hauling
down my flag this day aboard the
L. S. S. Connecticut, flagship. 1 desire
20 express to the officers and men Of
the feet my great regret at leaving
them and my appreciation of and
hearty thanks for their continuous and
loyal support. It has been a source Of
much qualification and pride TO me
throughout my period of command not
only TO see the number OF vessels in
the feet steadily increase and the
units become more and more formid-
able, but TO see the steady improve
ment in drill, shooting and in every
thing that tends to efficiency, and espe-
cially 10 witness the growth of that
feeling of comradeship and esprit
which transforms a group Of vessels
into an efficient war feet. I am sure
that both officers and men feel this
same pride In the great increase of
efficiency IN these matters, and as IL
has been accomplished through their
loyalty and zeal 10 them / extend my
thanks for ali that they have done.
In taking leave OF them I wish TO
say to each and every onesthat they
have my warmest sympathy and best
wishes for continued prosperity and
always watch their movements with
pride and interest. and I trust they viii
extend TO my successors the same 10y
atty and hearty support that they have
always given 70 me in order that may
be able 10 see from my home the fleet
which I am now leaving progress
steadily In efficiency, so that II may
justify the faith of oar people that our
war feet is and always viii be per-
feet source OF strength for upholding
the safety and honor Of our flag and a
security for such as pass on the seas
upon their lawful occasions.
Il desire that this order may be read
as soon as possible at a special muster
aboard every ship in the feet as
commander in chief in whose heart the
officers and men VIII ever find the
warmest sympathy"
FLAG Is HAULED DOWN
AS the echoes of Commander Grants
voice died away there came the jar of
an explosion. II was the beginning of
the end. AS the saluting battery turned
loose the thirteenth gun Fighting Bob's
flag was hauled down for the last time.
Smoke was still coming from the
mouth Of the last gun fired on the Con-
necticUt when the Minnesotas saluting
battery went into action. II was Ad-
miral Thomas leaving his old flagship
for HIS new official home and the in
creased responsibilities Of supreme
commzhd. Thirteen times the Mime
sofas guns spoke, and when the smoke
had cleared there was no red flag at
the main and an admirars steam barge
was heading for the Connecticut.
THOMAS IN COMMAND
As Admiral Thomas came over the
Ccnnecticuts side be was accorded air
the naval honors due TO his rank TAX
ing his place by Commander Grants
side the admiral read to the assembled
ships company the order from Wash
ington designating him commander IN
chief of the Atlantic feet. AS he fin
sshed new blue flag with two white
stars was broken out at the main and
from the combined fleets came the roar
OF the first salute to the new chieftain.
Every battleship and cruiser fired 13
times and it was all over. Admiral
Thomas, who had breakfasted on the
Minnesota az commander of the second
squadron and third division, ate tiffin
as commander in chief Of the Atlantic
feet.