New-York tribune., 1908-04-25
SPERRY TO COMMAND
Date Set for May 15-Fleet Sails
North To-day.

Washington, April 24.-Admral Thomas's request
10 be relieved from the command of the battleshp
fleet by May l5 has been received at the Navy De-
partment. The command will be surrendered TO
Admiral Sprry that date
orders issued at the Navy Department To-
day changing the date Of the sailing of the feet
from San Francisco for the South from May
TO May II. This will give :he people an opportunity
to the ships Sunday.
Secretary Metcaf expects leave Washington
next Monday afternoon for San Francisco. where
he is to review the feet May S.
Los AngeIes. April 24.-To-day. the last of the
fleets stay in Los Angeles ports set down IS
Beach Day. A long programme. lasting from early
this morning to the last moment that the officers
could reach their ships tonight was observed in
each of the cities where the ships are at anchor
In addition two events marked the end of the pro-
gramme in this city.
The biggest thing in the way of automobile
tour of the city yet undertaken was given to-day
when thirty-three hundred sailors, the last of the
liberty parties taken for four hour ride
about the city. Upward of five hundred cars had
been proffered for the purpose by citizens of Los
Angeles.
a reception to the officers of the feet held
this afternoon at the Friday Morning Club. Hun
dreds Of guests in addition to the club nle.nbers
thronsc5 the place.
Long Beach had the pretentous programme
of any OF the beach cities to-day Baseball games
motor boat races, yacht races football games, boat
races of ali kinds, sailors sports, balloon races
marine drills firing of admirals salute on shore
III honor of the visit Admiral Emory, auto
mobile OF the city, band concerts, receptions
! and balls were included.
The programme at Redondo San Pedro and Ven
ice was along similar lines.
Preparations made to handle immense
crowd at Venice. Ocean Park, and Santa Monica
tonight and early tomorrow to witness the de
parture of the whole fleet from those points Many
from this city reserved hotel accommodations at the
beach for the, night. and went down this evening
TO avoid the crush in the morning The Los An
geles and Redondo electric lines trains TO the
/ beach every five minutes beginning at o'clock.
| The Southern Pacific also special trains from
/ the city.
/ Thousands of persons who did not witness the
! arrival fleet a San Pedro will go TO Santa
I Monica tomorrow. Principal however, among
the spectators will be the old soldiers from the ma
tional home at SawteIle. for whom the manpuvres
fleet in Santa Monica Bay were especially
| arranged
! of seven hours tomorrow will bring the
feet to Santa Barbara for five days stay. Flower
! shows flower parades. flower battles, dances OF
/ the flowers. informal dances on the canvas COW
| cred boulevard fronting the ocean for the men OF
the feet and formal dinners, receptions and balls
for the officers, together with widely varied pro-
pramme of sports and games, have been arranged
this resort.
Paso Robes Cal. April 24.-The progress made
! by Rear Admiral Evans during the last five days
! is so marked that those who saw him when ne
! arrived at the hot springs three weeks ago are
! astounded. The pale. thin face, marked by lines
! of suffering. and the weakened frame have been
| changed and he is wonderfully improved by rest
! ful quiet and careful treatment.