The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-08-19
"Fighting Bob'' RetirGs Alter
 Nearly Fifty Years of Activity
FRIENDS HONOR FIGHTER
Celebration of the 62d Birthday of the Admiral Takes Place at Lake Mo- honk, Where Peace Is First
 In the Hearts of All.

Lake Moh onk, N. Y., August 1S.--Far from grim warships and the sea, where he spent nearly half century in the service of his country, Rear Admiral Robley D. Evans of the United States navy, who Is at this quiet mountain hotel, reached the age limit of 62 years today, and passed from the ranks of the country's active sea fighters. Here, where IA peace conferences have as- sembled, one of the worlds greatest national commanders laid down his arms, probably never again to take them up In the defnse of the country he has served so well. His has seen the longest service-but two years short of half a century-of any man who has reached the rank of rear ad miral in the United States navy.
 All through the day the hotel was thronged with admirers of "Fightins, Bob," as his hosts of friends delight to call him. Telegrams by the score reached him from all parts of the country, all expressing felicitation and affection for the man who has done so
 
 Replying to a friend who asked the admiral how he felt on his sixty second birth day, he replied characteristically Fit as a fiddle; am 62 years young today and I expect to reach 100. I am taking on flesh at the rate of half a pound a day, and I have not got thing to do but loaf. Who would not ,t,t. .tr ,f,.t,
 Influence of Cruise.
 The admiral said he expected to stay here until October, when he will go to Washington to be associated with the He added that he expected to do some work .before~he left here, having ar ranged with a magazine to write 12 articles on naval subjects. Asked re- garding the probable effect of the cruise of the fleet around the world which he commanded from Hampton Roads to San Francisco, he said that he believed that its influence was all ready being felt. That the cruise would add more than mere prestige to the United States as a world power, the admiral asserted in no uncertain tones. He said it was the greatest disap- pointment of his life that he was un- able to keep the command at least until he could visit Japan.
 Questioned in regard to the war talk between the two countries, the admiral said there never would be any wa unless the United States forced it upon To Ia Io, sensitive people and the greatest little figh ters in the world, and it is not a wise policy to annoy them too much
 The admiral further said that Japan's attitude toward China was greatly mis- understood in this country; that it was not her desire to colonize China, but that she merely wanted to have a hand in di- recting her policies He said the only in terest the United States should have in China was to maintain the "open door" Further than that we cannot expect to gain anything" he declared.
 Bigger Navy.
 The admiral strongly asserted that tine United tSates is in duty bound to main 4tain a large navy.
 We should have "A battleships in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans,' said tha admiral Sixteen of these should be in commisiso. in each ocean all of the time, with eight held in reserve"
 The admiral expressed it as his opinion, formed through a long service and study of our naval needs, that such a fleet of battleships would not only guarantee peace, but would have inestimable value in promoting American trade interests in all quarters of the globe.
 The formal celebration in honor of the admiral took place this evening in the large parlor of the Mountain hotel The room was gaily decorated with American flags Albert K. Smiley introduced as presiding officer of the ceremonies J. Ed ward Simmons of New York When Ad- miral Evans was brought into the room in a wheel chair the audience applauded him vigorously keeping it up until the admiral raised his hand as a request for silence MT. Simmons then delivered a eulogy of the admiral.
 Letters Read.
 A large number of letters from men dis tinguished in public and private life were then read by MT. Simmons After the audience had sung America" pr. An drew S. Draper of New York made the address of presentation of the loving cup. which was a gift to the admiral from the guests of the hotel The cup is of silver. gold lined, and beautifully engraved.
 In accepting the loving cup, Admiral Evans made a brief address.
 Cheering and applause followed Admiral Evans speech. Just at the close of the exercises a huge birthday cake, covered with 62 lighted candles, was brought into the room. This gift seemed to please the admiral more than any other part of the ceremonies. reception followed, the formal ceremonies and men. women and cNildren paid their respects to Fighting Bob."