New-York tribune., 1908-04-15
THE FLEET ARRIVES |
IN HOME WATERS AGAIN.
Thousands Tieso Magnificent Spec
tacIc at San Diego.

,ieship feet sailed into home waters on a sum-
7,er sea to-day. Tropical islands. mile of
candy beach covered with spectators eager TO
,-eIconne the navy 10 California and the green
lsurs and Towering gardens Of Coronado formed
,be setting for the spectacle. In four columns.
With HaEships leading abreast and pointing the
NJ, 20 the anchorage, the sixteen ships swept
into the sheltered behind the towering
haadlsnds Of Point Iona and halted for four
davs Of rne-rymsking. Governor James " Gil
lett was here TO welcome the feet officially To-
rirbt Adnlirals Thomas, Sperry and Emery and
-. commanding officers and members of the
,-a-so,1s STATS we're entertained at a dinner at
-Fe Hotel del Coronado.
The beauty OF the days spectacle when the
srfps we're brought TO anchor was rivalled to-
night when for three hours every vessel was
outlined in fire. Thousands of incandescent
bulbs were strung along decklines. up masts,
Far out on the signal yardarTns, up and down
the huge tunnels and down TO the waters edge
g stem and stern. The name of each vessel was
spelled in letters six feet high across its forward
bridge During half an hour Of the period "f
illumination a searchlisht display added to the
effect During all this radiant display the old
lighthouse marking the rounding point TO the
north-Pont Loma's lonely beacon-fashed its
alternating red and white signals in democratic
simplicity. On shore scores OF red signal fires
were maintained throughout the evening a
Heicome. The thousands who journeyed from
san Diego to the beaches of Coronado TO wit
ness the arrival Of the feet remained to view the
display by night.
ARRIVAL OF THE FLEET.
The feet let go its anchors at 12:47 7. H.
rus, thirteen minutes before the announced
hour For two hours the ships had been in
sight and their coming had been watched by
TIE waiting throngs.
The splendid condition Of the ships was mani
tested in every way Outwardly they were the
same white and buff units Of powerful aggre-
CATION % fighting force that sailed from Hamp-
ION Roads. with the President showing the way
on the Mayfower. Internally the ships in
better condition than when they started, engines
Vorking with the smooth thrust and throw OF
perfect bearings and careful handling. and boil
ers producing steam with less consumption Of
coal because of the increased efficiency in the
firing rooms. The wash of the waves along the
steT line displayed from two TO three feet of
red aTmor belts, and showed comparatively little
sea growth, despite the long stay in temperate
and tropical waters.
Rear Admiral Charles NJ Thomas, command
ing. was on the bridge OF the Connecticut as
The feet steamed to its anchorage. The absence
Z Rear Admiral Evans who is i'll at Paso
Robles, Is deeply regretted on all sides. Admiral
Thomas, at the dinner, referred TO the subject
with much feeling.
FilTny ribbons Of smoke on the horizon gave
the first hint Of the approaching vessels this
morning, although wireless messages had al
ready told Of their near presence. Eyes we're
strained TO catch the first glimpse of the ships.
and telescopes and marine glasses were at 4
premium The day had dawned black and
threatening. and il was not until after 10 o'clock
that the sun burst through the lowering clouds
once its rays lad penetrated the mist however
the sky quickly cleared. and by the time the
feet came into view there was not a feck TO be
seen.
To the left OF the Connecticut steamed tho
Georgia, flagship Of Rear Admiral Emery. COM
handing the second division. and in her wake
were the Rhode Island, the Virginia and the New
Jerscy The third line from the shore was
hesded by the Alabama flagship of Rear Ad-
niral Sperry. who is now in command Of the
second squadron and third division, but soon
IS 10 be the senior officer of the entire fleet
With the Alabama were the Illinois. the Kear-
sarge and the Kentucky. The fourth and out
"arj column was headed by the Maine with
Captain Giles r Harbor flying a triangular
rag Of blue from the main truck, denoting tenn
Torary command Of the division. which included
ne Missouri, the Ohio and the Minnesota. The
absence Of Rear Admiral Evans leaves va
gsrcv IN flag rank in the feet.
The ships could be seen from the Coronado
reach from the time they crossed the Mexican
boundary. They were headed then almost di-
Teety for Coronado Islaud. When about six
miles from the anchorage ground they swung
sharply inshore, and soon their identity could be
established.
GOVERNOR EXTENDS WELCOME.
A. soon as the Connecticut let go her anchors
Colonel Thomas Wilhelm. |. 5. A. retired as
siFtant inspector general on the staff of Gov
e--o- Giett, put out from the shore and was
Te,0ived board the flagship. He presented
g.. compliments Of the Governor 70 Admiral
I1omas. and said the Chief Executive wished 70
call md pay his respects and formally extend a
Welcome 70 California waters. Admiral Thomas
replied that he would be glad receive Gov
ern1- GiIlett and his staff at >: 30 2. m At that
hour the Governor, accompanied by the uni
formed members Of his staff. repaired aboard
us flagship. taking a government launch from
he Coronado pier Lieutenant Governor War
bu p Porter vas also member OF the party
As the party went on board from the star
hoard gangWay the ships we're manned and all
the officers drawn up al attention on the for
ward deck. Governor GilIett was shown 10 the
cabin. where Admiral Thomas received him.
They returned Immediately 10 the deck and
There, standing u er the muzzles Of the after
l2-inch guns Of the battleship Governor Gil
lett made brief address Of welcome to Cali
fornia.
Al the end Of the Governors address Admiral
Thomas called for three cheers for the Governor
and the people Of California. They were given