Los Angeles herald., 1908-04-15

executive of the state wished to call
and nav his respects anC formally ex-
tend a welcome to California waters. j.
Admiral Thomas graciously replied
that he would be glad to receive Gov
ernor Gillett and his staff at 2:5O p. m'
and at that hour the governor accom-
panied by the uniformed members of
his staff, repaired aboard the nagship,
taking a government launch from the
Coronado pier. Lieutenant Governor
Warren r. Porter also was a member
of the party.
AS rhe party went on board from
the starboard gangway the sides were
drawn up at attention on the quarter
deck. Governor Gillett was shown to
the cabin, where Admiral Thomas re-
ceived him. They returned immedi-
ately to the deck and there, standing
under the muzzles of the after 12-inch
guns of the battleship, Governor Gil
lett made a brief address in which he
said:
Governors Address
1--WE have watched tie cruise of the
feet from Hampton Roards around the
South American coast and we have
watched with the greatest interest your
advent at the ports of the various
countries you have visited and have
shared with the people of the whois
country the honor and credit which
you reflected there upon the nation.
I'VE have watched you with absorb
ing interest all the way around and
waited for you here with open arms.
You, the men behind the guns. we well
come with our most heartfelt apprecia-
tion. You are the men who at home or
abroad protect the honor of our coun-
try. We are proud of you for your
achievements in the past as well as the
present.
we possess now what l believe to be
the greatest navy in the world. In its
surgassing greatness il is representa-
tive of the great country which you
serve"
At this point the governor was ir eer-
rupted by the cheers of the officers and
who surrounded him.
This broad Pacific is calm and
peaceful now" resumed Governor Gill
lett, but in the time to come it will be
the battle ground. Here the great
naval battle of the future is to be
founght. You boys in blue will be
called upon to sustain us here.
For the people of the state of Cali
fornia [ want to make you welcome.
For the present month you will be the
guests of our coast cities. There VIII
be extended open hands of hospitality
To you, anu VIC MdllI Sph ~ 81 S|Nt
wav when the time comes with the
kindliest feelings in your hearts for us,
and with recollections of your visit that
cause YOU TO want to return and ABIDE
with us here"
Three Cheers for California
At the conclusion of the governors
address Admiral Thomas called for
three cheers for the governor and the
people of California. They We're given
with a Will. the admiral himself lead
Ing.
As the governor was piped over the
sides of the Connecticut in beginning
his return trip to the shore a salute OF
seventeen guns was fired in his honor
from the 3-pounders on the after
bridge.
Mayor John F. Forward of the city of
San Diego, William Clayton, director
general of the fleet celebration COM
and L. S. Grant Jr., chairman
Of the reception committee, also went
aboard the Connecticut during the af-
-ernoon and received a cordial welcome
from Admiral Thomas.
Attended by the members Of his per-
sonal staff, Admiral Thomas returned
Governor Gillett's visit at the Hotel del
this evening. The dinner to
the flag and commanding officers to-
night was purely private subscription
affair, and the addresses were informal.
Governor Gillett was among the guests.
San Diego tonight was brilliantly IL
Illuminated. the elaborate scheme of dec
Grafton which has been carried out In
cluding a night display of exceptional
beauty.