The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-08-19
PASSING OF EVANS
REAR ADMIRAL GOES ON THE RE-
 TIRED LIST.
"Fighting Bobv Declares That He Is "Fit as . FIddle---He Talks
 Of Japan and China.

Lake Mohonk. N. r.. Aug. 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 sixty two years today and passed from the ranks of the country's active sea fighters.
 Here. where fourteen peace confer ences have assembled one of the worlds greatest naval commanders laid down his arms. propably never again to take them up in the defense of the country he has served so we'll He has seen the longest service-but two years short of half a century--of any man who has reached the rank of rear admiral in the United States Navy.
 All through the. day the hotel was thronged with admirers of "Ffghting boo, 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 erection for the man who has done so much to build up the American navy
 Replying to frierd who asked the admiral how he felt on his sixty-sec- ond birthday, he replied characteristic cally: Fit as fiddle; am sixty two years young today and I expect to reach a hundred. I am taking on flesh at the rate of half pound a day and I have not got a thing to do but loaf. Who would not get well under such circumstances"
 The admiral said he expected to stay here until October when he will 20 to Washington to be associated with the general board in an advisory capacity. lie added that he expected to do some work before he left here. having ar ranged With magazine to write twelve articles on naval subjects.
 Asked regarding the probable effect or the cruise of the fleet around the world which he commanded from Hampton Roads to San Francisco, the aomiraI said that he believed it's in- l liuence was already being felt. The cruise would add more than mere pres tfge to the United States as a world power the admiral asserted in no un- certain tones. He said 1t was the greatest disappointment of his life that | ne was unable to keep the command at least until he could visit Japan. questioned in regard to the war talJx between the two countries. the adnira said there never would be any war unless the United States forced 1t upou Japan. He said the Japanese are . sensitive people and the greatest Iit- tie fighters in the world and if "a m, a wise policy to annoy them too rr,,ch
 The admiral further said that Janan,s attitude toward China was greatly nis. understood in this country; that it wa l not her desire to colouize China hut l that she merely wanted to have A hand Tn directing her policies. He said th 2 only interest the United States should nave In China was to maintain the "open door,"
 Further than that. we cannot ex- pect to gain anything" he declared. | The admiral strongly asserted that she united States is in duty bound to maintain large navy.
 We should have twenty-four hat. tieships in both the Pacifc and the Atlantic oceans" said the admiral [ sixteen of these should be in com mission in each ocean. all of the time l with eight held in reserve"
 ihe admiral expressed it as his opihloh' formed through a long ser vice and study of our naval needs tnat such N fleet of battleships would not only guarantee peace but wouId have inestimable value in prounotine . American trade interests in all quar- ters of the globe.
 The formal celebration in honor ot the admiral took piece this afternoon m the large par1or of the Mountain hotel. The room was gaily decorat- ed with American flags
 Albert K. Smiley introduced as nre. siding of1cer of the ceremonies J, Ed ward Simmons of New York.
 When Admiral Evans vas brought into the room in a wheel chair 1he audience applauded him svigorousIv keeping it up until the admiral rais. ed his hand as request for silence MT Simmons then delivered an euloev of the admiral. Ftv
 A large number Of letters from men | dlstlnguished in public and private ilre were read by Mir. Simmons.
 Arter the audience had sung Amer lea" Dr. Andrew S. Draper. of New York made the address of presenta- tion of the loving cup, which was a gift to the admiral from the guests of the hotel.
 The cup Is of silver, gold lined with three handles and beautifulIy engraved.
 In accepting the loving cup. Ad- mlral Evans made an address.
 cheering and applause followed Admiral Evans speech
 Just at the close of the exercises, a huge birthday cake. covered with six ty-two lighted candles was brought into the room. This gift seemed to pleased the admiral more than any other part of the ceremonies. A re- eeption followed the formal cere- monies and men, women and chiI- dren paid their respects to "Fighting l Bob.'