The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-04-16
Fioe Thousand Fighting Men From the BaHeshp Fleet Parade

tive of their visit were presented, ana
there was a medal for Captain r. r.
1ngersoll, who served as chief of stan
TO Admiral Evans from Hampton roads
TO Magdalena bay. The medal viii be
sent to Captain Ingersoll at norfolk.
ADMIRALS ATTEND BALL
Tonight a ball was rendered TO the
admirals and officers of the fleet at
Hotel del Coronado. The immense cir
cular ballroom was decorated in elab-
orate fashion with flags and bunting.
Twin electric stars blazed white from
. q background Of blue. the ensign OF
rear adnirals. The younger omcers
OF the ships came ashore in great
numbers, their little steam Launches
dancing over the ocean to the long
Coronado pier, their red and green
lights darling like fairy lanterns in
the moonlight shimnfering on the
plecid semitropical sea. More bril-
liantly planned functions marked the
stay Of the fleet in South American
waters. but tonight the officers, from
rear admirals down to midshlpmen,
were dancing with home people, and
their enjoyment of the occasion was
plain 10 see and understand. The long
march in the afternoon, the two hours
trip from ships to shore in the morn
ing and back again in the late after
noon were not too fatiguing TO inter-
fere with the dance tonight. Hurried
dinners were served in every ward
room and. changing into full uniform
evening dress, the officers were soon
on their way to the ballroom.
The day was brilliant with sunshine
and touched with the warmth aof mid
summer. Tonight a splendid moon
shone over the sea and again the ships
were illuminated in the fun radiance
OF their electric dressings. The city
4 -g.~l.f nd
the stay Of the fleet, in the spectaeu
lar beauty OF the land and water dis
plays, is surprising the expectations
even Of the most exuberant and en-
thusiastic people of southern Califor-
MIA.
ESCORTED BY VETERANS
The sailors and marines on parade
today We're escorted by a number Of
civic and veteran organizations of San
Diego, by a battalion of coast artillery
from the army post at Fort Rosecrans
and by detachments of the California
national guard and naval reserves. At
the head Of the column the flag and
commanding officers of the fleet, other
than those designated to march with
their men, rode in automobiles gaily
decked with flags and flowers. Rear
Admiral Thomas and Governor Gillett
were IN the first machine. accompanied
local reception committee, and John D.
Spreckels. Admirals Sperry and Emory
followed with their STATS. Five big
bands recruited from the various ships
were with the bluejackets on parade.
Their stirring marches awoke quick
response from the excited crowds. The
flash Of cOlors, including the flags of
the nation and the various ships COM
panies. the trim appearance of the
sailors in their blue blouses and Jaanty
little upturned white canvas caps, the
steady stride of the stalwart marines.
drilled in splendid fashion despite their
long stay aboard ship. the cheering
throngs and the perfect day, made the
picture of the ceremonies of welcome
another notable memory in the history
Of the famous cruise.
The stand erected for the ceremonies
in City park rested on the crest of the
tallest hill surrounding San Diego.
From the heights the view led away
TO the western seas. to the far reach
ing coastal ranges Of Mexico and to the
peaks OF the mountains about Los An
geles. Eight miles across the city the
bay and the island of Coronado. lay
the 16 vessels of the fleet at anchor.
1t was a picture in miniature of the
splendid pageant OF yesterday. But
the interest of the people was nearer
at hand today and they gave attention
TO the ceremonies of the hour. A med
ley of national airs brought the crowds
TO their feet and renewed the cheering
which had marked the passing of the
sailors and marines and had followed
them TO the foot OF the slope about
the stand. where they were drawn up
in regimental formation and presented
most formidable appearance.
CHILDREN GIVE YELL
The school children had a large
share in the program. They had flag
drills and songs, and then with a
great hurrah they gave their welcome
10 the fleet. This is the way ii went:
Rail- Rahl Whom shall we greet?
Admiral Evans and his feet
The greatest feet in the world today.
Governor Gillett recognized the
prominent part played by the children
and addressed many of his remarks to
them. He said:
II have had feeling Of pride since have
been In San Diego il Is this afternoon as / look
into the faces OF these bright boys and girls be-
fore me. California is. indeed a wonderful state
We proud Of every bit of it, / find here the
same spirit OF patriotism That prevails in every
section OF the state
We proud of you as young children. young
citizens and young Californians, and If you grow
up az pure and noble you are California
wiz continue TO be great state.
As governor Of Tie sts.e : have the kindliest
feelings IN my heart for the children of San
Diego.
Rear Admiral Thomas. in response to
the welcome Of the state, said:
The Governor OF California and Fellow Citi-
zens; Il Is with extreme pleasure that l. on be-
haf OF the commander in chief. who most I'M
fortunately. is not able be with us on this IN
teresung occasion, and behalf of my brother
officers OF the fleet, return to you, sir, as the
chief magistrate OF this imperial state Of Cali
fOrnia the golden state and one OF the brightest
gems in the brilliant crown of the union. our
most profound thanks for the cordial and loving
welcome that you have given TO the magnificent
neet that we have the great honor and pride to
represent
In the midst OF these welcoming ceremonies
there Is one sincere Of regret to Us of the
neer, and. I that / may add TO eli
within the reach Of my <oice, and that is the
enforced absence Of our able and respected COM
mandsr in chief, together with the reason there
for.
Wherever this feet appears without its chief
II Is very much like presenting the play OF
Hamlet with the character Of Hamlet omitted
10 opening my remarks this occasion after
addressing his excellency the governor / added,
and fellow citizens" You little know what 10Y
that one expression. fellow citizens' gives TO
the hearts Of all. especially after long Jour
ney Of nearly Il, 900 miles, and it means a great
deal II means home coming and the return
TO what we Of the navy invariably denomlnate
Gods own country -
San Diego Is first home port after leaving
Hampton roads December 10 last and your
roval welcome has. indeed touched our hearts