Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1908-05-11
Elaborate Affair at Fairmount Hotel
Sunday Morning.
BALL FOR THE ENLISTED MEN
Two Thousand Jsokies Will Attend
Dance Tuesday Evening.
sPERRY TO SUCCEED THOMAS
Successor TO Admiral Evans VIII
Turn over the Command Friday,
After Holding IL for
Six Days.

SAN FRANCISCO. May i0.--After four
days OF Indulgence in all the varied forms
Of hospitality provided by San Francisco
which has worn well night every one to the
point OF physical exhaustion, the officers
and men of the Pacific and Atlantic fleets
spent sunday of recuperation and rest
Function has followed function in such
rapid succession since the fleets arrival
that they have hardly had time to finish
witho one before beginning another Par
AIDES and reviews during the day followed
by automobile rides, receptions and innu-
merable social events. have occupied almost
every hour OF time.
Admiral Thomas remained at tho Fair
mont hotel all day. Last night he con-
tracted a slight cold at the banquet which
he attended in Oakland which prevented
him leaving his apartments today. To-
night. however. he attended the alumni
dinner of the graduates of Annapolis given
at the Fairmont hotel. This dinner was
attended by about 80 officers from the
combined fleets and many civilians who
are graduates OF the naval academy. Toe
affair was less informal than most OF the
previous functions. There were impromtu
addresses by Admiral Thomas and o;hn,s
upon topics pertaining to the navy.
A breakfast was given at II O'Clock today
at the Fairmont to the representative OF
the press with the fleet II was one of the
most elaborate entertainments which had
been provided for the newspaper men on
the cruise. Mayor Edward r. Taylor was
one Of the principal speakers. among whom
were also eN-Mayor James u. Phslau,
Gavin McNabe and representatives Of both
the visiting and local press. One of the
| interesting speeches was made by Henry
/ RRufardab1 xyh olra h.
needs and the necessity Of more stten ion
to the affairs of the navy by the press of
the country.
Big PrOSram for Week.
The program for the coming week Is filled
with a variety OF events In the different,
cites around the bay. The festivities in
| this city will continIe eithout interruption.
the entertainment OF tlt enlisted men With
automobile and trolley rides being a
feature. An automobile ride for 400 officers
of the fleet is on the program for tomor-
row morning. Many athletic events In
which men from the fleet will participate.
are also scheduled There will be ex-
cursions for both officers and men TO San
Jose, Vallejo Barkeey and other nearby
cities. Tripe to Mount Tamalpais and the
big trees will be 'made on different days.
! The official program OF entertainments
will not end until next Saturday night.
The enlisted men are to be given a spc-
cial entertainment on Tuesday evening.
when the California club. an exclusive
womens organization will tender a recep-
1 tion to be followed by a grand ball in their
| honor at the Auditorium 1t is expected
that more than 1000 sailors VIII attend.
They will be provided with dancing partners
from among the hundreds OF young yoomen,
who have volunteered to assist at the enter
tainment.
Sperry to Succeed Thomas.
Rear Admiral Charles M. Sperry will
succeed Rear Admiral Thomas on May
To- The Pacific fleet. commanded by Ad-
miral Dayton, will depart from San Fran.
cisco about the same date for short
cruise down the coast following Admiral
Sperrys succession to command. Adj
miral Dayton ranks Admiral Sperry but
the formers departure viii relieve the
situation of any complications
notable feature In connection with
the fleets presence 1T san Francisco ia
the uniformly excellent conduct of the
enlisted men ashore. The peace officers
have not the least difficulty in controlling
the situation at all times, although thou.
sands of the sailors are given shore leave
daily. The fleet patrol commanded by
Lieutenant Commander Cole. has also ac.
complished excellent results in restrain
ing any tendency toward disorder