The San Francisco call., 1908-05-07

Very we'll done" said Admiral Evans
as the long line Of ships drew up IN
proper alignment at o'clock yesterday
afternoon and sent their anchors
searching into the depths. Then he
turned TO those about him and smile
spread over his face
Il said I'd be on the ship when we
reached San Francisco he announced.
and I'm here I said we'd be here on
time and here we are" 1t was not
spoken in spirit of boastfulness. but
simply came as the expression Of in
tense satisfaction at having completed
successfully that which he had set out
10 accomplish
He had been directed to take the
feet from Hampton roads 10 San Fran
cisco and from the moment the vessels
left the eastern shore Admiral Evans
has had one eye on the Golden gate
Now that he has performed his duty
he IS ready 10 retire
How great sacrifice the brave officer
made only those who saw and spoke
20 him yesterday can APPRECIATE He is
thin and weak and can barely stand
alone With the grit OF the born sea
fighter, he has persisted IN his deter
mination not 10 yield even TO the raw
ages of a painful illness.
The admiral spent Tuesday night in
the emergency cabin of the Connecti-
cut With e telephone at hand. he was
able TO direct the movements of the
feet without stirring from his quarters.
1t. has always been his habit TO scrutf-
ntze closely every nlaneuver- Nothing z
goes on among the ships Of his COM
mand that he does not see. He arose
early yesterday morning and donned
the uniform Of the day. He was great
ly pleased TO see the battieships Ne
braska and Wisconsin. which had
steamed. out 70 join the fleet the night
before. He sent his respects to the
men OF the torpedo hotflla and ex-
pressed satisfaction at the success OF
their cruise
Captain Osterhaus and Captain Grant
gave him the details OF the program as
it had been previously arranged. Evans
gave the signal for the feet 10 proceed
through the Golden gate His son and
Lieutenant Train stood by eager 10
transmit his orders. Standing on the
bridge the admiral looked out over IN.
hills. and noted with intense pleasure
the immense crowds on the shore. Later
he retired for a few moments. He took
his position on the bridge again as the
vessels neared their anchorage and per-
sonaify directed the dnaI maneuve-
Then came the receptfon-the rorua1
greeting OF the ofHciaI COMMITTEES
aboard the flagship. after which the
admiral came ashore.
1t was yeritabIe trfumphal enrrv-
that landing OF Admiral Evans Al the
Mission street wharf. followed bv a
swift auto dash up. Market and Cearv
streets to the St. Francis hotel. where
the doughty tar met his wife. and r.
laxed his painracked body to the com
fort of his easy chair amid the loving
ministrations of Mrs Evans. his son
and his faithful physician
Flankcd on each side By chee~inr
thousands straining their throats IN
widest enthusiasm OF welcome 10
Fighting Bob. the grfzzled veteran
was stirred to the heart.
II am surprised" he nurnured "a
those with him in the automobile .--.T'rr,
certainly glad I'm here
Walking bravely on crutches. throw
ing OF with resolute disdain the nrof-
fered assistance OF his loyal aids the
admiral left the Connecticut one hour
after the anchering Of the fleet IT was
little known in the city that he was
to land. but the word was whIsuera5
about quarter Of an hour before and
the wharves were black with people
As the polished brass funnel Of tha
adn1iraTs launch drew in sight a cheer
broke forth as from one man from
fully 1000 thr0ats- Gliding nfmblr IA