The Washington herald., 1908-04-16
SAN DIEGO WILD
OVER THE FLEET

Continued from Page One.
many secret societies. and-oh. yes, the
! fire department. and it is time for the
exercises to begin.
The children sing patriotic songs and
- of them give a beautiful flag drill,
and then Gov. Gillett makes an address
OF welcome" and Admiral Thomas re-
plies. There is a whirlwind welcome to
this tactful and gallant man.
The admiral says:
1T is with extreme pleasure that /,
on behalf of the commander-in-chief,
who. most unfortunately. is not able 10
be with us on this occasion, and on be-
half OF my brother officers Of the fleet
return TO you, sir, as the chief magig-
trate OF this imperial state OF California
the Golden State and one OF the bright
est gems in the brilliant crown Of ihe
Union our most profound thanks for the
cordial and loving welcome YOU have
given TO the magnificent fleet tnat We
have the great honor and pride 10 repre-
sent.
Regrets Evans Illness.
IN the midst Of the welcoming cere-
monies there is one sincere source Of re-
gret TO US Of the feet. and am sure that
I may add to all within the hearing Of
my voice, and that is the enforced
absence Of our able and respected com
mander-in-chief, together with the reason
therefor.
You don't know what Joy that one ex-
preston. fellow citizens. gives 10 the
hearts Of us all and especially after
long journey Of nearly 1880 miles, it
means a great deal. II means home
coming and the return to what we of the
navy invariably denominate Gods own
country.
San Diego is our first home port after
leaving Hampton Roads on December 16
last and your royal welcome has. indeed.
touched our hearts deeply-yes, very
deeply-and we return to you our most
grateful thanks and appreciation"
But Admiral Thomas isn't through.
He's got to rush two more speeches and
qualify for a ng-distanee orator. He
accepts the casket and the key typical
of freedom of the city. Mayor Forward
presents it. What this means is thus ex-
planned by a local newspaper:
Gets Key to City.
Along gayly decorated thoroughfares,
lined with cheering thousands, the ad-
miral and his officers viii be escorted IN
carriages and automobiles 10 City Park.
where, with nature-roling slopes as an
amphItheater, under the fiawless blue of
California sky, ana in front the placid
waters of the bay, fianked by the drop
curtain of the Pacific, upon which the
Master has painted the Coronado Islands
in kaleidoscope of changing colors such
as no human hand could depict, Admiral
Evans viii be presented with the freedom
of the city, the official welcome of the
State. and the formal greetings of an en-
and admiring people. \ jew
eled key, set with native stones and suit
ably incased. viii be the city's token
Admiral Thomas does some more ac-
cepting. He receives medals for himself
and the other admirals. Then he has to
accept a beautiful jeweled sword for Ad-
miral Evans, presented by Federal and
veterans of the civil war. |
Admiral Thomas shows some emotion as
he tells how Admiral Evans will feel |
Then there is more music and the parade |
swings back down town with all Sanl
Diego in d. state Of supreme bliss. The |
great day isn't over and won't be over
tomorrow morning.
Tonight, Jack is roaming all over the |
town, gobhling it up and drinking free
lemonade from decorated stands at the |
expense of the citizens. The fleet of /
Coronado Is again cleaning with lights |
There is a band concert on the roof of A. |
S. Grants new million dollar hotel. and /
The officers and wives and sweethearts are |
laneing at the Hotel Del Coronado.
The streets are almost impossible. |
Every building IN town seems to be
Illuminated. It is Ike a tumult OF Joy.
The welcome Is real and hence it would |
seem TO be pity % say anything about |
hose corner lots. ]