Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-05-09
SEC. MErcALF.


Admiral Charles NJ. Thomas was again
senior officer. Admiral Evans, who re-
turned to the fleet at Santa Cruz, the
day before it sailed through the Golden
Gate is completing the originally
planned cruise, has made his home on
shore at the ST Francis hotel, since
the afternoon of the arrival. He rode
iL the long parade yesterday and was
quite fatigued by the trip. Tomorrow
forenoon is the time set for Admiral
Evans finally to .relinquish command.
Although he will not be aboard ship.
his flag will officially be lowered from
the truck Of the Connecticut as the
salute of IL guns will mark the as
sumption of the command by new
chief-Ajmiral Thomas. The latter
will thereupon transfer his headquar-
ters from the Minnesota to the Con-
necticut and change his subordinate
flag of red for commanding pennaht
of blue Admiral Evans leave-taking
OF the 4ieet will thus date from the
Journey through the Golden Gate,
when, clad in thk official uniform foi
entering port, he stood upon the
bridge bf the flagship for the last time
Accompanied by members of his
family. and by officers of his personal
staff, Admiral Evans will leave to-
morrow. for his home in Washington,
where he will remain on waiting or
ders until the date of retirement OF
his cd birthday, Aug. IL. Admiral
THONGS will be in command of the At
lantic fleet. only until May 10, when
he, too, will haul down his flag Tor all
time, to return home on waiting or
ders until his retirement in the fall.
Rnnr Admiral Charles NJ. Sperry will
resume command upon the departure
Of Admiral Thomas.
Today's review was marked with the
customary formalities: Booming cam
non. ship sides manned with bluetack-
cts, al attention; quarter decks black
with officers and marine guards. red
coated bands playing the national an
them, rainbow flags flying from jack
STATS, across the trucks. surmounting
tire fighting tops, and down again to
fagstaffs at the stern "Bo'suns," whis-
ties piping out the order of the day
and official calls upon the reviewing
officials after the Yorktown had made
her tour of the anchored lines and mad
taken her station among the f1agships
and Whipple at the head of the four
long columns. All flag and commando
ing officers paid their respects TO sec
retary Metcalf, who received on the
quarter deck Of the Yorktown.
The afternoon was marked by the
presentation Of silver services to the
battleship Nebraska, and the armored
cruiser California, the elaborate sldc-
board and the table sets being the gifts
of the states after which the splendid
ships were named. Gov. Sheldon Oh
Nebraska and Gov. Gillett of Califor-
mia officially made the presentation
speeches.
Tonight Is being divided between two
shore functions taking rank among
the principal entertainments provided
for the fleet. At the st. Francis hotel
the official dinner of welcome by the
city of San Francisco was presided
over by Mayor Edward r. Taylor,
who made an address. Rear Admiral
Thomas responded on behalf or the
fleet. All the flag and commanding Oh
ficers of the fleets were present Alter
tho banquet, at a later hour, came the
dance of the Friday Night Club, prob
ably the most exclusive organization
of the city at the Paramount motel.
This was attended by all the higher
officers of the fleet and verltabie
host Of the young men.
The enlisted men of the fleets are
receiving attention by the reception
committee. Tonight there was athlet-
ic contests. Next week the blue1ackcts
and marines are to be Toasted and tax
en- on excursions in large numbers.
The fleet committee received cor
dial note yesterday from Baron Taxa l.
hira. Japanese ambassador, expressing
regret at his inability to participate in
San Franciscos festivities. He added
that the approaching visit of the war
vessels to the Orient would inauguratc
a new epoch in the friendly relations
between the two powers and referred
to the great service rendered mankind
by President Roosevelt when ne
brought the war in Manchuria to an
end. In conclusion the ambassador
drew a parallel between the famous
mission of Commodore Perry to Jap
an and the projected voyage of the