The San Francisco call., 1908-05-08

calling upon Justice Henshaw to pre-
side, Governor Gillett said:
~On December 16 of last year there
assembled at Hampton roads one of
the most magnificent fleets the world
has ever known. bent upon the project
of rounding Cape Horn and steaming
up the western coast of South America
and the United States on a 1900 mile
journey. That all California was anx-
lous TO have a hand in welcoming the
feet was evident. Not only were our
hills and viewpoints black with people,
but 90.000.0O0 Americans were inter-
ested in this event and all the nations
of the world were watching. This is
not a feet looking for conquest or
trouble, but white feet of peace.
''On April IA we gave the feet a
hearty welcome to its home shore here
IN California, and l said then TO the
officers and men of the fleet, as 1 say
now, that while the feet stays in Cali
fornia they would be royalty enter
tained and would leave with only the
most pleasant memories and with moth
ing to regret Yesterday the feet ap-
peared of the Golden gate, and by
o'clock had come to anchor in the
finest harbor in the world. There
started in command Of this fleet and
remained with it until ii reached the
shore of California a man of great
bravery, with all the attributes and
fighting qualities Of John Paul Jones.
Lawrence said Don't give up the ship
and Evans didn't give 1t up. He is with
US now in this city. though not at this
banquet hoard. and we wish him a
quick recovery of his health and ex
tend to him our welcome.
That the Atlantic fleet arrived here
at the end of this long cruise without
mishap and in perfect condition speaks
volumes for the quality of the Ameri-
can sailors who manned these ships and
for the American mechanics who built
them, and we of California are proud
OF them all-ofieers and men-and
especially are we proud of the Califor-
nian who directed this fleet on its
voyage, Hon. Victor H. Metcalf,
secretary of the navy. To one
other man we also give our fullest
confdence-to a man who is wide
concerns the welfare of our nation,
who has followed the voyage of these
ships with the closest attention. whom
we all love and respect and such man
as could send any feet around the
world-our president, the commander
Of the navy
CHEERS FOR ROOSEVELT
There were three resounding cheers
for President Roosevelt when a silent
toast had been drunk to him by all
standing and Governor Gillett then in
troduced Justice Henshaw as toast
master. Justice Henshaw made but a
brief speech of acceptance, saying in
conclusion:
Now. as always. we believe that war
is hell but no power is so potent a
preventive of war as preparedness at
all times TO meet war"
Secretary Metcalf was introduced and
in substance said:
The welcome that has been given the
fleet has been truly a California well
come A great many of the officers of
the navy have been to this coast be-
fore. but at least SO per cent of the en-
listed men saw California for the first
time when the fleet dropped anchor in
San Diego bay.
Here the sailors have not been dis
criminated against, but have been made
70 feel for the first time that the uni
form of United States sailor IS a
badge of honor and that the men who
wear that uniform are entitled TO the
highest consideration The enthusiasm
and patriotism with which you greeted
the feet viii never be forgotten, and
the president has asked me to say for
him that he is more than pleased at the
way you have greeted the enlisted men
and the way you have welcomed the
fleet, though such welcome is just what
he expected from California.
GREATEST FLEET HERE
Lying peacefully at anchor in your
harbor is the greatest feet OF warships
ever assembled IN American waters
They are the bulldogs OF the navy, now
bound on a peaceful mission After
this voyage no one can doubt the
kindly feelings held for the United
states By the South American repub-
lies, and no greater compliment could
have been paid this nation than
through the order given by the presi-
dent of Peru decreeing that February