Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-23

Fort Monroe. Va, Feb. 22.-"Not
until some American feet returns vic
torious from a great sea battle will
there be another such homecoming,
another such sight as this. l drink
TO the American navy"
Proudsr Than Ever of Our Country.
This was the toast of President
Roosevelt today as he stood radiantly
happy in the cabin of the graceful lit
lie cruiser yacht Msyhower on the
conclusion Of the review and the cere-
mOnial attending the welcome horne Of
the American battleship feet. He was
surrounded by the admirals and cap
tains Of the sixteen world -encircling
vessels, brilliantly attired in all the
gold lace of special full dress uniform
and every glass was raised in response
10 the presidents suggestion. I'VE
gtay-at-homes also drink TO the men
who have made us prouder than ever
Of our country added the president,
and again the toast was pledged.
when the feet sailed from San Fran
cisco. Mr. President" replied Rear
Admiral Charles II. Sperry, you sent
q message saying this was a heavy
responsibility and great honor. That
we have today fulfilled the RESPONSE
bility makes this the proudest moment
of our lives. l say we advisedly in
speaking of the feet, for no one man
could have done what has been done
without the loyal and willing cooper
alton Of every man on the feet
Thus briefly the commander in chief
of the returning ships made his official
report TO the commander in chief of
the army and the navy.
Enthusiastic Over Fleets Safe and
triumphant Return.
The president was in the same joy
al1 he 1T
gst sail fourteen months ago, and to
those who also witnessed that notable
departure OF the first real battle
squadrons ever gathered under the
American flag, he constantly expressed
his enthusiasm over the safe and tri-
umphant reutrn of the fleet which was
despatched under his orders on a
cruise which 1t was said was too haz-
mrdous for any such body Of ships to
undertake
do you remember the prophecies
OF disaster?" asked the president
Well, here they are" he added. point
ing TO the ships. returning after four
teen months without a scratch. Isn't
tt magnificent"
Salute Of II Guns.
To the men and the minor officers
the president expressed his apprecia-
ton and the thanks Of the country for
the prestige which the cruise Of the
meet has given TO the American navy,
BY making visits 10 the four divisional
nagships, the Connecticut, the LOUISE
ana, the Georgia and the Wisconsin.
On the Connecticut were gathered
hetachments of bluejackets from ali
the ships of that division, and the same
was true Of the companies on the other
hagships. Coming aboard the Connec-
ticut with the crew manning the rails.
qf aff
ferdeck, and the after bridge with the
band playing the Star Spangled Ban
ner. and the forward guns firing a sa-
lutte or 21 guns in his honor, the presi-
dent FIRST passed down the long line
Of officers along the starboard raii and
had a cordial word Of greeting for each
end every one. Previously on the
Nayhower. he had said a personal
word OF congratulation to all Of the
nag and commanding officers. Among
Them were many warm personal
friends OF the president, and these he
fairly embraced after the formalfties
OF their first salute had ended. Con-
Etantly during the reception on the
Mayhower the president would take
Admiral sperry by the arm and lead
him or to one side for a confidential
chat On the Connecticut the president
climbed up on the barbette or steel
foundation Of the after turret, with
rs pFotrudinR twelve inch rifles. and
On the shadow OF those great guns he
briefly addressed the crew.
Presidents Feot Slipped.
TO reach the shelf OF the barbetta.
some five feet above the deck, the pres
ident had 70 step first upon a water
hydrant. His foot slipped when he
made the initial attempt. and he mar
rowly missed a fan which might have
mFnWpd g1r A. ha 4.
gun platform, The crew cheered Justify
IRE president interpreted his prspar-
= remarks freely with asidss. and ne
p4eticularly caught the fancy Of the
H1en when he told them he was I'm
menseiy satisfied with tine work Of the
sunnery thus far accomplished
You have done Al IN smooth wa
aer," said the president; but what I
want TO see next year Is a target prac-
tioe under the same conditions in
rough water"
Here the bluejaeilets on the after
bridge started cheering which was
caught up by the white gloved officers.
For II You ever have to fight" con-
tinued the president you can't esoose
your water"
First Battle Fleet Ever to cireumnavi-
gate the Globe.
Again the men burst into cheers.
Target practice is the subject nearest
che sailors heart today. The men are
enthusiastic on anything appertaining
TO it, and the rivalry between the diff
ferent ships both at record and battle
practice is Intense The men cheered
again when the president declared that
this was the FIRST battle feet ever to
clrcumnavigate the globe" and that
any othAy nation which attempted a
Similaf performance must follow ia the
fe0tsteps Of America.
Three Cheers and q Tiger.
You have done the trick" he ex-
claimed and the quick response of the
nnen brought glad smile to the speak
srs lips. Other nations may follow"
repeated the president, 'Tbut they have
eot to go behind" The applause
broke out afresh when the president
declared Of the cruise that nobody
after this will forget that the Allan
TIC coast is on the Pacific az well as
on the Atlantic" When che president
had Gaished and was about TO be
s'piped over The side" to continue his
round Of the nagships. member of the
crgM proposed three cheers and a
tiger They we're given with a vigor
that fairly swept the chief executive
of his feet and as he bowed his ac-
kncwledgement he excleimed: IF there
were enough Of me. ia cheer for you"
Day Was Cold and Gray.
The day of the fleets homecoming
was cold and gray. Drizzling rain fol-
lowed an early morning fog which
AhraafAned aQFiduNlX m iu4NY4era NTH