Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1909-03-03
ENLISTED MEN
LEAVE FOR HOME
DEPARTING BLUEJACkETS ARE
GREATLY CHEERED BY
SAILORS.
OFFICERS AND WIVES TENDE ID
RECEPTION IN FORT MON
ROE CLUB.

Fort Monroe, Va, Feb. 24.-The bad
weather which greeted the battleship
/ feet at Virginia capes Monday. the
worst the ships have experienced in
any port visited on their way around
the world, continued yesterday. The
ships were made snug and tight for
the storm and only a small American
ensign at the after fagstaff and the
commanding officers flags at peaks
were to be seen yesterday in place of
the rainbow streamers which Monday
clothed the vessels of the feet in
gala attire.
Nearly half of the ships began
coaling yesterday in spite of the
weather. 1t is hoped that the last
of the ships will have been coaled by
Saturday in order that the men may
parade in Norfolk on that day, in re-
Spouse to an invitation of the citizens
of that city.
| One of the most interesting sights
yesterday was the departure of
| large number of enlisted men, whose
terms of service had expired. AS
they left the side of the vessel oR
which they had served, the departing
men were given lusty cheers by the
sailors. The bluejackets brought
home all manner of souvenirs from
every country visited. The cruise
has furnished them with stories for
come.
A number of sailors who left yes
terday were long enlisted men who
! undoubtedly will come back into the
service before three months have
elapsed. They have saved consider
able money on the trip and are anx-
ious to go home and tell of their ex
periences. If they re-enlist within 90
days they will be rated as having
never left the navy and will receive
increased pay, which comes with ev-
cry re-enlistment.
A reception rendered in the pic
| turesque Fort Monroe club by the
army officers stationed here to the
officers of the fleet and their wives
was one of the social events yester
day. Last night there was ball az
the Cham6erlin. The entertaining
for officers will continue almost in
cessantly while the ships are here
and Inequalities ashore will be re-
turned aboard the ships as soon as
the coaling and inspection days are
over
| Lieutenant Commander Ridley Nc
Lane, fleet ordnance officer, presided
yesterday afternoon at the meeting
of ordnance officers on board the flag
ship Connecticut. These officers are
meeting constantly to exchange
views on the working of the fire con-
troll system at the last battle target
practice at Manila bay and it is ex-
pected that a decided improvement
in the system will result from their
reports and suggestions. The gun
merry work of the navy is its proudest
boast, the officers and men believing
that their efficiency at target practice
is superior to that of any other navy.
Warm Welcome for Officers.
Richmond, Va, Feb. 14.-Graceful
homage was paid by the southland to
the globe girdling American battle
ship fleet in this old capital of the
confederacy.
1--WE welcome you to the hearts of
a people who yield to no one in devo-
ton to the American navy nor in 10y
atty to our flag"
This sentiment feelingly expressed
at luncheon yesterday afternoon by
Mayor Richardson in welcoming Rear
Admiral Sperry, Rear Admiral Vain
wright and 81 officers under the form
er's command to this city, found an
echo in a brief address of Admiral
| Sperry who spoke warmly of the
southerners among the officers of his
| fleet. The luncheon, at which men of
all walks of civil life, of all ages and
of unyielding loyalty to the cause Of
Lee and Jefferson fraternized in
staunch fellowship with the fighting
men of the navy, was given by the
| Richmond chamber of commerce. In
his address, Admiral Sperry pointed
out that the voyage around the world
was no junket. while we have been
encircling the GLOBE he said, eve
have doubled the score of last years
target practice The fleets efficiency
has increased % per cent. by the
economy of coal consumption due to
the hard and faithful work of the men
below the decks. When contest
comes a navy must know how to get
there, and how to stay there when l.
gets there. Since the peop'e gener
ally are only impressed by what they
see, it is necessary, if you desire the
peace of the world, that you show
your fleet"