The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-24
Sperry Sends Report.

Sperry Sends Report.
 Admiral Sperry, before going to Rich mond today. sent to the navy depart ment a series of reports, having to do with the cruise. These reports have been sent in from time to time, and when completed will form an official history of the entire cruise around tn e world. The reports. in addition to re- lating a narrative of the trip are filled with interesting statistics. They will be of immense advantage to the Amer ican naval authorities in showing the necessities and capabilities of a fleet under all manner of conditions.
 The battleship Vermont of the first division of the returning fleet, re- mained in quarantine today A case of smallpox developed on board among the crew. The sick man was taken to the naval hospital at Norfolk, and most of the officers and members of the crew have been vaccinated anew. The men have been restricted to the ship.
 Enlisted Men Leave.
 One of the most interesting sights today was the departure of a large of service had expired. They came ashore from the various ships in boats lowed by steam launches. As they left the side of the vessel on which they had served the departing men were given lusty cheers by the sailors. Many bo Ao1o venirs of the trip slowed away in can vas bags, while others were equipped with natty leather suit cases. The latter were invariably plastered all over with labels from foreign hotels and transportation companies. The first class liberty men of the fleet made many side excursions from the various ports visited and they were also en- tertained at the best hotels. Their uniforms were respected by every na- ton. On these visits the men accumu- lated many of the travelling labels.
 Negro boys and porters lettering about the dock reaped a harvest from the home going sailors, who disdaining to carry their own satchels and bundles, handed them over to the boys to be taken to the railroad station or trolley cars.
 Many Will Return.
 A number of the sailors who left to- day were long-enlistment men, who un- doubtedly will come back into the serv- ice before three months have elapsed. They have saved considerable money on the trip and are anxious to go home and tell of their experiences If they re-cn- list within go days they will be rated as having never left the navy, and win receive the increased pay which comes with every re-enlistment
 A reception rendered in the picturesque Fort Monroe club by the army officers stationed here, to the officers of the fleet and their wives, was one of the soc.al events of the day. The club is In the easements under the ramparts of the old historic fortress, and it's long porchcs built out over the moat were enclosed in canvas and American flags
 Ball at Chamberlain.
 Tonight there was ball at the Cham berlin. Entertaining for the officers will continue almost necessarily while the ships are here, and the hospitaIities ashore will be returned aboard ship as soon as coaling and inspection days are over.
 Lieutenant Commander Ridley McLane, fleet ordnance officer, presided this aft ernoon at a meeting of ordnance officers on board the flagship Connecticut. These officers are meeting constantly to ex- change views on the working of the fire control system at the last battle target practice in Manila Bay, and 1t Is ex- pected that decided improvement in the system will result from their reports and suggestions The gunnery work of the navy is its proudest boast. the officers and men believing that the efficiency at the targets is superior to that of any other navy.