Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-23

Copyright by Harris & Ewins)
Rear Admirals Wainwright. Schroeder
and Porter also soon came aboard, and
then Rear Admiral Arnold of the escort
ing feet arrived after long trip from
the far end Of the line.
When sailor meets sailor and it is a
cold, wet day there is form of invita-
ton which is not laid down in regula-
tons, but which prevails the world
over.
Come down into the cabin" ex-
claimed the President: come on. every
BODY he cried in buoyant enthusiasm.
We are going down to drink to the
health of the fleet There is nothing too
good for these boys. They can have
two drinks if they want en-
So into the cabin they filed-Presi-
dent. secretaries. admirals, guests-anj
glasses were filled.
The President raised his foamins
wine and, facing Admiral Sperry, gave
the toast:
Not until some American fleet re-
turns victorious from great sea fight
will there ever be another such home
coming as this, We stay-at-h homes
drink to the men who have made us 80
proud of our country
And every glass was raised and
drained.
I'VE stay-at-homes also drink to the
men who have made us prouder than
ever of our country" added the Presi-
dent and again the toast was pledged.
Admiral Sperry responded: LAS YOU
telegraphed the officers and men of the
fleet as we left, we had a heavy re-
sponsibility and great honor in our
cruise. We recognized that the respon-
sbility and the honor was great. 1T
is my pleasure to state that we have
fulfilled it today. This is the proudest
visedly. for no one could have accom-
plished this undertaking without the
loyal. intelligent and willing co-opera-
ton of every man in the fleet"
For nearly half an hour the officers
remained on the Mayfiower, and then
the launches carried them back to their
ships to make ready for the Presidents
inspection.
The President. accompanied by rs
son, Kermit. and his son-in-law, NichO-
las Longworth, stepped aboard the
dispatch boats, was carried over to the
Connecticut. Up the side Of the flag
ship he almost ran.
A sailor at the head Of the COM
panionway saluted. The President
stopped a moment to bow and smile on
him and then went aft, where the crew
were drawn up with the officers in
front. From each of the four ships Of
the first division a detachment of pick
ed men had been sent for inspection,
representing every rating in the service.
them. but from the position marked out
for him he could not see them all or
make himself heard. so he tried to
mount a barbette. He failed to make
it and two stalwart sailors. reached
down and took him by the arms to
were almost too much for them.
Everybody laughed at the effort and
rigid naval discipline broke down for
the moment
The President made many asides in
speaking, and caught the fancy of the
men by complimenting their gunnery.
You have done AL in smooth water"
year is target practice under the condi-
tons in rough water" The bluejackets
on the afterbridge started cheering,
which was caught up by the officers.
For If you ever have to fight" contin-
ued the President you can't choose your
water"
The men cheered again when the Presi-
dent said that this was the first bat
tie fleet ever to circumnavigate the
globe" and that any other nation that
attempted similar performance must
follow in the footsteps of America.
You have done the trick. Other ma
tions may follow, but they have got to
so behind"
The cheering broke out afresh when
the President declared that nobody
after this will forget that the Ameri-
or t- he Dnri
on the Atlantic
When the President had concluded a
member Of the crew proposed three
cheers and tiger" and they were given
with vigor that fairly swept him off
his feet. and as he bowed acknowledge
ment. he exclaimed: IF there were
enough Of me I'd cheer for YOU
From the Connecticut Mr. Roosevelt
went successfully to the other fagships
Louisiana, Georgia. Wisconsin and
Maine-where there were similar cere-
monies.
He commented on how spick and span
the ships looked, more as If they had
Gust come from navy yard than at the
end Of long cruise, lie said. The white
paint of their sides and the buff Of their
upper works were without mar Brass
work shone like mirrors. Decks had
been holystoned to Elistening smooth
ness All the sailors had new uniforms
Their movements and drill were with
precision the navy never before had
known.
1t was after o'clock before the
President returned to the Mayfiower, and
in IA few minutes the white yacht was
under way for Washington. The great
review was over, the ships at last at
rest.
Naval sharps who scanned the lines
said it was the greatest fleet in often
been gathered under q single flag. There
had been more men-of-war gathered,
but never before fleet of such weight
in armor and guns. Even the escorting
squadron alone, they pointed out, was
greater than the American fleet that
started out to fight the war with Spain.
There were four battleshipS off San
tiago. and here were twenty of Them
the weakest better than the strongest of
those days
Now the scene shifts to shore at Fort
Monroe. where. along the waters edge
and at the big Hotel Chamberln. people
were packed in solid mass for hours. They
had been waiting In the rain listening to
the faint echo of booming guns out to
seaward and peering into the gray mist
for a first sight of the ships.
Social cast and distinctions were lost in