The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-02-23

Fortress Monroe, Va, Feb. 22.-
Not until some American fleets re-
turn victorious from IL great sea battle
will there be another such home COM
ing. another such sight as this. 1
drink TO the American navy"
This was the toast of President
Roosevelt today as he stood radiantly
happy in the cabin OF the little cruis-
CT yacht May6ower at the conciu-
sion of the review and the ceremonies
attending the welcome home Of the
American oattleship fleet. He WAS
surrounded by admirals and captains
of the sixteen world-encircling yes
sells brilliantly attired In all the gold
lace and paraphernalia OF special full
dress uniform, and every glass was
raised In response to the Presidents
suggestion.
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 tho toast was pledged.
when the feet sailed from San
Francisco, Mr.. President, replied
Rear Admiral Charles S. Sperry. you
sent us a message saying that ours
was a heavy responsibility and a
great honor. That we have today.
fulfilled the responsibility makes this
the proudest moment OF our lives.
say We advisedly in speaking OF the
fleet, for no one man could have done
what has been done without the loya'
and willing cooperation of every man
on the fleet"
Thus briefly the commandcr-in-chiet
OF the returning ships made his
official report to the commander-ln-
chief of the army and navy.
The President was in the same joy
GUS mood as he was when the ships
set sail fourteen months ago. and to
those who had also witnessed that
notable departure OF the first real bat
tie squadron, ever undertaken under
the American flag, he constantly ex-
pressed his en- dsiasm over the re-
turn of the fleel which was designed
under his orders. to make the trip
which seemed SO hazardous.
DO you remember the prophesies
OF Disaster" asked the President
We'll, here they are" he added point
ing to the ships. returning after IA
months without a scratch. / say 1t is
magnificent"
To the men and junior officers. the
President expressed his appreciation
and the thanks OF the country for the
prestige which the cruise of the fleet
had given to the American navy by
making visits to the four divisional
flagships, the Connecticut, the Louis
lana. the Georgia and the Wisconsin.
On the Connecticut we're gathered
detachments of blue Jackets from all
Of the. other ships OF that division
and the same was true OF the COM
panics on the other flagships Com
ing aboard the Connecticut, with the
crew manning the rails, OF drawn up
at attention on the quarter deck and
after bridge with the band playing
the "Star Spangled Banner" and the
forward guns firing salutes of 81
guns, In his honor, the President
passed first down the long line OF OF
hcers along the starboard rail, and
had a word of cordial greeting FOR
each one Previously on the Mayf1ow-
er. he had said a personal word or
congratulatIon to all OF the flag and
commanding officers, Among them
were many personal friends of the
President and these he fairly en-
braced after the formalities OF their
first salute had ended Constantly
during the reception on the Mayfower,
the President would take Admiral
Sperry by the arm and lead him on
TO one side for a confidential chat.
On the Connecticut the President
climbed upon the barbette or steel
foundation of the after turret with
Its protruding Pinch rifles and In the
shadow OF those great guns. he briefly
addressed the crew. In order to reach
the shelf of the barbette some five
feet above the deck. the President
had to step Arst upon water hydrant.
HIS foot slipped when he made the