Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1909-03-03

Fort Monroe, Va. Feb. 23.-"Not
until some American fleet 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
This was the toast of President
Roosevelt yesterday as he stood radi-
antly happy in the cabinet of the May
flower at the conclusion of the re-
view and ceremonies attending the
welcome home of the American battle
fleet. He was surrounded by the ad-
miHals and captains of 16 world en-
circling vessels brilliantly attired in
all the gold lace and paraphernalia of
the special full dress uniform, and
every glass was raised in response
TO the presidents suggestion. 1--WE
stay-athomes 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 fleet sailed from San
Francisco, Mr.. President replied
Rear Admiral Sperry you sent us a
message saying that ours was heavy
responsibility and great honor. That
We have today fulfilled the response
bility makes this the proudest mo-
ment of our lives. l say we advis-
edly in speaking of the fleet, for no
one man could have done what has
been done without the loyal and will
ing cooperation of every man on Inc
feet
Thus briefly the commander-in-chief
of the returning ships made his Of
fetal report to the COMMANDMENT
chief of the army and navy.
The president repeatedly expressed
his enthusiasm over the safe and tri-
umphant return of the fleet which was
dispatched under his orders on a
cruise which, it was said, was too
hazardous for any such body of ships
to undertake. To the men and junior
officers the president expressed his
appreciation and thanks of the coun-
try for the prestige which the cruise
has given the American navy by max
ing visits TO the four divisional flag
ships.
On the Connecticut were gathered
detaehments of bluejackets from all
the other ships of that division and
the same was true of the companies
on the other f1agships. Coming
aboard the Connecticut with the crew
manning the rails, or drawn up at at
tention on the quarterback and after
bridge, with the band playing Star
Spangled Banner and the forward
guns firing a salute of 81 guns in his
homer, the president passed first down
the long line of officers along the star
board rail and had a word of cordial
greeting for each and every one.
Previously on the Mayfower he had
said a personal word of congratula-
ton to all flag and commanding Of
fceTs On the Connecticut the pres
ident climbed upon the steel founda-
item Of the after turret, with its pro-
tTudfng Il inch rifles. and in the
shadow of those great guns briefly
addressed and crew. He was often
eheered by the men and officers.
When the president had concluded
and was about to be "piped over the
side" to continue his round of the
flagship, a member of the crew pro-
posed three cheers and a tiger.
They were given with a vigor that
fairly swept the chief executive on
his feet, ard as he bowed acknowl-
edgement, he exclaimed:
IF there were enough. of me,
would cheer for you"
Last night the fleet lay in two long
dnes. The vessels were brilliantly
illuminated during the evening. the
outlines of their hulls, masts and tow