The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-16
BIC CROWD WILL ::;I.::-LCOME Z. FLEET . iDrs Are Pouring Into Old
 Point Comfort A REVIEW BY ROOSEVELT Honors Await the Officers and Men Who Have Made Record Breaking
 Tour of the World Under
 the American Flag.
4 REVIEW BY ROOSEVELT

Fort Monroe, Va, February 15.-The advance guard of visitors en route here to view the notable naval demonstration of Monday next and to participate in the welcome of the battleship squadron under command of Rear Admiral Sperry, began to arrive today. Hotel accommodations at Old Point already are at a premium and quarters are now being sought at Norfolk Hampton and other cities bor- dering Hampton Roads.
 The interest excited by the sailing of the fleet IA months ago naturally has been accentuated during the remarkable cruise and excursions are to be run from most of the eastern cities.
 The portion of the roads where the fleet will anchor next Monday was swept today by stinging southwestern that set whitecaps on the tossing waves. Small craft did not venture out and the great stretch of water appeared gaunt and empty. There was nothing to indicate the near approach of the homecoming ships.
 The programme of entertainment here is still indefinite as it is not known as yet just how many of the ships will be detached, following the Presidents review and sent to the navy yards. Some 5000 of the blue jackets from the fleet are to be sent to Washington to par ticipate in the inaugural parade of March 4 and the vessels from which they are to be drawn undoubtedly will remain here IS the men are to be taken to the capital on naval transports.
 Efforts are to be made to have Presi- dent Roosevelt and his guests on the Mayflower come ashore the evening of the review to attend the dinner in honor of the flag and commanding officers of the fleet by the navy league of which General Horace Porter Is president This dinner will be followed by a falN and during the stay of the ships in the roads there will be round of gaieties. Officers of the army at Fort Monroe are pre- pairing to have a share in the welcome to the fleet.
 The ships are to anchor in practically the same positions from which they start ed on their voyage of the world December 16, 1907. They were anchored before sail ing in two long lines but fell into single column to follow the Mayflower to the reviewing water off Thimble Show light
 As understood here it is Admiral Sper- rvs intention to bring the ships past the capes and the Presidents yacht in two lines of eight ships each. The anchor ing manoeuvres after the ships pass the government pier probably will be the prettiest part of the spectacle.
 Just what formation is to be taken by the escorting ships of the third squadron under Admiral Arnold is not yet known. These ships have been on detached duty and have had little opportunity to drill. They may, however, be disposed in double line formation to conform to the fleets sailing order. In this way the line of ships which in a single column would stretch over five miles of water. will be shortened to just one half that distance. number of the navy widows or officers wives who witnessed the departure of the fleet and since that time have followed or preceded the ships all the way around the world have arrived to see the close of the nIs- tory-making voyage.