The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-23
SPLENDID SPECTACLE
 IS PRESENTED AS THE
 SHIPS PASS IN REVIEW
Thousands of People From Many States Gather to Greet the Officers and Men of the Fleet After
 the Long Voyage of
 Globe circIine.

Fort Monroe, Va, February 22-"Not 7 until some American fleet returns victor ious from a great sea battle will there be another such homecoming, another such sight as this. I drink to the Amer ican navy"
 This was the toast of President Roose- welt today as he stood radiantly happy in the cabin of the graceful little cruiser yacht Mayfower at the conclusion of the review and the ceremonies attending the welcome home of the American battleship fleet. He was surrounded by the admrals and captains of the world -encircling yes sells, brilliantly attired in all the gold lace and paraphernalia of special full dress un- form and every flask was raised in re- sponse to the Presidents suggestion.
 We stay-at-homes 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 Fran cisco, MT. President" replied Rear Ad- mral Charles 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. I say we advisedly in speaking of the fleet, for no one man could have done what has been done without the loyal and willing cooperation of every man on the fleet"
 Thus briefly the commander-in- chief of the returning ships made his official re- port to the commander-in-chief of the army and the navy.
 Roosevelt In Joyous Mood.
 The President was in the same joyous mood as when the ships set sail IA months ago, and to those who had also witnessed that notable departure of the first real battle squadrons ever gathered under the American flag, he constantly expressed his enthusiasm over the same and triumphant return of the fleet, which was dispatched under his orders on cruise which. it was said. was too haz- ardous for any such body of ships to undertake.
 Do you remember the prophecy of dis aster?" asked the President, Well, here they are," he added pointing to the ships, returning after IA months without a scratch. Isn't it magnifcent?"
 To the men and junior officers the Pres ident expressed his appreciation and the thanks of the country for the prestige which the cruise of the fleet has given to the American navy by making visits to the four divisional fiagships, the Con- necticut, the Louisiana, the Georgia and the Wisconsin.
 On the Connecticut were attachments of blueiackets from all the other ships of that division, and the same was true of the companies on the other fagships. Coming aboard the Connecticut, with the crew manning the rails, or drawn up at attention on the quarter deck and after bridge, with the band playing the Star Spangled Banner" and the forward guns firing salute of 21 guns in his honor, the President passed first down the long line of officers along the starboard rail and had word of cordial greeting for each and every one.
 Word of CongratuIation.
 Previously, on the Mayfower, he had said a personal word of reorganization to all of the flag and commanding off cers Among them were many warm per- sonal friends of the President, and these he fairly embraced after the formalities of their first salute had ended. Con- stantly during the reception on the May flower the President would take Admiral Sperry by the arm and lead him off to one side for a confidential chat On the Connecticut the President climbed upon the barbette or steel foundation of the after-turret with It's protruding 12- inch rifles and in the shadow of those hw{A ra11 crew.
 In order to reach the shelf of the bar bette, some five feet above the deck, the President had to step first upon water hydrant His foot slipped when he made the Initial attempt and he narrowly missed a fall which might have proved serious As he finally made the gun platform the crew cheered lustily. The President interspersed his prepared remarks freely with asides and particularly caught the fancy of the men when he told them he was immensely satisfied with the gum nery work thus far accomplished.
 You have done Al in smooth water,' said the President, "but what I want to see next year is a target practice un- der the conditions in rough water"
 BIuejackets Cheer.
 The blue jackets on the after-bridge started to cheering, which was caught up by the white gloved officers.
 For if you ever have to fight" con ttnued the President, you can't choose your water"
 Again the men burst into cheers. Tar get work Is the subject nearest the sailors heart today. He is an enthusiast on anything appertaining to 1t. and the rivalry between the different ships both at record and battle practice is intense. The men cheered again when the Presi- dent declared that this was the first bat tie fleet ever to circumnavigate the globe and that any other nation that attempted 
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