The Elbert County tribune., 1909-02-25
WELCOME FLEET
AT FORT MONROE
NO ACCIDENT HAS MARRIED ITS
VOYAGE AROUND THE
WORLD.
TOASTED BY PRESIDENT
IN FOURTEEN MONTHS BATTLE
SHIPS HAVE VISITED MANY
NATIONS.

Fort Monroe, va.-"Not until some
American fleet returns victorious from
great sea battle will there be another
such homecoming. another such sight
as this. / drink to the American
navy"
This was the toast of President
Roosevelt Monday as he stood radiant
ly happy in the cabin of the
graceful little cruiser yacht May
flower at the conclusion of the review
and the ceremonies attending the well
come home of the American battleship
fleet.
He was surrounded by the admirals
and captains of the sixteen world en-
circling vessels 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 the toast was pledged.
When the fleet sailed from San
Francisco, MIR. President" replied
Rear Admiral Charles s. Sperry. you
sent us a message saying that ours
was heavy responsibility and great
honor. That we have today fulfilled
the responsibility makes this the
proudest moment OF our lives. | say
we advisediy in speaking of The fleet,
fer no man could have what has been
done without the loyal and willing CO.
operation of every man on the fleet"
Thus briefly the commander-in-chief
of the returning ships made his Off
cial report to the commander-in-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 gathered under the
American flag, he constantly expressed
his enthusiasm over the safe and tri-
umphant return of the fleet which was
dispatched under his riders on a
cruise which it was said was too haz-
ardous for any such body of ships to
undertake.
DO you remember the prophecies
of disaster?" asked the President.
well, here they are" he added point
ing to the ships, returning after four
teen months without scratch. 1 say
it is magnificent"
Coming aboard the Connecticut, with
the crew manning the rails, or drawn
up at attention on the quarterback
and after bridge, with the band play
ing "The Star Spangled Banner" and
the forward guns firing salute of
twenty-one guns in his honor, the
President passed first down the long
line of officers along the starboard
rail and had word of cordial greet
ing for each and every one.
The Presidents address was short.
but was punctuated with hearty cheer
ing. He said in part:
Admiral Sperry. officers and men of
the battleship fleet:
over year has passed since you
steamed out of this harbor, and over
the worlds rim, and this morning the
hearts of all who saw you thrilled with
pride as the hulls of the mighty war
ships lifted above the horizon
you have been in the northern and
the southern hemispheres; four times
you have crossed the line; you have
steamed through all the great oceans;
you have touched the coast of every
continent. Ever your general course
has been westward; and now you come
back to the port from which you set
sail.
This is the first battleship fleet
that has ever circumnavigated the
globe. Those who perform the feat
again can but follow in your footsteps.
AS war machine. the fleet comes
back in better shape than it went out
In addition, you. the officers and men
of this formidable fighting force, have
shown yourselves the best OF all posi-
BILE ambassadors and heralds of peace.
I'VE are proud of all the ships and
all the men in this whole fleet and we
welcome you home to the country
whose good repute among nations has
been raised by what you have done"
g.