The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1909-02-23
UNCLE SANS SAILOR BOYS
RECEIVE A JOYOUS WELCOME
Nation Proud of the Record and Impression Made by Majestic
Naval Force Tour Around the Entire World Halls Its
Safe Arrival Home With Pride and Gladness

Fortress Monroe, Va, Feb. 22.--"Not
until some American fleet returns vic
torous from a great sea battle will
there be another such home coming,
another such sight as this.
L drink to the American navy"
This was the toast of President
Roosevelt today as he stood radiantly
yacht Mayflower at the conclusion of
the review and the ceremonies attend
ing the welcome home of the American
battleship fleet. He was surrounded
by the admirals and captains of the
16 world-circling vessels brilliantly at
tired in all the gold lace and para
phernalia of special full dress uniform,
and every glass was raised in re-
sponse 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 pres
ident, and again the toast was
pledged
when the fleet sailed from San
Francisco Mr. President" replied
Rear Admiral Charles S. Sperry,
you sent us a message saying ours
was a heavy responsibility and great
honor That we have today fulfilled
the responsibility makes this the
proudest moment of our lives l say,
we advisedly in speaking of the fleet,
for no one can do what has been done
without the loyalty and cooperation
of every man on the fleet"
Official Report.
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 IA months ago, and to those
who had also witnessed that notable
departure of the first real battle
squadron ever gathered under the
American flag, he constantly expressed
his enthusiasm over the. safe and
triumphant 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.
"Do you remember the prophesies of
Disaster" asked the president.
well, here they are he added,
pointing to the ships, returning
after IA months without a scratch.
say it 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.
Visits Ships.
On the Connecticut We're gathered
detachments of bluejackets from all
of the other ships of that division, and
the same was true of the companies
on the other flagships. 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 p
guns in his honor, the president
passed first down the long line of Of
ficers along the starboard rail and
had a word of cordial greeting for
each enc. Previously, on the May
flower, he had said a personal word
of 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 Mayflower
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 its
protruding 12-inch rifles. and in, the
shadow of those great guns he briefly
addressed the crew.
Nearly Falls.
In order to reach the barbette above
the deck, the president had to step
first upon water hydrant. His foot
slipped when he made the initial at
tempt and he narrowly missed a fall,
which might have proved serious AS
he finally made the gun platform the
crew cheered Justify. The president
interspersed his prepared remarks
freely with asides, and he plainly
caught the fancy of the men when he
told them he was immensely satisfied
with the gunnery work thus far ac-
complished.
You have done Al in smooth