The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1909-02-26
Battleships Returning From
World-encircling Cruise Are
Greeted by President.
THOUSANDS SCI SPECTACLE
Officers and Mea Of the Fleet Are Co.'S
gratulsted BY the Chief
Executive.

Fort Monroe, va, Fen. "a. No1
until some American feet returns VIC
torious from a 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 yesterday as he stood ra-
dainty happy In the cabin OF the
graceful little cruiser yacht Maynower.
at the conclusion of the review and
the ceremonies attending the welcome
home of the American battleship feet.
President Offers Toast.
He was surrounded by the admirals
and captains Of the sixteen world-en-
circ!ing vessels brilliantly attired in
all the gold lace and paraphernalia Of
special full dress uniform, and every
glass was rated in response TO the
presidents sisg :stion. I'VE 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.
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 feet
has given 10 the American navy by
making visits to the four divisional
fiagsaips, the Connecticut. the Louisi-
ana, the Georgia and the Wisconsin.
Boards Flagship.
On the Connecticut were gathered
detachments of bluejackets from all
OF the other ships of that division.
and the same was true of the compa-
MES On the other flagships. 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 THE
Star Spang!ed Banner" and the for
ward guns firing salute of twenty
one guns in his hnor. the president
passed first down the long line of off,
GERS along the starbosrd rail and had
word OF cordial greeting for each
and every one.
Talks to the Men.
Previously, on the Mayflower. he
had said a personal word of congrat-
ulation to all of the flag and COM
handing officers. On the Connecticut
the president climbed upon the bar
bette or steel foundation of the after
turret. with its protruding twelve
inch rifles, and In the shadow of those
great guns he briefly addressed the
crew.
When the president had concluded
and was about to be 'piped over the
side" to continue his round OF the
fiagships, member of the crew pro.
posed three cheers and a tiger"
They were given with a vigor that
fairly swept the chief executive OF
his feet. and as he bowed his acknowl.
edgments he exclaimed:
IF there were enough of me I'd
cheer for you"
Like Din Of Battle.
The Mayhower reached her anchor.
age of the lishtship that marks the
tail OF the Horseshoe shoals yester.
day morning and took up position
In almost the identical spot where
fourteen months ago the president
Dade the departing vessels Godspeed
on their momentous voyage.
And promptly at the hour set for
their arrival, IL a. M. fash of
flame and pun of white powder from
the forward bridge of the Connect.
cut marked the beginning of the day
Of salutes. which reverberated over
the dancing waters OF the roadstead
with continuous roar that suggested
the din OF actual battle. In addition
to the salutes fired several times In
honor Of the president. tribute IL
the father Of his country was not for
gotten. Exactly at noon. In un'scn
with the cannon showing their mu..
eles over the crowded ramparts Of
Fortress Monroe. the feet fired a sa.
lutte of twentyo one guns. each shin
letting go simultaneously.
Biggest Ever Gathered.
In the wake of the sixteen returning
battleships were four other battle,
ships OF the home station and FIVE
giant cruisers. In the matter of bal,
tieships 1t was the heaviest fleet ever
gathered under the flag. Old Point
Comfort never held such a thsonp As
Yesterday and strong detail of ar
tiiioi,inen from Fort Monroe was re.
CURED to keep the crowds from push
ing those In the front ranks of the
lines OF spectators overheard into the
sea.
Ashore last night the admirals and
the captains Of the feet. together with
two score or more of oflcers we're
guests at the annual banquet OF tha
NAVY League OF the United States. All
OF the ships will remain here for !,
week. and At least ous-h.if OF ,he
twenty-five vessels In the roadste.d
viii remain until after the inauxura
ton.
Mob Wrecks orsslss' oters.
Dayton. Ohio. Feb. IA billiard
hail and candy nf0rA n~nnA -. -.