The Cairo bulletin., 1909-02-24
GO HOME LOADED WITH STORIES
AND SOUVENIRS FROM
FOREIGN LANDS.
COALlKC COMMENCED
Bad Weather Continues-Sperry and
Officers Entertained in Rich
mond-Saiiora May Parade
In Norfolk.

yesterday, the worst the ships haYa
experienced in any port visited on
their way around the world, contin.
ued today
The ships We're made snug and
tight for the storm and only small
American ensign at the after flag
staff and the commanding officers
flags at the peaks were TO be seen
today N place Of the rainbow Of
streamers which yesterday clothed
the vessels of the fleet in gala at
tire.
Nearly half the ships began coalina
today in spite of the weather 1t is
hoped that the last Of the ships will
have been coaled by Saturday in o.
der that the men may parade in Nor
folk ON that day, in response to the
invitation of the citizens of that city.
One of the most interesting sights
today was The departure of a large
number Of enlisted men, whose terms
of service had expired AS they left
the side of the vessel ON which they
1ad served, the departing men We're
given lusty cheers by the sailors. The
bluejackets brought home all manner
# souvenirs from every country Wis
ted. The cruise has filled them with
stories for friends ut home for all
ime to come.
A number Of The sailors who left
today were long enlisted men who
undoubtedly will come back into the
service before three months have
lapscd. They have saved consider.
able money on The trip and are anX.
ious to 80 home and tell Of their ex
perienccs, If they re-enlist within 80
lays they will be rated as having
never left the navy and will receive
Increased pay which comes with
very re-onlistment
The reception rendered in the pic.
turesque Fort Monroe Club by the
army officers stationed here to the
officers of the fleet and their wives
was one of the social events today
Tonight there was ball at the
Chamberlin. The entertaining for
the officers viii continue almost In
cessantly while the ships are here,
and the hospitaltics on shore viii
be returned aboard the ships as soon
as the coaling and inspection days
are over.
Lieutenant Commander Ridley Me.
Lane, fleet ordnance officer, presid
ed this afternoon at a meeting of
he ordnance officers on board the
flagship Connecticut These Officers
are meeting constantly to exchange
siews on the working of the fire con
rol system at the last battel tar.
get practice in Manila Bay an It is
expected a decided improvement in
the system will result from their re-
ports and suggestions. The gunnery
work of the navy is our proudest
boast, the officers believing their eff
iiciency at the targets is superior 20
that of any other navy.
BANQUET AT RICHMOND.
Richmond, Va. Feb. 23.-A grace
ul homage was paid by the South
land today to the globe girdling.
American battleship fleet IN this old
capital Of the Confederacy. we we
come YOU to the hearts of a people
who yield to no one in their devotion
TO the American navy nor In loyalty
to our flag"
This sentiment. feeliugly express
ID at the luncheon this afternoon by
Mayor Richardson I'm welcoming
Rear Admiral Sperry Rear Admiral
Wainwright and 81 officers under the
formers command 70 this city. found
m echo ia the brief address Of Sperry
Who spoke warmly of the Southerners
lmong the officers OF his fleet
The luncheon, at which men of all
walks of civil life Of all ages ami
Of unyielding loyalty to the cause OF
Lee and Jefferson. fraternized in
staunch fellowship with the fighting
men Of the navy. was given by the
Richmond chambe of commerce. in
his address Sperry pointed our that
the voyage around the world was N
iunket
While we have been encircling
The globe" he said. we have doubled
he score Of last years target prac-
ticc. The fleets efficiency has in
/ creased - per cent by the economy
Of coal consumption due to hard and
faithful work Of the men below the
decks When n contest comes a navy
must know h0w 10 get here. and how
10 stay jhere whcu'ft gets there Since
he people generally are only inpreSs
by what they see. it is necessary
if You desire the peace Of the world
| that YOU show your fleet"