Evening journal., 1909-02-20
ROYAL WELCOME.
TO THE FLEET
Great Preparations Making
for the Arrival Of Admiral
Sperry'S WarShipS
CONGRESSMEN AND NOTED
PERSONS TO BIZ THERE

BY United Press Leased Special Wire.
OLD POINT COMFORT, Va. Feb. 90
When Admiral Sperry's ten miles of war
ship steam into Hampton Roads, Monday
morning. after the around the world voy-
age, and boom their salutes TO the Presi-
dent of the United States, feet of plea
sure and excursion boats almost as large
as the ships of battle will fall in behind
them
Never, in the history OF this famous
naval playground, has there been so many
ships due to arrive, as are scheduled TO
drop anchor in the Roads, on Washing
tons birthday. Every coast city within a
days Journey, will send its contingent
Every craft that has a wheel or propeller
powerful enough to make the journey
from Washington. has been chartered for
the occasion.
One steamer will bring more than
hundred members of Congress with their
families. and friends. The government dis
patch boat Dolphin will fetch the Naval
Affairs Committee Of the Senate and
House. The big steamers of the Washing
ton-Norfolk Line have sold out every inch
Of space in staterooms and parlors, and
the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad will run
a number of excursion trains to Norfolk
to accommodate those who are unable to
make the Journey by water.
The hotels of Old Point, Norfolk and
Newport News are overhowing To-Day.
and by Monday will not have a corner
wherein to place transient guest
Entertainment Planned.
The Congressional party, as we'll as the
Army and Navy contingent and official
set from Washington, are planning break
fast luncheons. and dinners on land, as
well as on water, to give variety to the
event.
Commander George. of the Dixie, who
has been appointed harbor master for the
day, will exercise strict control over the
area TO be traversed by the fleet and the
Presidents yacht Mayhower, and every
precaution will be taken to avoid inter-
ference with the parade. or injury from
collisions. The excursion fleet viii not be
permitted to to enter between the lines, or
between the ships Of sthe fleet. and not
until after the President has visited the
four fagships Of the feet and his yacht
has started for home at p. m. VIII any
OF the outside boats be allowed TO enter
-ths-ehannel..
Admiral Sperrys ships are due to make
and Charles. at II m.
After passing in review in single column
formation by the Presidents yacht, which
each will salute with p guns. the Sperry
fleet followed by Admiral Arnold's escort
ing squadron will proceed into the roads
and anchor in double column.
Admiral Arnold. the admirals Of his di.
visions and all the fleet captains will ther
visit the Mayfower personally to pay
their respects to the President, and to re-
ceive from him congratulations on The
successful termination Of their record
breaking performance
Following this visit, the President vii
accompany Admiral Arnold TO the flag
ship Connecticut and then to the Georgia
the Louisiana, and Wisconsin, fiagshipi
respectively of the second, third anC
fourth divisions of the fleet. on each o.
these vessels the President will make I
brief address TO the officers and men
The other ships Of the fleet will send de
tails Of officers and men 10 their respec
tive fiagships to hear the Presidents ad
dross.