The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-02-07
Position Flashed Back by
Wireless to Station at
Gibraltar.
GREAT WELCOME
AWAITING THEM
Qualtrough Incident Only Marring
Feature of World Famous
Cruise.

Steammg steadily westward, In dou-
bic column, and following the thirty
fifth parallel as closely as a tracer, the
great American battieship fleet, now
we'll under way on the last leg OF It's
long voyage, is nearing nome. Slowly
perhaps when we consider modern rail-
road flyers, but with the unvaTying con-
sistency that has marked the $500
miles of the journey already completed,
the vessels are nearing Hampton Roads.
and home. There is sentiment In the
word home, for a sailor, and there is
probably not man jack on the fleet
today whose spirits are not rising with
each knot clipped off the distance that
divides them from home, wives and
sweethearts.
Each succeeding day viii bring tie
sixteen vessels just 20 knots nearer
home This go knots is equivalent 20
about 10 miles. and It is $500 miles
from Gibraltar to Hampton Roads on
the southern, or long course, that fol-
lows the thirty-dfth parallel, that myth
lCal line that to nautical men is as
plain as a weIl-worn path is TO the
average citizen.
Location of Fleet.
Today, or rather this afternoon, the
meet IS just about 600 miles west of
Gibraltar. It's position was learned By
officials of the Navy Department today
through the mysterious power of wire
less. According to advices received, the
flagship is still in communication with
abe high tower On the rock of Gibraltar
Navy Department officials. and navy
men generally, are on the tiptoe of ex-
pectaGcy at the approaching arrival OF
the fleet. No naval event since the
Spanish war has created such an under
current of excitement in naval circles.
Wives and sweetheart, relatives and
friends OF officers and men are pre-
pairing 10 journey 10 Hampton Roads
10 extend greetings. Navy officials are
preparing for the official reception with
Is great a fiutter of excitement as is
agitating the bOsoms of the women.
There has been nothing 10 mar the
cruise. and in the Homecoming there
Wiu be no note Of sadness, as of com
rades lost or missing. For this reason
the welcome viii be one OF the most
notable Of history
Marring Incident
The only incident that has marred the
voyage IN any respect was the uufOr-
tuaate coUTt-martial of Captain Quail
skip and the service, and he alone OF
all those aboard the sixteen vessels is
looking forward TO the arrival home
with dread misgivings. The JOY OF wei
cCme viii not be his, His years Of sery-
ice and the gallant handling of his ship
for almost the er tire cruise are for
uaught. He Is coming home as q pas
senger, and his vessel, the Georgia.
will be guided into the home port by
another man.
Mrs. QualtrOuEh, wife OF the captain,
is brave and loyal and she viii be
among the others at Hampton Roads
C lend cheer and encouragement 20 her
husband She is preparing 10 go 20 the
Chamberiiu within the next week or
two.
Admiral Arnold commanding the
third squadron of the Atlantic feet.
composed Of the new battIeships Missis-
ssppI and New Hampshire. Idaho and
tHe Maine las flagship, and the fast
scout cruisers Chester. Birmingham and
Salem. and the cruisers North Carolina
and Montana, is preparing 10 rendez-
vous In Cuban waters 10 start eastward
within the next week 20 meet the in-
coming feet.
Place of Meeting.
meet On the thirJy-Ifth parallel a5ou
101 miles from land. and the world gird
ling battIeships viii be escorted for tn,
remainder Of the journey News Of th
meeting VIII Immediately be flashed u
the Navy Department by wireless, sus
f. is expected that Admiral Sperrys vii
have his first direct communication
within the next ten days. This VIII D.
done through wireless relay. the E0m
SQUADRON of the -leet receiving from
Admiral Suerry's flagship the Connect
cut and Telayiug the message "a mes
Eages 10 the department through on
Of the shore stations. probably ia
Washington Navy Yard
Until the hOmCWard bound fleet come
within wireless range. navy officials o.
not expect 20 hear from it. To was PEE
ported today. north or the Canary an
Cape Verde Islands within easy Teac
OF them, but the vessels are rapid
passing ont of communication with tl
shores OF Europe and they are follow
a. route IEf FREQUENT ed ma d