The San Francisco call., 1909-02-23

FORT MONROE, Va, Feb. ~
Not until some American fleet returns
victorious from a great sea battle will
there be another such homecoming. an
other such a sight as this. drink to
the American navy
This was the toast OF President
Roosevelt today as he stood radiantly
happy in the cabin Of the little cruiser
yacht Mayfiower at the conclusion OF
the review and the ceremonies attend
ing the welcome home of the American
battleship fleet. He was surrounded
by the admiraIs and captains of the Is
world encircIing vessels brilliantly at
tired in all the gold lace and parapher-
MALTA OF special full dress uniform and
every glass was raised in response to
the presidents toast.
I'VE stay at homes also drink to the
men who have made US prouder than
ever of our country" added the presi-
dent and again the toast was pledged.
Sperry Makes Report
When the fleet sailed from San
Francisco. Mr.. President" replied Rear
Admiral Charles S. Sperry. you sent
US a message saying that ours was a
heavy responsibility and great honor.
That we have today fulfilled the re-
sponsibility makes this the proudest
moment of our lives. 1 say we ad-
visedly in speaking of the fleet. for no
one man could have done what has
been done without the loyal and will
ing cooperation Of every man on the
feet"
Thus briefly the commander in chief
of the returning ships made his official
report to the commander in chief Of
the army and navy.
The president was in the same joyous
mood as he was when the ships set
sail on their world encircIing tour, and
to those who had also witnessed that
notable departure of the first real bat
tleship squadron ever gathered under
the American flag he constantly ex-
pressed 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 body of ships TO un-
dertake.
do you remember the prophecies OF
Disaster asked the president. We'll.
here they are he added. pointing to
the ships. returning without scratch.
I say it is magnificent"
Praise for JackieS
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
had given to the American navy by
making visits to the four divisional
fagships-the Connecticut. the Louisi-
ana. the Georgia and the Wisconsin.
On the Connecticut were gathered
detachments of bluejackets from all
of the other ships of that division. and
the same was true Of the companies on
the other fiagships. Coming aboard
the Connecticut. with the crew man
ming the rails, or drawn up at atten-
ton on the quarterback and after
bridge. with the band playing The
Star Spangled Banner and the for-
ward guns firing salute Of p guns
in his honor. the president passed first
down the long line Of officers along the
starboard rail and had a word Of cor
dial greeting for each one. Previously,
on the Mayhower, he had said a per-
sonaI word of congratuiation to ali OF
the flag and commanding officers.
Among them were many personal friends
of the president. and these he fairly
embraced after the formalities Of their
first salute had ended. Constantly.
during the reception on the MayAower.
the president would take Admiral