New-York tribune., 1909-02-25
STORM BUFFETS FLEET
LAUNCHES ARE IN PERIL.
Sailors Flashed OUerb0drd, but Res
cued-COaIing Continues.

Fort Monroe. Feb 2-After being flooded In
brilliant sunlight throughout the morning, the
American battle feet" in Hampton Roads was
swept by another severe storm this afternoon.
The stiff southeast gale which set in yesterday
continued throughout the morning but the skies
were clear. After noon. however. the wind shifted
to the southwest and drenching downpour OF
rain began Coaling Of the feet continued, despite
the weather. the bands playing TO give an impetus
the work The battIeshps and cruisers did not
suffer from the blow but the launches running to
the shore made decidedly heavy weather OF It.
Two sailors ships launches were tossed over
board during the afternoon but both were rescued
A launch belonging to the battleship Rhode Island
was partly wrecked in trying 10 come alongside the
ships ganEway- A luncheon party Of women was
aboard and when tho little boat crashed into
side boom of the battIeship several tainted The
launch drifted rapidly away from the ship, the en-
gtne having caught dead centre In reversing
Another little steamer to pick her up. but
the helpless launch had drfted more than half
mile in the choppy seas before il reached.
Only tho expert seamanship OF the navy cox
swains and deckhands in charge os the launches
prevented more serious mishaps. The water was
the toughest known in recent years in Hampton
Reads Many tea and dinner parties planned on
board the various ships had TO No postponed. while
scores Of visitors who went early TO the anchored
vessels had TO remain board until late before
they could be sent ashore. Shore boats da not at
tempt make the battleshp lines during the storm.
SPERRG LEAVES FLEET TO-DAY.
Rear Admiral sperry Will leave here for Wash
ington tomorrow afternoon. instead of on Friday
he had first planned. He goes 70 consult with
the Navy Department authorities to the further
plans for the fleet. and nothing in the way OF in
spectIon detachinE any Of the shipt viii be done
until ne returns. The commanding and other Of
fcers were much Eratihed by the pub ished reports
from Washington to-day that Admiral Sperry will
continue as commander in chief OF the battleship
feet until the Of his retiI ement in September
Some others were Inclined believe a report that
President Roosevelt intends himself name the
next commander in chief before he retires from
Office. An official announcement is eXpeSed while
Admiral Sperry is IN Washington.
The invitation OF the Norfolk entertainment COM
mlttee officers and OF the 10 visit that
city Saturday formally accepted by Admiral
Sperry to-day. The commander in chief Will not be
able to attend because OF his visit TO Washington
but 40 officers and 200 bluejackets viii 20 Nor
folk for parade. in which several hundred reg
u!ar troops the post at Fort Monroe will
take part. Immediately after the parade the Of
dcers and will be entertained dinner. and
all hands will retufn the ships night. The
brigade Norfolk ,gilI be practically the
same that which Will be in line the inaugural
parade March !
The converted cruiser Dixie arrived in the road
stead to-day. salutng Admiral Sperry's flag with
thirteen guns. With the Prairie which arrived yes
terday, the Dixie will be employed in transporting
the feet brigade Washington. The transfer Of
the will be made here. and the batueships
from which the are drawn will wait here for
their return.