Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-01-15
Victor Emmanuel Of Italy
Receives Adm|. Sperry.
Crowds Visit Ships at Vile
tranche- Ships at Other Ports.
Officers Attend Ball at Malta
Greek King Receives Officers.


ucl received Rear Admiral Charles $.
Sperry in private audience at the
Quirinal palace today His Majesty
conversed in English for more Ihan
half All hour regarding the voyage Of
the fleet, which he regarded as a re-
markable achievement. He has follow
ed its movements even TO details.
The King expressed his deep appre-
citation for what America had done
for Italy in sympathy and relief for
those who nave suffered in the earth
quake. The Italian people would never
forget the unanimous manifestation of
the American government and the
American nation down to the humblest
citizens. His Majesty alluded to the
energy and ability shown by Mr..
Griscom, the American ambassador, in
promptly sending succor to the spot.
Rear Admiral Sperry, after the private
audience, presented his staff to the King,
composed of Commander Albert w.
Grant, Paymaster Samuel Gowan, Lieut.
Commander Simon p. Fullinwder and
Lieut.. Daniel w. Wurstsbaugh. The
King talked with each one and expressed
his pleasure at being able to meet them.
Admiral Mirabello. the Italian minis
ter of marine, took occasion at a dinner
yesterday evening, given by the Ameri-
can ambassador, Lloyd c. GriscOnl, ana
Mrs Griscom, in honor of Rear Admiral
Charles S. Sperry, commander of the
American battleship fleet. to voice the
feeling of the italian nation towards the
American people and the American navy.
After expressing his thanks for the aid
given the earthquake sufferers, Admiral
Mirabello said that the performances OF
the American fleet had given material
for thought to every navy. 1t was not
for him to touch upon the political re-
suit of the voyage around the world
During the private audience the King
was very gracious He had Admiral
Sperry sit next him and conversed with
him as though the American officer were
an old friend. The conversation dealt
mostly with the cruise of the Atlantic
battleship fleet ana His Majesty showed
striking knowledge of everything con-
nected with naval questions, even to their
most minute detail frequently using ma
val idioms and colloauial expressions.
He inquired at great length concerning
gunnely and the tactical work aboard the
fleet and especially regarding its ability
to maintain itself in efficient condition
and concerning repairs.
The King told Admiral Sperry that
from the different places where the flee.
had stopped he had received reports Of
the cruise and that these he had read
and studied with great care. His Majesty
said he considered the globe-encirclins
tour one of the finest events in modern
undertakings. He even entered with ex
traordinary familiarity into the service
conditions of the American fleet and. in
so doing demonstrated his intima t.,
knowledge of foreign naval rules and or
ganization.
Several recollections that His Majesty
referred to during the audience gave Hn
Indication of how closely he follows ev-
cry particular connected with men and
events. In speaking of the American ma
King Victor mentioned Rear Admiral
Robey ID. Evans. retired, and recalled
seemingly with great pleasure having
gone aboard his flagship. the battleshp
Kentucky, at Genoa when Admiral Evans
was returning home from the Chinese
station. His Majesty asked Animal
Sperry the reasons for Rear Admiral
Evans retirement, desiring to known
"HetHeI ~ WIS because ne hhu leaciied
the age limit or because Of the condition
of his health.
After the private audience King Victor
Emmanuel received Rear Admiral Sper-
rvs staff, the members of which were
surprised by the way in which he sized
them up, seeming scanning each man
from head to foot. Indeed, the officers
afterwards declared they never went
through such a close inspection during
their careers. Before the audience had
ended the King again congratulated Ad.
mral Sperry and also the officers, saying
that their exploits had done honor to
their country.
Admiral Sperry Immediately telegraph
ed a report of the audience to the navy
department at Washington