The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1913-10-21
GREATEST FLEET
EVER GATHERED
VIII be i'm American Waters in 1915
on the Opening of the Trans
Isthmian Waterways

Washington, Oct. 19.-Anchorei
in Hampton Roads early in 1915
will he the greatest international
feet ever gathered in American wa
ters, assembled in answer to the III
yitation of the United States govern
ment to celebrate the completion OF
the Panama canal by making a voy
age through the canal TO the Pacific.
The precise number of vessels
which will lie in Hampton Roads is
not yet known TO the officers of the
navy department, in charge of the
arrangements for rendezvous as SO
far there have been no formal re-
sponses TO the invitations dispatch
ed by the state department to all the
nations OF the world. Some o. the
nations with great nayies may be
represented by squadrons OF four or
more warshiFs: others by only one or
two and some OF the countries prac-
tically without navies including yes
sells of the first class. viii be repre-
scented only in the personnel Of the
legations AMI commissions to the
Panama-Pacific Exposition.
Date to be Announced Soon
The exact date OF the rendezvous
probably viii be announced within
the next two months. The formal
invitation of the United States was
dispatched by Secretary Bryan TO all
the diplomatic officers OF the United
ed States abroad Sept. -, last. Ii
recites the fact that in the navy ap-
preparation act of 1911 the presi-
dent was authorized and requested
in extending his invitation to foreign
nations to participate in the expo
sition also TO invite their represen-
tatives and their fleets TO assemble
at Hampton Roads, Va, and from
thence come to Washington city,
there TO be formally welcomed by
the president.
The president also is TO go to
Hampton Roads TO review the as
sembled vessels as they start on
their voyage to San Francisco. II
is expected that the American invi-
tation will meet with general ac-
ceptance and the result Will be the
gathering OF fleet of perhaps - or
100 warships of the best type, for
the reason that slow and antiquated
vessels would be unable to keep pace
with the rest of the fleet in the
II n no
Golden Gate.
Americans to Command
The international fleet will prob
ably be under command OF an Amer
lean vice admiral. in all likeIihC o /
Cameron McR. Wilson, for it is eX-
pected that congress. which has au-
thorized the assembly will make pro-
visions for this new grade rather
than to have the American COM
mander outranked by some foreign
naval officer. The ceremonies a.
Hampton Roads and the time re-
quirei for a visit to Washington by
the foreign visitors will consume
about a weel- or ten days, and then
headed by the American fleet, prob
ably with the dreadnOught New
York at the right OF the column. the
great armada will start southwark
to Colon.
Pass Through the Canal
1t is estimated that about -four
days will be required TO pass the
fleet through the locks of the cana
and about twice that length o.
time will suffice 10 replenish the Goa
bunkers and oil tanks of the ship:
before they resume their cruise. thi:
time steaming northward for Sal
Francisco
1t is planned to make the com
plete voyage from Hampton Road: