New-York tribune., 1918-12-22
Rattle Fleet
Gathers Here
For w elco1,1e
Six Great Fighting Ships
Follow Destroyers Into
Hudson 10 Await Review
Victory Parade Dec. 20
Overseas Squadron, En-
pectcd Christmas. TO
&c reefcd at Sea

ChriStmas shoppers atop Riverside
Drive huses were given a hint of the
dignity Of the great naval pageant to
be viewed here next Thursday when.
Yesterday afternoon a fleet of six of
lrcie Sans great lighting ships, direct
from thor duties IS guardians of the
Atlantic coast. steamed up the Hudson
River 10 Ninety siNth Street.
The hattleshlps came to anchor lust
below she half dozen low-lying destroy
ers that have been riding at anchor in
the river Tor two days, in preparation
for joining the overseas fleet when it
reaches the harbor. Christmas Day.
With the camouhaged fighters is the
hospital ship Solace, which will be
among the ships to be reviewed by the
Secretary OF the Navy.
The forelunner of the big fleet con-
sisted OF the Illinois. Alabama, kear-
sarge, Mississippi. Iowa and Indiana.
Since the beginning Of the war they
have secured the Atlantic just off the
Southern coast Of the United States
icr submarines and German raiders.
snd all show evidence of service par
ticulariy trying TO nerves even on this
side OF the ocean. They Will be COM
rietely overhauled before their appear
ance in line with the overseas feet.
Fleet Due Christmas Day
Admiral Mayo's flagship, the Penn
sylvania, followed by the long line OF
lighting craft Of every size and de-
York, VII arrive off the Ambrose light
snip about noon Of Christmas Day, ac-
eording to latest advices received by
wireless Yesterday afternoon To-mor-
row afternoon another wireless viii be
sent to the Pilots Association, which
will send boats down to meet the battle
feet on its arrival here.
Other boats, carrying representa-
-ives of the Mayors Committee to
Homecoming soldiers, soldiers relief
organizations and city officials. viii go
down 10 meet the feet and carry
Christmas gifts to the returning sea-
men. There is no assurance that they
will get close enough to the battleships
to deliver their gifts. however. as the
Atlantic. even in the partly protected
1.
eroUs body OF water at Christmas time
and experienced shipmasters refuse to
take any risks at this season.
On .he battleships will be $4,000 of
fcers and men. practically all of whot
Will have shore leave Immediately fol-
lowing the victory parade down Fifth
Avenue Thursday afternoon The men
viii be paid oil before coming, with the
result that iev viii bring something
Ike $4,000 600 to spend along Broad
way and in shopst hat sell French
paStry-rhe favorite delicacy of sea-
saring Americans who have been ac-
castomed to ships fare for months.
Happy Homecoming Planned
Most Of the men who will come
ashore have been in foreign service
since the beginning of the war. 1t Will
be their first homecoming and every
effort is being made by humorous or
carnations in addition to the Mayors
committee to make it happy one.
Arrangements were under way yes
terday whereby the entire downtown
district viii be decked out with "Wel-
come Home" si9ns and flags when the
men IN blue set foot on shore Thurs
Day An appeal to business men and
nousehoiders was issued by Rodman
"anamaker. chairman of the Mayors
Committee Of Welcome calling upon
them 10 aid in the celebration by show
ing Their colors wherever possible
N this appeal Mr. Wanamaker said:
Wlta spontaneous zeal and patri-
ouc fcrVor our citizens individually
and our MANY service organizations