Norwich bulletin., 1918-12-30
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
A CheerIess Reception.


 Mr Editor: Up the Hudson at an- c:1or rides Amarica's sea power, wh5 ch passed in review Of Secretary Dan- icls on Dec. 25th.
 It has been a number of years since New York has had the opportunity to review the fleet, and after planning for weeks, q great reception for the home coming boats, the city was somewhat disappointed to awaken OH Dee. 25th and find the sky darkened and threatening snow storm about to break.
 Tie hour set for the review was 3 q, m., when the great dreadnaugllts Y eIe to pass by the Mayl1Wer, the presidents yacht. On which were Soc retarE Daniels and Secretary Baker
 Cr3WGs thronged the Battery but were unable to make out only the z2intEst outlines Of the ships, through the snow 2s they passed 2n tha.r Way 10 anciloc G2 the JIaason.
 Numerous seapianes rom a nearby naval air station were saln batt!;us with the storm and I witnessed on, that was forced to iand in the bay It seemed hardly possible thGt tflesa machines could weather the strong gale that was blowing of Corey Isl md, but they stuck to their work uYl-
  i low and then returned 10 their base, until this morning when they few in formation over the fleet.
 I've dlffginles one Of the twin screw type edged their way, against the strong head wind. md like all other things Americans try to do, f. nally accomplished their purpose reached their destination, and retu. ned 10 their base.
 i One could almost mako out the tune their powerful Liberty motors were singing, as they new-flew As 1 watched them I thought of the many times 1 had witnessed these same ma ! cnnes conveying a fleet of 100 CT 1 when the wind and sea was heavy and 1 strong. America should ba proud ot 1 it's air service. above all other. 1 As the feet dropped anrhor thous- ands crowded the Riverside Drive, and i the snow let up. giving a fairly good l view Of the 2reat sea fighters. with i their home bound pennaats dragging ! ir the water off their sterns. l It $ the custom of the American r9Ty to dress ship twice q year, bu1 /! this was an exception. for all return ing boats were dressed as prescribed in regulation of the navy.
 lcSlS OL CNS5S tsiIl OLIlST CTdlI cred around the fleet and transfer Na( the men detailed to marsh ashore. Tn, Parade formed at 96th street an( marched down Broadway, through Co Iumbus Circle, to Fifth avenue ant down to Twenty third street. At [ or ty -secol5 street on Fifth avenue il front of the library was the review ing stand
 I have witnessed many parades bu never have a witnessed such cheer less reception as was given thes boys, who have helped to hold tn, German feet at bay. even hearl criticisms about the way they march ed. Many people do not know or real ize that the sailor aboard a dread rtaught seldom has a chance to pa rade. His duties are confined aboar, except what infantry drilling he na
 have at the training station and S
 cannot make as good an appearanc as the land forces. Such remark show up the reasoning powers of tn people who make them, can one ir1ag inc the feelings of the secretary 0
 the navy and Of the great admirals , Mayo and Rodman. passing down tha great line of zarade and for block , hearing only the applause of some pa triotic parent or child.
 [ Think for a moment of the great re sponsibility placed upon Adnirals Ma yo and RoduGr if tho German hiG
 seas fleet had ever gotten to our shore it would no douDt htve meant the de
 struction Of the Atlantic coastal cit
 ies.
 F This is not personal point of vie1 : but the general opinion of all navs ] men who witnessed the affair. I hat 5 to think of the disappointment felt .
 the heart or the high naval authorize g in the parade. saying nothing abol :. | the boys under them who have give
 up so much. for the sake of the coun
 try they love.
 R. B. WADE, U. S. $. zoraya.