Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 February 1909 — The Return of the Fleet. [ARTICLE]

The Return of the Fleet.

The magnificent American fleet returned February 22d, Washington’s birthday, from Is majsetic tofir around the world which took fourteen months. The .grandeur of the scenes, accompanying the arrival of the squadron at Fortress Monrcd, Virginia, thrilled the hearts of the throngs who vhad gathered to welcome home the hoys In blue. Although the weather was somewhat Inclement and showers occasionally passed over them, the ardent women waited hours through tedious delays until the massive structures of floating steel returned to them their husbands, fathers, brothers, and sweethearts who had been gone over a year on their 45,000 mile Journey around the world.' Their patience rewarded, the “Jackies” returned, all gave vent to their delight in hugs and soul kisses. Twenty-five ships of war the steel fighting formation which passed through the Virginia capes and -anchored under the shelter of Old Point Comfort. A squadron of seven lead painted vessels of war composed the squadron of escort which met the homecomers 1,200 miles out at sea. As the fleet passed the Mayflower, the President’s ship, each vessel fired the president’s salute of twenty-one guns. The president, in silk hat and frock coat stood on the Mayflower’s bridge to review the fleet He was accompanied on hoard the vessel by Mrs. Roosevelt and his daughter, Ethel together with a number of officials I of state. / On passing the Mayflower, the hands of four flagships played The Star Spangled Banner. The last ship in line in the seven miles of warships, was the scout cruiser Salem, and It had not ceased firing its salute till the Mayflower had pulled up anchor and followed six hundred feet behind. The excursion steamers had begun the home run sooner. They kept abreast of the big warships and cheered and waved flags and handkerchiefs. The bands on the warships responded by playing popular airs. “Honey Boy,” “Strike up the Band,” and “Home Sweet Home” were heard oftenest. The Louisiana’s musicians played “Louisiana Lou.” As they drew near the shore and the sailors saw * the throngs of women on piers and along the ramparts of Fortress Monroe, common Impulse started the sallormen to play “The Girl I Left Behind Me.” As the ships approached the shore, they fired the salute of twenty-one guns In honor of the birthday of the father of our country. It was some moments before those on shore knew just what the snapping and flashing of the cannons was for. President greeted Rear Admiral Sperry, who commanded the fleet, and patting him on the back said something to him that made both laugh. Next he greeted Rear Admiral Schroeder, second In command. Then came Wainwright, the Junior rear admiral. The president made a brief speech and proposed that all go into the cabin and drink a toast. Lifting his glass of champaigns and looking at Rear Admiral Sperry, the president gave the following toast: “Not until some American fleet returns victorious from a great sea battle will there be another such home coming and another such sight as this I drink to the American navy.”'