Show mm HIM MY TIES COMMAND OF IET after actual command of only six days rear adm ral thomas hauls down his flag and W 11 retire san francisco rear admiral Cli diaries arles stillman sperry returned within six months from a mission ol 01 peace as one ot of the Affie american rican dele gates to the conference at the hague assumed command on friday of the strongest force of first class elass fighting ships assembled in the arb tory of the nation hear rear admiral charles M thomas who succeeded rear admiral evans as commander in chief of the atlantic fleet hauled down his flag at 10 40 a in from the truck of the connecticut and ten minutes later admiral sperry was received on board the flagship with the salutes and other naval honors befitting h a position the ceremonies were carried out in the briefest pos sible fashion and in strict accordance with naval regulations admiral thomas who bad had had actual corn com mand for only six days although ha he arved tor for many weeks as senior of fleer present during the enforced ab sence of admiral evans issued no farewell address |