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Show I " TOUR OF THE FLEET. The battleship fleet which sailed from Hampton Roads some fourteen months ago on a tour of the world is almost home again will be, in fact, by the time this reaches our readers. Preparations for tin: reception of the fleet have been under way for some time, and the welcome the men and officers will receive when they finally drop anchor in home waters again will be as cordial as was the farewell hearty when the boats sailed. The tour the fleet has made is one of approximately approxi-mately 4;i.OOO miles, with receptions, banquets and a general good time at every port where the boats' stopped. It was a great trip, and has produced a wonderful effect upon the other nations of the world. Although there were many misgivings when the journey was begun, the trip has been made with no serious mishaps, and the schedule as planned has been closely adhered to. The experience gained by the men of the fleet has been of infinite value, and the impression the American navy has made on the world is most enviable. It has stimulated oUier nations in naval construction, but inasmuch as we are a peace-loving nation, that is a matter which should not be too hardly pressed as a benefit derived from, the cruise. The one great thing that was predicted to follow fol-low the assembling of the Atlantic fleet in the Pacific Pa-cific ocean did not happen. We did not have a war on with Japan. Instead, the fleet visited Japanese ports and was received with a most hearty welcome, intended to show the good-will of the Japanese to the American nation. |