The cruise of the battle fleet was not the least of the causes which ensured so peaceful an outlook.
When the fleet returned after its sixteen months' voyage around the world I went down to Hampton Roads to greet it.

The day was Washington's Birthday, February 22, 1907.

Literally on the minute the homing battlecraft came into view.

On the flagship of the Admiral I spoke to the officers and enlisted men, as follows: "Admiral Sperry, Officers and Men of the Battle Fleet: "Over a year has passed since you steamed out of this harbor, and over the world's rim, and this morning the hearts of all who saw you thrilled with pride as the hulls of the mighty warships lifted above the horizon.
You have been in the Northern and the Southern Hemispheres; four times you have crossed the line; you have steamed through all the great oceans; you have touched the coast of every continent.

Ever your general course has been westward; and now you come back to the port from which you set sail.