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. This is the first battle fleet that has ever
circumnavigated the globe. Those who perform the feat again can but
follow in your footsteps.
"The little torpedo flotilla went with you around South America, through
the Straits of Magellan, to our own Pacific Coast. The armored cruiser
squadron met you, and left you again, when you were half way round the
world. You have falsified every prediction of the prophets of failure.
In all your long cruise not an accident worthy of mention has happened
to a single battleship, nor yet to the cruisers or torpedo boats. You
left this coast in a high state of battle efficiency, and you return
with your efficiency increased; better prepared than when you left, not
only in personnel but even in material. During your world cruise you
have taken your regular gunnery practice, and skilled though you were
before with the guns, you have grown more skilful still; and through
practice you have improved in battle tactics, though here there is more
room for improvement than in your gunnery.
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