d the Emperor's telegram to you, which was sent
in reply to your message through our Ambassador after the sailing of the
fleet. It must be profoundly gratifying to you to have the mission
on which you sent the fleet terminate so happily, and I am profoundly
thankful that, owing to the confidence which you displayed in giving
me this command, my active career draws to a close with such honorable
distinction.

As for the effect of the cruise upon the training, discipline and
effectiveness of the fleet, the good cannot be exaggerated. It is a war
game in every detail. The wireless communication has been maintained
with an efficiency hitherto unheard of. Between Honolulu and Auckland,
3850 miles, we were out of communication with a cable station for only
one night, whereas three [non-American] men-of-war trying recently to
maintain a chain of only 1250 miles, between Auckland and Sydney, were
only able to do so for a few hours.

The officers and men as soon as we put to sea turn to their gunnery and
tactical work far more eagerly than they go to functions. Every morning
certain ships leave the column and move off seven or eight thousand
yards as targets for range measuring fire control and battery practice
for the others, and at night certain ships do the same thing for
night battery practice. I am sorry to say that this practice is
unsatisfactory, and in some points misleading, owing to the fact
that the ships are painted white. At Portland, in 1903, I saw Admiral
Barker's white battleships under the searchlights of the army at a
distance of 14,000 yards, seven sea miles, without glasses, while the
Hartford, a black ship, was never discovered at all, though she passed
within a mile and a half. I have for years, while a member of the
General Board, advocated painting the ships war color at all times, and
by this mail I am asking the Department to make the necessary change in
the Regulations and paint the ships properly. I do not know that any one
now dissents from my view. Admiral Wainwright strongly concurs, and
the War College Conference recommended it year after year without a
dissenting voice.

In the afternoons the fleet has two or three hours' practice at battle
maneuvers, which excite as keen interest as gunnery exercises.

The competition in coal economy goes on automatically and reacts in a
hundred ways. It has reduced the waste in the use of electric light and
water, and certain chief engineers are said to kee