The Tribune caption reads, "This high-hat event took place on the deck of a warship in San Francisco Bay in Oavtober, 1909, and was photographed by E.A.(Doc) Rogers, the Tribune's oldtime news photographer. The occasion was the formal greeting on an American fleet under the command of Admirla Thomas S. Phelps on the flagship St. Louis. The two German naval officers (center) were from the German cruiser Arcona. The high-hatted men (left to right): Jacob B. Levison, Sidney Peisotto, Captain William H. Matson, James Rolph, Dr. Edward Robson Taylor, San Francisco Mayor: James McNab, Milton H. Esberg, Philip T. Clay, Arthur Briggs, Captain Robert Dollar." The photo shows men in tuxedo's and top hats, as well as uniforms, standing on the deck of a ship, with an American flag in the background.