The Washington critic., 1890-02-09
YANK EE BLUE JACKETS.
THE SQUADRON OF EVOLUTION
TARRY AT PORT MAAoN,
Tie Place Rendered Memorable by
the Famous Jump From the Main
Truck of the "O1d Ironsides"--
Pleasant Sailing In Foreign Waters.

Truck of the "Oid Ironsides''--
Pleasant Sailing In Foreign Waters.
PoRT MAHoN, MrNoRoA, Jan. 25.-
On the afternoon of the Goth the squad
ron left Carlhagena and proceeded to this
port. 1t was the intention of the Adj
miral to land the battalions of the diff
ferent vessels tor field exercise, but,
having failed to secure permission from
the Spanish authorities, the scheme has
unfortunately fallen through.
Carthagena, although unquestionaby
interesting to the antiquarian, contains
little to delight the ordinary observer.
Low life and wretchedness are every
where apparent and there is not res
pectable building in the place. A visit
to the arsenal does not inspire enthu-
siasm in the naval mind 1t contains
fine rope walk and plants for the manu-
facturer of proiectiles and repair of iron
work, but there is nothing which will
compare favorably with similar estab-
lishments in our own navy yards.
From the top of the old fortress, built
on a commanding position in the centre
Of the city, there is n fine view of the
surroundings Of Carthagena, but one
looks on nothing but uncultivated land
and bleak, low hills. A walk around
the old city walls is interesting on ac-
count of the ancient guns, which are
! still mounted, two of them with the
muzzles blown off.
The harbor and modern Notifications
are of the best, and the Surrounding
country is rich in various minerals
There are between 800 and 400 mines
in active operation. After pleasant
run of forty-two hours, at an average
speed of eight knots an hour, we
anchored in the harbor of Port Mahon,
capital of Minorca. The harbor is finely
sheltered and the aspect Of the country
pleasing. The buildings are beauti-
fully white, and altogether the scene is
refreshing after the barrcnness of Car
thagena.
1t was here, it will be remembered,
that an American commodore and son
made the terrific leap from the main
truck of the "Old Ironsides' to the blue
depths belcw. Our own Farraguts
father was born same four miles from
here, and the great Admiral himself
visited here on his last memorable
cruise on the Franklin.
The squadron has had plenty of drill
since its arrival here. and its crews at
the present moment will favorably
compare with the best of any navy
Yesterday when the general signal,
"clear ships for action. was run aloft
On the flag ship it was impossible not to
admire the seamanlike manner in which
the different evolutions were executed.
Down came top gallant masts, CARDS,
boats, stanchions and ginger bread
work with astonishing rapidity, and in
thirty minutes the ships had assumed
fierce and business like aspect, with
guns pointed for concentrated fire and
torpedo launches surrounding them like
satellites. In the afternoon the general
signal, "Arm and away all boats for
cutting out was hoisted, and every
boat in the squadron was armed and
equipped and proceeded alongside the
flagship for inspection by the COM
mander.in. chief.
Admiral Walker is very strict con
cerning boat drill, and all arrangements
connected with it have to be carried
out in the most thorough manner. One
of the principal objects of the squadron
Of evolution, he maintains, is to lui,d
up and perfect system Of dr,ll
suitable for the mighty wear ons
of the day-a scientific system.
and in addition, to find substitutes for
the obsolete spar and sail drills, which
shall maintain in an equal degree the
tone and temper of the men, their moral
and physical vigor. 1t is obviovs gun
drill in itself will not accomplish this.
Therefore hardy exercise in boats is re
sorted TO.
The squadron will remain here until
the 31st, when it will leave for Toulon
Large parties of our men visit the shore
daily after exercise, and many have al
ready visited the cathedral which con-
tains the great organ. On Thursday
afternoon it played for the especial
, benefit of the officers and men of the
squadron and discoursed our national
airs in magnificent manner.
The Admiral and staff have visited
officially the captain general of the
island, whO in turn, returned the call.
The squadron remains here principally
for drill. The general health is now
very good, the influenza having fortu-
nately almost entirely disappeared. A
, general courtmartial was convened on
,, board the Boston during the stay in
Carthagena for the trial of various
, offenders.