New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-02-09
THE SQUADRON OF EVOLUTION
WITH THE AMERICAN TARS IN THE MEDI-
TERRANEAN.
LEAVING BLEAK OLD CARTAGENA FOR THE
SNUG HARBoR OF THE CAPITAL OF
MINOECA DRILLS AND
EXERCIeES.

Port Nahon. Minorca Jan 25.-The squadron Of
Evolution LETT Carta- ON the afternoon Of January
20 and proceeded u thi, port. II was the intention
Of the Admiral to land the tattaliono Of me different
vessels for field exercise, but he failed to secure per-
n. sion from tde spaniA authorities CartageIa.
snouch interesting 20 the antiquarian, contains little
to delight the ordinary observer. Low life and
wretchcdne,s are everywhere apparent, and there IS
not respectable binding i'm the place. \ visit 10
the arsenal does not inspire enthusiasm In the naval
mind II contains fine rope walk and plants for
the manufacture Of prolectiles and repair Of iron
work. but there is nothing which will compare favor
ably with similar e-tabl- hmcnts in American navy
yards. From the top of the old fortress. built on
commanding position in the centre of the city. there
{, a fine view of the surroundings of Cartagcnh.
Eu one lpol- nothing but uncultivatcd land ana
bleak low hills. \ walk around tine Old city walls
/, interesting on account Of the ancient guns which
arc suu mountcd-two Of them with the muzlles
Ilown off. The harbor and modern forth auon' are
of the best. and the surrounding country is rich IN
various minerals. There are between 800 ana 400
mines I'm active operation Commerce should flourish
and every ole ought To be prospcrou but there are
few evidence, of prosperity or enterprise.
After a pleasant run of forty two hours. at an
average -pccd Of eight knots. the squadron anchored
in the hsruor Of Port Mahon, capital Of Mnorca
The harbor il, finely sheltered ana the aspect of the
c,uutry pl,A,ng. The buildings are heiuuul' white.
and altogether the /, refreshing after the bar
rcunc,, Of Cartaeena. IL was here, It Will be re-
nleubcrcd that au American commodoieo >oh MADE
a terrific leap from the main truck OF Ola iroN7'dea u"
c bluc depth, below. Far1guts father was born four
,, ,r,n here and the great ADMIRAL himself visited
h.,., ~, his lat memorable cruise in the Franklin.
Tho ovation he received ought not TO be forgotten by
Americans. and il not If one Is To Judge irom the
hearty manner our boys liberty treat tic inhabitants
and old boatmcn.
The squadron has had plenty of drill since IT, ar
.sflf mon u
conpare with the best OF any navy. Yesterday when
the general signal Clear ship, for action" wa> run
alon on the flagship it was impossible not to admire
the ,camanlikc manner IN which the different evou-
ton, were executed. Down came topSallant maats,
wards, boats, stauchlons and gingerbread work with
astonishing apdity, and in thirty minutes the SHIPS
had assumed a fierce and bu>ncssllke aspect. with
guns pointed for concentrated fire, and torpedo
launches surrounding them like satellites. I'm the
afternoon the general signal Arm and away all
boats for cutting OUT hoi,tcd and every boat ID
the squadron was armed and equipped,
and proceeded alongside the flagship for
Inspection by tho Commmderln-Cmef
ADMIRAL Walker Is strict concerning boat drlll, and
all arrangements connected nitl have to be carried
ont IN the most thorough manner. one Of the prihci-
pal obi rcs of the squadron of Evolution. he MAINTAINS
/, bud up and perfect stem OF driil suitable for
Tie mighty weapons of the day 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 morale
and physical vigor It is obvious. gun drill IN itself
will not accomplish this. Therefore hardy exercise IN
boats Is rcSorted TO- The squadron viii remain here
until January 81, when II VIII sail for Toulon.
Large parties Of the men visit the shore daily aiter
exercises and many have already visited the ca
thedral, which contains "A great organ. on thursday
afternoon 1t played for the special benefit of the
officers and OF the squadron and diScoursed
American National airs in "A magnificent manner.
The Admiral and stan have visited Officially inc
Captain General Of the island who. I'm turn, returned
the call. The squadron remains here prncipaiN Tor
drill The general health is now good, the influenza
having almost entirely disappeared.
\ general court martial was convened on BOARD
the Boston during the stay in Cartagcna, for tie
trial of various offenders.