The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-06-28
PROBLEMS OF NAVAL WARFARE
To be Involved in a Series of
Maneuvers
NOW Being Arranged for by the Navy De-
partment-The:: Squadron of Evolution
VIII Attack the Dynamite Cruiser Vesu-
vi"s and the Torpedo Doat Cushings.
The First Series of the Character I'm the
History of the Country.

WASHINGTON, June Special
For the first time in the history of this
country we are to have series of naval
maneuvers involving the problems of
actual warfare, as presented in an at
tack of one of our great maratine ports
by foreign naval force, and its defense
by the American navy. For years past
Great Britain, France, Italy and other
European powers have annually prac-
ticed similar maneuvers, sometimes, as
in the case of Great Britain. at heavy
expense, but the results have been SO
important as to justify the expenditure.
In the United Stat, there has been
since the war no naval force to carry
out maneuvers of any value. Tho SQUAD
ron of evolution was formed with such
purpose in view, but it WAS not
sufficiently numerous to undertake the
solution of the larger naval war prob
lens, and its operation, were limited
TO great gun practice and fleet evolu-
tions. With recent additions to the
naval list. however, this obstacle has
disappeared. and Secretary Tracy has
prepared scheme to carry out his Wow,
which will be given effect at once.
The first movement will be to attack
the dynamite cruiser Vesuvius and the
torpedo boat Gushing. Orders to that end
have been given out. Admiral Walker
has also been directed to prepare immc-
diatcly the programme of maneuyers
for the summer and early autumn, which
will dispose of forces at his command
| and to confer practical training under
| conditions following as close us possible
those of actual warfare.
1t Is intended that the mancuvcrs
shall follow, as soon as may be conven-
lent, on the preliminary operations at
Boston and New York, to take place in
July, the practical object of which is to
examine the conditions of the problem
| OF the maritime defense of Now York,
Long Island and the coast of New Eng
land.
| 1t is expected that the double tur.
retted monitors and Miantonomah, now
at New York, will be completed in time
to take part. There will be but one
torpedo boat engaged, so that tho full
demonstration of the efficiency of this
class of offensive vessels cannot be
thoroughly tested, but arrangements
have been made to supply her with fish
torpedoes. which will thus be given their
first trial in American naval operations
under conditions approaching &C ual war
fare.
The proposed evolution, according to
Secretary Tracy's view, will be of large
practical results. Tho defects of the
new ships, if they have any, will be
thoroughly revealed and their actual
capacity as offensive and defensive
forces will be demonstrated.
There will also be opportunity in
plenty for the display of individual en-
terpriSe and tactical skill on the ma rt nj
the officers, and of discipline and mark
manship on the part of the men.
Among the results in English naval
maneuvers were revelations of startling
defects in the system of coaling engines
the construction and marine design,
which have since been fully followed
by notable events in the English navy.
and it is presumed that valuable results
will follow Admiral Walkers plans.