The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-06-28
A SHAM BATTLE AT SEA.
THE NEW CRUISERS TO ENGAGE IN
MIMIJ WARFARE.

An Attack on One OF the arge North
ern Ports 60 Be Met by Part of the
Vessels of the Squadron OF Evolu-
tion-Im oorsant Results Expected.
WASHINGTON, June 27.-For the first
time in the history OF this country we are
to have a series of naval maneuvers involv-
ing problems Of actual warfare as presented
ports by foreign naval force and its de-
fense by the American navy. For years
past Great Britain, France, Italy aud other
European powers have annually praoticed
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 case of the
United States there has been since the war
no naval force adequate to carry out
maneuvers of any value.
THE SQUADRON OF EVOLUTION.
The squadron OF evolution was formed
with such purpose in view, but until res
Gently it was not sufficiently numerous TO
undertake the solution Of larger naval war
problems. and its operations were limited
to great gun practice and fleet evolutions.
With the recent additions 10 the naval
list, however, this obstacle has disappeared
and Secretary Tracy has prepared scheme
to carry out his views, which will be given
effect at once. The first movement will be
to attach the dynamite cruiser Vesuvius
and the torpedo boat Gushing temporarily
to the squadron.of evolution, and orders to
that end have already been made out
THE PROGRAMME.
Admiral Walker has also been directed
to prepare immediately a programme of
the maneuvers for the summer and early
autumn, which will dispose of the forces at
our command to the best advantages aud
cohfer pracEical training on the officers and
men under conditions following as closely
as possible those of actual warfare. It
is intended that maneuvers shall follow
as soon as may be convenient upon prelimi-
nary 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 New
York, Long Island and the coast Of New
England.
THE MIANToNoMAH TO TAKE PART.
1t is expected that the double turreted
monitor Miantonomah, now at New York,
will be completed In time To take part in the
manuvers. There will be but one torpedo
boat engaged, so that full demonstration
OF the efficacy of this class
of offensive vessels cannot be thoroughly
demonstrated, 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 actual warfare The proposed
evoiutions, according to Secretary Tracy's
views, will be of large practical results.
THE DEFECTS OF THE SHIPS.
The defects of the new ships, if they have
any, win be thoroughly revealed and their
actual capacity as offensive and defensive
forces will be demonstrated. There will also
be opportunities in plenty for the display of
individual enterprise and tactical skin
on the part Of the officers and
Of discipline and workmanship on the
part OF the men. Among the results Of
the English naval manuevers were revela-
tions of startling defects in the systems Of
coaling, engine construction and marine de-
sign which have since been fully followed
by notable changes in the English navy, and
it is presumed that valuable results will fol-
low Admiral Walkers manuevers.