New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-12-20
ACTIVITY IN THE NAVY.
HURRYING WORK ON wARSHIPS AND
GUNS.
DEPARTURE OF ADMIRAL BUNCEs FLEET POST
PONED-IT MAY CARRY TIE COMMISSION TO
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. VALUABLE
N CASE OF WAR SECURED
rBy TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRIBuNE.1
BY ENGLAND

Washrston Dec 1a-Much interest naturally
centres in the movements of the North Atlantic
Squadron. which is now composed of the New-fork,
Columbia Raleigh. Montgomery and Amphtrite.
and Is soon to be Joined by the battle-shp Indiana
and the heavily armorded cruisers Texas and Maine
Admiral Bunce the commander OF the feet was at
the Navy Department to-day. His visit to Washing
ton for the purpose OF consulting with Secretary
Herbert about the sailing of the squadron. Mr..
Herbert is in NewYork. and the Admiral had
conference with Assistant Secretary McAdoo The
officials were together for some time As result
Of the talk II decided that the feet should not
sail on its southern cruise Saturday. originally
intended Instead II will remain at Hampton Roads.
How long will depend on circumstances. 1t was said
at the Navy Department this afternoon. The fact
that any delay In the sailing date has been de-
termined on leads II the conclusion that the
squadron may not get away for some time. 1t Is
practically certain that Admiral Bunce will not
start south until II IS definitely known what the
intentions of Congress and tho President has
acted in accordance with whatever measure the
Senate and the House will adopt
For thing 1t is limited that If the commission
to be appointed by the President IS to 20 to Ven
ezuela the members will be taken down on the
flagship New York. and be escorted by other YES
sells of the squadron. 1t pointed out to-day
by prominent naval officer that 1t would be bad
policy to send away from the home coast the only
effective ships available in case affairs should take
a more serious Secretary Herbert Is eX-
pected back in Washington on Sunday although
his social enga gemonts New-York. II filed. Will
keep him in that city until Monday. Admiral Bunce
will have a consultation with him on his return. 1t
is said that the President has intimated that the
home squadron should not be in any haste in leav-
ing Hampton Roads. Assistant Secretary McAdoo
was in consultation with Secretary Olney several
times to-day. 1t was after one of these conferences
that II was given out that there would be some de-
lay in the sailing of the fleet.
The fact leaked out to-day that orders have been
issued from the Navy Department that a night force
should be kept at work in the naval gun foundry.
Last night the first gang Of workmen was put on
They began labor a; o'clock and remained In the
shops until 6 oclocl; this morning. Nightly here
after until the ordnance be go ready is completed
the night force will be kept on. Under Instructions
being given to the gun mounts of the batte-sh2
nov Undergoing eom s at in
TO be nearly ready for service 1t l. estimated by
the oi if Rste is in three
Her gun-mounts are behind. ard the new orders re-
touches 10 WIN MS'a all on possbe dispatch ms r the OBJ
jet Of employing night force The W2THm Tra as
zeal 1t is learned and under the nava inspectors
said at the Navy Department that now there is no
danger of the Massachusetts, being held back on
&c M % ser IN bainTv The nouns Of the battle
ship oregon were shipped to san Francisco few
will reach their destination within ten days ana
probably be in Place on heard Ry hf mdae OF
spects ready for use.
Some rather sensa tional Information information
was given out at the War Departm cNt to-day. 1t
appears that for years England has prepared Tor
war with the United States. Her officials n the
diplomatic military and naval services have sys-
ali possible intelligence relating TO this countrt
which would be advantageous to her in time OF
hostties The British War Office and the admir-
altv not only know all about the exterior OF every
United States ship. but they have plans OF the
interior as well Virtually they lack no Information
on this subject. Reports recently forwarded 10
London give the ninutest details OF the vessels
trvs harbors anc rivers the depth Of water. their
defences and all other da:a which would be use
FIJI TO a hostile fleet. This IL. perhaps, not 50 sur
nrslne As the fact that the English are Thoroughly
familiar with the forts. garrsons and Ike military
posts. 49,, l.. eorc,o1
thai late reporis have sent TO London concern
ing the number and location of IL defences eIEc:eI
and nroiected On the Alta tic. Ia ifc. Lake and Gu
coasts Officers OF the BRITISH Army have made
sketches of the defences, have prepared iopogTaph-
Jcal Inans and have noted the location. cnaracter
etc of Ali interior roads and streams. In word
Great Britain Is in full possession OF all fdcts Nee
gary 10 map campaign against the mite"
States u.,.,. -, 49, v-o-
raror,nen, Her authorities have actually dra"n
10 a plan Of campaign ana the proGrimnne Moi,ie
ont in complete details is now on HE IN tne MI
ttary Information Bureau OF the Engl!sh W az ~
Nca TO be referred TO in case o; emergency ne
,ian ie ba scd on the recent inform lton from
~ country and in OF war in the lmmec'ato
fmtrre Brit sh ships and troops cOuih ne ma,
noeuvred with accurate knowledge OF Inc phESlcdI
conditions 10 be encouhteTeu'