The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-12-13
The Suspected Steam Yacht Advance Is
Now on Her ParllouS Journey.
HARDLY LARGE ENOUGH TO SLEEP IN
And Couldn't Carry n Cargo of Any
JnsiiHabIe SIzc-Strnnge stories of
Prospective = Explorations ana
Cypher Codes-Her Passengers
Enterestin. Visitor.

things for some people, but there is one
man who doesn't think so. and that is
Mr. James Reid, the genial boarding off,
Ger under Collector of Customs Shields.
who is rather under the impression tha.
Uncle Sam or the Spanish Government
should reimburse him for n pair of
shoes which have been more-or-less
worn out i'll tramping around the har-
Dor looking for the existence of the
non-eXiStent.
AS stated in yesterdays Virginian the
Spanish authorities were under the i'm
iNession that the steam yacht Advance
which arrived in port Friday afternoon,
was worth examining. They did not ac-
cuse the vessel of being a filibusterer,
but being a vessel there was a chance
mat she might have a contra band cargo
aboard.
SO it was that Mr.. Reid started out
On weary search. lie did not succeed
in finding the boat Friday night, SO re-
succeeded in obtaining all the informa-
ton he desired.
a MARINE EGG-SHELL.
When asked the result of his exer-
tons, Mr.. Reid laughed grimly and re-
l,lied that the boat, which had been at
:.ones' shipyard. was so small that at
least one of those on board spent the
night ashore so he could have enough
loom to stretch himself. IT'S not
Urge enough TO carry anything" said
..lr. Reid, unless, perhaps, it could stow
way few pistols. The idea of her car
iying supplies to Cuba is absurd. Any
hody who had seen her would say So"
SOME THEORIES.
In spite OF her diminutive size, her
length being only forty feet, and in
spite of the reputable character of her
passengers, and her announced mission,
there are theories af1oat that the Ad-
vance may be something more than q
mere dispatch boat, although this view
Is hardly taken seriously.
IN DARKEST AMERICA.
1t Is even limited that the intrepid lit
tie egg-shell has started out to explore
tie dark and dreadful inland waters be-
ween here and Florida in order to see
Hhether a passage cannot be found for
trge vessels whereby they may slip out
- Nassau with cargoes of ammunition
ad arms-an obviously romantic and
seless proceeding which hardly does
'-edit to the originator of the idea in
;.smuch as information concerning every
3uare yard almoSt of inland naviga-
e water between New York and Flori-
may be obtained for the asking from
,adily accessible sources
Nor is bt to be supposed. granting
'nch channel existed, that any captain
9th head on his shoulders and IL
'ense in his cabin. would be fool
enough 10 bring a large contrahand car
80 into such perfect and admira bic
trap as the inland route. where his yes
sci could be so easily inspected at so
many places should she succeed in start
ing. and where at her journeys end she
''ould accommodatingly run her nose
!:raigh; into harbors that are the most
I!gilantly guardeS along the Atlantic
Coast.
WOULD MAKE POE JEALOUS.
The stories that have gone forth
c.hout this insignificant little craft. with
rs :wo lonesome newspaper men. its
i!leged cipher code. i.S uncomfortahle
accomm odations. would make Edgar
!sllan Poe jealous. and cause Jules
Verne TO hang his head in shame
On board the boat which has gone on
i|outh through the canal, are Mr.. George
j.eno. Herald correspondent. and a "Mr.
!lerr:ll." who il something OF a news
paper man himself, a wide traveller, a
historian. practical joker--indeed,
larfect graveyard of humor.
It might be added that something like
= hundred millions of people are now
rupposed to have their eyes fixed on the
Advance. figuratively speaking, and will
cw1it further news with the utmost in
ierest.
AN INTERESTING VISITOR
Louis Alban Ca:elo is the picturesque
who struck town yesterday, and de-
parted in the nigh. for the far north
'io consult with the Cuban junta" In
New York city. Catelo Is a very interest
ing gentleman. and has seen strange
sights since the war began. having left
Cuba just before the date of Maceo's
reported death. He refused to state his
business.
" M G.. A. Address.