New-York tribune., 1897-01-25
MIMIC WAR OFF CHARLESTON.
THE PROGRAMME OF EvOLUTIONs FOR
ADMIRAL BUNCEs FLEET

ADMIRAL BUNCES FLEET.
Washington. Jan. "a (speciaD-secretary Herbert
has drawn up programme for the North Atlantic
Squadron which will require the early sailing south
or the battle-ships. cruisers and monitors under
command Of Admiral Bunce. The feet is TO go to
Charleston 8. c.. to engage in squadron exer-
cises. II is to be called on to solve an important
practical war problem. the details OF which nave
been arranged by Secretary Herbert. Admiral Ram
say, Chief Of the Bureau Of Navigation. ana Ad-
miral Bunce The feet Is now being prepared Tor
Its cruise All the vessels are in good trim. or
nearly so. and Admiral Bunce Is likely to receive
sailing orders within ten days. The squadron mas
been idle for time. Some Of the ships have
been undergoing repairs The others nave peeh
waiting for the readiness OF their sisters Since
December Admiral Bunce has been anxious that
the fleet should receive orders for active CRUISING
He has found that hanging around navy yards Is
not coed for officers or "jackies. Dock cruising
he has said rs demoraliZing to officers ana men
Moreover. 1t is important that all OF US shouio
have experience and practical exercises anoa'.
Secretary Herbert has held back In the matter
owing the fear that the sending OF naval iorce
to Southern ports might give rise to the rumor tha
the object OF the authorities to get the nome
squadron nearer Cuba. Embarrassment III 'a''
matter being remote. Mr. HERBERT .'''"n'' 'e
has decided TO send the squadron 10 'ha'ie''o"
As stated. Admiral Bunce is to work ou, pia.-
,ical war problem His feet is TO be DIVIDED 'n''
two souadrons one of which Is TO he caed 'he
White Fleet and the other the Blue flee'' ShoiuS
after reaching Charleston the commahue,' u ~, 80
resnective fleets will receive their instructo"s
programme will assume that war eAs's ~
an enemy has blockaded Charleston, an h harbor
number OF American Vessels are ~ 'nosshle all OF
n Ia important that some: or pos'il u'ili repre-
- - 10 hp,,it asc,ne The White fleet VIII , iep
sent the nome vessels the Blue rr.anood rre. ~. feat
Cartain rules signals and other prea n,n to tho
ures of the programme WI" oe '
commanders OF the meets l.. .,,nosed that the
A, oyen signal IL Is to be suppsoJLo charles;on
.ncmv has taken up his position h ~, rhor there
and proposes 10 keep all shlps "tm y" no ~ get out
The business of the inside fieel VII VIII II can
ns donr ~ night by fighting or as u oi nort
unner @ COW, "a nerhaps not the best American bere
T., r'hich m have such evolutiOns; Inc ~a In the
ia NOT deep and only small Vesse,n Veyer In working
size of ships Is important now p,nce will for
oIt neaceful war problems Auihiia, thar certain
wy H. nra large or small according 10 IN ho c,n-
mems of his plans. 1t is PROPOSE " nossibe like
di,ions NJ the problem as nearl! as solid shot
those that would prevail IN tlme Vi hm1 tho firing Of
monv ~ hank charges OF powder uuii"y i 10 infged
u'! % ,iiar roimc war implements VIII ve ,'arting
a. Proba hly a week will be deVoteu ~ mrs being
~, =, tho nroblem actual minutes anu ~ - he an
Tegarded as hours and days onP,'n aanoeuvres day
no77nted nv Admiral Bunce 10 watcn , nT the White
~ nd 10 report every movement ol h ,ixed
ad anu pi,e nests These will he goNein, asioi as TO
,,as In reaching decisions. ana the ,utd Charles
yhether the enemy successiuliy p'o .ha nroeramme
Iii be ruled on al the close OF tne ~ ~ Lind "a
'om M, lii no tho first practical work ol ~. tn re
hi.h an American squadron mas pee VI tIarhart the
w, ,ears In the opinion OF Seciet s,ra ,egical
ocna.on will ne an opportunity 10 us' aicers and 10
occasot,% W nd nrofessional skill or ohcel as.inv
mt .e ne enlisted men chance Oh W. shomd
MAI they may be called on 10 tahs pan "
W. s"c connirv become involved IN war