Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-07
THE ARMY AND NAVY
Affairs in the Departments Presented
a Quiet Appearance.
IMPORTANT MOVEMENTS OF SHIPS
They Will Not Be Made Public by
Officials.
NEW HEAD OF BUREAU

On the surface. at least, affairs in the
Navy and War Departments were much
more quiet today than has been the case
for some time. There was constant inquiry
among the officials as to the latest phase
of the Cuban question, the existing uncer-
tainty regarding it causing more or less
suppr essed excitement. The near approach
of the Easter holidays was responsible for
the presence at the department of a large
number of visitors, many of whom were
strangers in the city. Capt. Sigsbee. who
was in command Of the Maine, and who
happened to be in the Secretary's ante
room when a number of strangers called,
was introduced to them and INDUCED in
few moments conversation.
Tnere was a lack of news at the Navy
Department during the morning, Secretary
Long saying, in response to specific in
qui1y, that nothing of interest had occur
red. There were very few persons other
than officials of the department who called
to See the Secretary during the day, and
he left his office about II o'clock for the
White House. and did not return until
after lunch. While making it very plain
that the department hereafter would not
make public any important movements de-
ternined upon for the big fleets, the Off
Gals did consent to say this morning that
the Detroit and the Marblenead. which left
the squadron at hey West yesterday, had
not re- eived any important orders from
the department. 1t is sand that they have
left the fleet, probably onIy for patrol DUTY
along the coast
Whereabouts of Warships.
The Navy Department is informed of the
departure of the gunboat Wheeling from
Union, b. c., today for Dyea, Alaska. The
wheeling has been in use during a Dor
ton OF the past winter by the officials of
Alaska In tours of inspection, and is now
engaged In transporting a party of experts
from the geological survey, who are to
make some Investigations regarding the
gold fields and other resources of Alas "a.
The light house tender Maple, formerly
used by President Cleveland on his ducking
expeditions, has been transferred TO the
Navy Department. She arrived at Norfolk
this morning and will undergo immediate
repairs and improvements to meet her fu-
ture purposes as warshp
More Naval Commanders Selected.
The following naval orders were issued
today:
Lieutenant F. K Hill has been detached
from the bureau of ordnance and ordered
at once to the Iowa.
Ensign A. ]. Wadhams has been detached
from the Vermont and ordered at once to
the Maynower
Lieutenant Commander F. S. Phelps has
been detached from the Mare Island navy
yard and ordered to take charge of the
naval recruiting rendezvous at San Fran
cisco.
Chaplain ]. F. Chadwick, formerly of the
Maine, has been ordered to the Cincinnati
at once.
Lieutenant NJ. E. Hall has been ordered
to command the Catskill when ready
Lieutenant c. S. Richman has been or
dered to command the Nahant when ready.
Lieutenant r. G. Peck has been ordered
to command the Lehigh when ready.
Commander E. +. Strong has been or
dered to command the Montaux, when
ready.
Commander B. s. Richards has been Or
dered to command the Saturn, when ready.
Lieut.. H. T. Pickbohm has been ordered
to command the Jason, when ready.
Lieut.. G. F. Blow has been detached
from the Mayflower and ordered at once
to the Wilmot.
Naval Cadet H. c.. Muslin has been de-
Tackled from the Vermont and ordered to
the Mangrove.
Naval Cadet F. E. Ridgely has been de-
tached from the Vermont and ordered to
the Mangrove.
Ensign J. H. Dayton has been detached
from the Cincinnati and ordered at once
to the Mangrove.
Naval Cadet G. B. Rice has been de-
tached from the Indiana and ordered to the
Franklin.
Naval Cadet L. c. Palmer has been de-
tached from the New York and ordered 10
the Franklin.
Naval Cadet c. L. Poor mas been de-
tached from the New York and ordered to
the Franklin.
. Naval Cadet X. G. Castleman has been
detached from the New York and ordered
at once to the Franklin.
Lieut.. Alexander Sharp. naval aid to
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt, has been
assigned to the command of the torpedo
heat destroyer Vixen. formerly Mr.. Widen
er's yacht Josephine. She Is being fitted
out as a naval vessel at the League Island
navy yard. 1t is understood that Lieut..
Sharp will take command next Monday.
Two of the officers Of the Inflated steamer
Maine have been given new assignments,
as shown by the naval orders published by
the department this morning.
Chaplain ]. F. Chadwick, who was untir-
ing in his devotion to the victims of the
disaster, has been assigned to duty on the
Cincinnati. which is now with Capt Samp-
sons North Atlantic squadron. Lieut.. q.
P. Blow. also of the Maine. who had been
ordered to the Mayfiower, has been de-
tached from that duty and assigned to the
command of the tug Wilmot, recently ac-
Quired by the government by purchase.
RumoPs of q Change.
An interesting rumor in circulation in the
Navy Department today is that change
is imminent in the important office Of chief
of the bureau of navigation. now held by
Commander Crowninshield. The strain
that officer has been under since the de-
struction of the Maine has affected his
nervous system, and 1t has been suggested
that a sea voyage would be of great bene-
fit to him. In case his health will permit
no ri 1<e -