New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-11
THE SHIPS IN HAMPTON ROADS.
s1GHTsEERs ABOARD THE FLYING SQUADRON
QUICK WORK Of THE sOLAcE.

sIGHTsEERS ABOARD THE FLYING SQUADRON
QUICK WORK on THE soLAcE.
Fort Monroe Va. April 10 (SpecinD-Old
Point Comfort has swarmed with people ell
day thousands coming from nearby and ir' m
distant cities too. to obtain a view OF the
formidable ships composing the Flying squad
ron The Easter display was far ahead of any
even seen here before. The day aboard the
ships would have been usually quiet but for the
number Of visitors who took advantage OF the
departure from the usually rigid orders to see
the sights on men-of-war stripped for action.
There has been change whatever in the
positions Of the six ships. The Minneapolis is
doing guard duty to-day, and will continue
as the guard ship through the night. The ex-
pected developments Of tomorrow are awaited
by officers and men alike without any outward
evidences Of excitement.
The Atlantic Transportation Company's tug
Underwater and the mammoth barge Lone
Star which were chartered by tho Government
and sent to Havana to bring back serviceaoe
parts Of the Maine wreck. arrived at Newport
News this morning and are now held in ten
davs' quarantine in the James River Captain
Wiley was advised by Consul General Lee ten
days ago to leave Havana withou. delay. The
parts Of the Maine which had been taken
aboard were thrown into the sea Captain
Wiley declined TO discuss the condition Of af-
fairs at Havana.
The Morgan Line steamship FL Sud, now the
Yosemite arrived at the Newport News ship
yard this morning from New Orleans, 10 be
converted into armored auxiliary cruiser.
The plans OF Fl Sud were rearranged before
her arrival, and the work OF attaching the
armor, which is already in the yard. will begin
early Tomorrow
The steamship Merrimac passed Old Point
this afternoon the way to Lambert's FONT,
where she Will load coal for the warshps. The
Merrimac has just been bought by the Gov
eminent to be used az a collier for the Flying
Squadron. She will return to Hampton Roads
on Tuesday 1t is expected that the Saturn
also will he assigned to the Flying Squadron
With the exception OF placing her laundry
engine. In position. the former Cromwell liner
Creole has been entirely converted into a hos
pital ship, even 10 the painting Of her new
name Solace. across the bows The last nail
was driven at I o'clock tonight and as soon
the laundry apparatus arrives the Solace
will be ready to start for Key West The ship
has been at Newport News just two days and
a half.
senator Proctor returned TO Washington to-
night by boat.
4 conference OF all the captains Of the feet
was held this afternoon on the flagship presided
that officer said the meeting was for the purpose
OF talking informally over various plans for
action.
Is here and Commodore Schley had received
notice OF an outbreak in Porto Rico and that
the squadron expected to sail in the morning.
The Commodore denied that he had received
any orders to move. and the fact that he
manned ashore tonight was further confirmation
Of the denial.
Commodore Schley said he had received no
orders TO attach the ram Katahdn 10 his squad
ron. but she is still lying here. II Is believed
that she will be left TO guard the harbor in con-
junction with Fort Monroe should the feet sail.
Within three hours from the time Of receiving
orders the squadron be
The Spanish ship PslentnO, which put back to
sea yesterday morning learning that a
squadron OF ~arships anchored In the
Roads. passed in late at night, arriving at New
port News for coal this morning. She will sail
before daybreak Tomorrow.