Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-06-28

WASHINGTON, June Z.--The admins
tration to-day finally came to decision
20 send an American squadron to the
gpanish coast and into the Mediterranean.
Several times since the war broke out
rumors 10 this effect have been circu-
lated. but the project had not matured;
# required the Spanish movement to-
ward the Philippines by Camara's squad
ION TO decide the Navy Department to
adopt this bold stroke. The first an
uouncemcnt to-day, through a bulletin
posted at the Navy Department. of the
governments intention was received
with incredulity. There was spicion
that the story was being floatea TO de-
celye the Spanish Government. How
ever, when later IN the day the detail Oh
The vessels selected 20 constitute COM
modore Watson's eastern squadron was
announced and officials orders were given
10 provision the fleet for four months, 1t
became apparent 20 the last doubter that
the government was in earnest in this
purpose TO dispatch a feet 20 Europe
The three vessels selected as golfers
have started already on their way 10
Newport News to take on q large supply
OF coal II will require about week 10
get this down to SIMPSONS feet; so If
The start is 10 be made from that point
IL will be impossible for Commodore Wat
SON to get away before the Fourth OF
July. This would seem to be an auspi-
cious date for the beginning of an eXpedi-
tion that will, for the first time in the
worlds history. start from the new world
10 attack Continental Europe.
TO CHECK CAMARA
No attempt is made TO deny that the
poyernment Is Influenced in ordering this
movement by a desire TO check the pro-
gross eastward of the Cadiz fleet. 1t was
not believed that the Spanish Admiral
could be guilty Of the folly Of uncover
ing his home ports in this fashion, but
fpssr,uch as he seems determined to do
so the naval strategists could not 90
less Than take advantage Of the magnlh-
cent opportunity thus afforded 10 StrlAe
a crushing blow at Spain, and thereDy
perhaps save much time and loss OF lile
and money in the conduct Of a tedious
campaign in Cuba.
The determination to send this squadron
against spain was the outcome of direct
official adyices reaching the state ana
Navy departments as 10 the progress oil
Admiral Camara's squadron. These ad-
vices give a list OF the Spanish ships now
nearing the suez canal which differs
somewhat from the list given in the press
dispatches and by Lioyd's. The oIhciai
list Is as follows:
Pelayo. Carlos V. Audaz, Osada, Pro-
serpina. Patricia. Rapido, Buenos Ayres
Isla Dc Panay, Colon, Covadonga, and
San Francisco.
CAMARA's DESTINATION.
The additional Information comes ron
official sources that this squadron Is al
port said. and expects 70 take on boarc
1000 tons of coal before entering th'
syez Canal. Such a heavy coaling VII
take some time It discloses. also ina
the Admiral expects 20 make a long sail
and rs doubtless headed for the Phlhp
plnes. a point which the officials mere
doubted at first.
This squadron IS the most formldaoi'
spain has anoat. in total .onnase
etrength of individual ships. armor "n'
guns.
II Is apparent that the main reliance
NJ Camara's fleet IS on the battleshli
Pelayo. the armored cruiser Carlos v
and the two new OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
Aydaz and Osada. The others are aux
paries and golfers. IS there are onl'
t,yo armored ships in the lot. Admira
Dewev's feet OF protected but unarmore'
ships VIII probably take care OF 'h'
gpanlsh squadron. With the Monterey
added he could certainly do so.
OUR NEW FLYING SQUADRON.
The eastern squadron, which The lnile'
states win now send against SPAN, i"
outranks this Spanish squadron. the lo"'
and oregon exceeding the Pelayo an
Carlos Y. al every point. while 'he o'ie
United States vessels are lar sup'i'0'