The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1898-03-30

Spain IS Torpedo FIoti1-
La Advancing
IS REGARDED AS
FORMIDABLE MENACE.
And Every Measure Taken for a
Hot Reception.

has prevailed IN all branches of
the War and Navy Departments
for the past month was apparent
again to-day Particularly was
this the case in the latter. where
Secretary Long and Assistant Sec
rotary Roosevelt were ON hand
early holding conferences With
bureau chiefs and number of
visitors who had business of i'm
portance
There was no additional infor-
nation at the department regard
ing the location of the Spanish
torpedo boat fotiEla now ON its
way to Puerto Rico from the Cana
ries, excepting that it was advance
ing steadily. The highest naval
authorities continue to say that
this movement is the
MOST Formidable MENACE
To the ships of our navy that has
yet occurred.
It was disclosed for the first time
by one of the naval orders issued
to-day that the department had.de-
termined upon the formation of am
additional new fleet, to be known
as the "Mosquito Fleet. to be
composed of tugs, steam yachts
and other small vessels which may
be obtainable, and which are to be
used as sort of mobile defense of
seacoast cities. 1t was further de-
veloped in this connection that the
naval militia of the several statesis.
to be called upon to man this aux
iliary feet.
The fact that Admiral Walker
cabled from Nicaragua to the State
Department announcing his de-
parture for home REEVES the speeu-
lations as to the likelihood of one
of the highest officers in the navy,
active or retired. being placed In
charge of the naV.,l operations, in
Guiding the fleet under Captain
Sampson,
scHLEY's PLYING Squadron"
And any auxiliary lines Of defense
that may be established
It was stated, however, at the,
Navy Department that Admiral
Walkers homecoming is because
of the conclusion of the work of
the Nicaragua Canal Commission.
of which he is President, and that
it was not fastened because of the
present naval activity. Moreover,
the name of Admiral Bunce, who
is still on the active list, is the
most frequently mentioned among
the highest naval officers as the
one most likely to be chosen for
this supreme command if it should
be determined upon.
In view of the great desire for
experienced men in the navalsser-
vice just at this time, it is more
than probable that the Navy De-
partment will exercise consider
able leniency in dealing with the
cases of men who are charged with
having deserted from the naval
service and who remain absent
from
FEAR OF PUNISHMENT.
In cases where the records of
the men were good previous to
their desertion they will in all
probability upon surrendering
themselves at receiving ship be
officially regarded as simple strag-
glers, and not as deserters. Ac-
cording to the regulations ''strag-
gler" is an enlisted man who has
overstayed his leave, and is subject
to minor punishment. Deserters,
however, are discharged from the
service, and are Ineligible for re-
enlistment. 1t is recognized that
many good men have left the ser
vice without permission during
the past few years of peace who
would willingly re-enter the navy
and render good service in the
event of an outbreak of hostilities.
The probable polioyof the depart
ment looking to more ibertl
treatment of technical deserters is
due in a great measure to the diff
Guilty the recruiting officers are
having in securing men up to the
naval Requirements.
The gold bugs say We must not
have war because it would be sure
TO result in the restoration of sill
yer. Rather national infamy and
disgrace, anything to them is bet
ter than to have their beloved gold
standard nterfered with. They
/ mt cold above national l,oI,S,y. ayl,1.