The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-04-14
TIN FLEhT SlILED.
Hliag Sqlalre1 Ordered to Make
''Praelice Cruise"

most precaution of the navy department,
it developed shortly before noon today
that the flying squadron had been ordered
to move from Hampton Roads. The
first reports were that the squadron would
sail under sealed orders. going South.
This was looked upon as the most signid-
cant step the navy department had taken
thus far. 1t occasioned much excitement
and approaching that deep significance
was likely to be attached to the move, a
ouieting and cautionary semi-official
statement was made that the squadron
would 20 out for practice cruise of AZ
hours. At first Secretary Long would
neither affirm nor deny that the squadron
was about to move. stating that posi-
any projected naval movements. There
were iEtimatiops, however, that the move
ment was not significant rs prospective
war measure and was more in the line of
giving the restless officers and men OF this
squadron something to do for few days.
Ever since Commodore Schley took com
mand of the squadron it has held itself in
readiness to move on short notice, and
orders have been anticipated daily. 1t
was thought about the navy department
that it would be good thing to appeaso
this anxiety of the officers and men by
giving them Il little practice work. 1t
win serve, it is said, to Timber up the
men, and to put everything aboard in
rertect readiness for more serious work.
Moreover, the brief practice cruise prob
baly will take the squadron outside the
Canes, where they can be reached easily
by despatch boat if it becomes evident
that they are needed for offensive or de-
fensiye purposes at some other point.
The flying squadron is made up of the
pick of our naval vessels, in point of
speed and effectiveness. 1t includes the
arnored cruiser Brooklyn, 5000 tons dis
placement and 20 guns in main battery;
protected cruisers Columbia and Mime
apolis of 1900 tons each and II guns in
their main batteries; battleship Massa-
chusetts, 10000 tons and 16 guns in the
main battery; battleship Texas, $500 tons
and guns in the main battery.
The Brooklyn is the flagship. The Min
neapolis is the fleetest ship in the Ameri
can navy with the Columbia next in
point of speed. The battleships are slow
er, averaging about Is knots, but their
heavy armament and guns is another ad-
junct of effectiveness in the makeup of
this squadron.
WILL RETURN TODAY.
Fort Monroe, April 13.-It became
known early in the forenoon that Com
modore Schley had received sailing or
ders and Immediately the scene on the
ships of the flying squadron and ashore,
became one of animation. Hundreds Of
persons crowded to the piers and at II. 80
Commodore Schley and number IF Off
GERS came off in the launches to bid fare
well to their wives and families. An
affecting scene followed, many of the L.
dies shedding tears.
After the farewells had been said the
officers went to their ships and at $50
the squadron began to move out to sea.
Far up the bay the other ships waited
fnr q n MinnaQDn1ic
whose anchor was fouled. Finally the
anchor came up and soon all the vessels
went away in high speed.
AT half-past five not a trace of the
flying squadron was to be seen.
IL is stated that the squadron was
ordered out on practice cruise and will
return tomorrow. The ships are stripped
for action and carry full supply of pro-
visions and ammunition.
GOVERNOR READY TO ACT.
Bangor, April Ex-Governor Powers
passed through Bangor today on his way
to Augusta. He said that the state had
purchased 1900 rubbe. blankets and like
number of leggings with camp equipage
for the National Guard to be ready for
emergency. He says that he will cali an
extra session of the legislature as soon as
the action of the government will warrant
1T. Furthermore Gov. Powers said that
he feared war was now to be regarded as
inevitable. He goes to Augusta to be
ready to act at once when the time ar
riyes.
WAR SHIPS AT PORTO RICO.
New York, April 13.-The British
steamer Arkadis which arrived from St.
John and other ports in Porto Rico, re-
ports that there were five Spanish war
vessels at anchor at ST. John, the Viz
oaya, Oquendo, two gun boats and one
dispatch boat.
CONSULAR RESIGNS.
Madrid, April IS, 8 p m.-Advices from
Carthagenia confirms the report that the
United States consul and the United
States vice consul at that port, both of
whom are natives of Spain, have resigned. !
A LITTLE RUB,