New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-07
REORGANIZATION OF THE NAVY.
HOW THE SHIPS MAY BE DISTRIBUTED
AFTER THE Wharf.-The EASTERN

WASHINGTON Aug. eff the Navy Department
contemp,ates any further change in the compo-
sition OF the Eastern Squadron. which was des-
tined for a cruise to Spanish waters. the mat
ter has not taken form yet This statement
applies to the commanders Of the ships or THIS
squadron we'll as to the ships themselves
and the talk of sending Admiral Sampson III
charge of this Eastern Squadron consequently is
rather speculative at this time.
Of course. II is we'll understood that in the
event neace is restored there must be a complete
reorganizatio and redistribution OF the united
States naval forces, and this will Involve UNI
doubtedly the separation Of the four naval
commanders Of high rank now on duty in con-
nection with the North Atlantic fleet, namely
Admiral Sampson, Commodore Watson Commo-
dore Schley and Commodore Howell
The North Atlantic fleet comprises about one
hundred vessels. the most numerous and power
ful force ever commanded by an American Ad-
miral. Such a gigantic force would not be main
tanned on one station in time or peace Many
Of the auxiliary vessels and the monitors, "hlch
are unfit for general cruising, Will be retired
from commission and laid up in the Navy YARD.
or In the case Of the former. will be sold
sufficient force of the remaining vessels VIII De
retained on the North Atlantic station to main
The others are to be distributed between the
various other stations-Pacifc, Asatic and South
Atlantic. The European station, which was va
Gated completely just prior to the declaration or
war Will be rehabl.tated. and. for the sake OF
the moral effect likely to result. VIII receive
some Of the rnost powerful and modern ships in
+he American Navy. 1t will be possible also,
with the shios at the Navy Departments dis
posal 10 carry out q long cherished project TOT
the creation Of a new station in the South Pa
cinc. with base probably at Valparaiso or Cal
lao Under this plan Of reorganization there
will be openings for several officers or nag RANK
and thus IL is expected that there VIII DE less
friction than heretofore among these officers
But with the exception of the Eastern Squad
ron. the North Atlantic fleet is not to be di'nn-
ished so long as the war continues. more
clearly than II is now perceived 10 ne 'nc
strong right arm Of the country. ana naVai OH
c!als are conErctulating themselves that they
were able TO resist the pressure brought 10 oeai
at one time upon thsn TO expose this Neheh-
dous force 10 dissipation by prohtless ATTACKS
upon fortified ports distinguished naVai OH
Ger to-day called attention to the fact that 'Ne
most serious results might have folio"eo the
disclosure Of the demoralized condition OF oui
Army at Santiago had not the Navy been al
hand to protect It. Notwithstanding the bes'
Efforts Of censorship over telegraphs ana hia'iS
Is believed that the Spanish Government mac
acquired knowledge Of the situation at santiago
but was powerlcss to profit by 1t for the reason
mat the Navy blocked the way ard prevented
the dispatch OF endorsements and supplies to
the Spanish army In Cuba, the lack OF which
Obliged General To-al to surrender.