The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-09
WITH THE KEY WEST SQUADRON
The Men Worked Up to High Pitch.
Trnglc Death of q Naval Diver.

KEY WEST. FLA, April S.-The day
here has been one OF expectancy and
conjecture. There have no advices from
Washington indicating any change in the
situation, and the little remaining pre-
paration has gone on with incessdnt
yigor. .ies
Apart from the arrival OF the Mangrove
from Havana and the monitor Amphi-
trite from Port Royal the only incident of
the day was of a tragic character.
Chief Gunner's Mate Johnston, OF the
gunboat Newport. while making an eX-
animation of the ships bottom met with a
sudden death from asphyXiation. The
exact cause is unknown, but it is thought
the air-plpe became entangled in some
way. He was down some time and as
he gave no signals he was drawn up,
when he was found TO be dead.
The accident has cast gloom over the
ship's company. The remains VIII be IN
tered here tomorrow morning.
The examination was a routine AFFAIR
and not made because Of any supposed
defect
The Detroit steamed out for patrol duty
tonight with deck rails swung down,
netting spread TO catch sphnters' and
everything bare for leaden hall. Inc
precautions for watching incoming yes
sells were redoubled. -
THE PURITAN WELCOMED.
The Puritan PASSED the Detroit as she
proceeded TO her station at the Havana
entrance 10 the harbOr. The usual cour-
tesies were exchanged.
There was not naval officer but
breathed easier when the monitor join
ed her smaller sisters, the Terror ana the
Amphitrite.
A naval lieutenant on board the larger
chin as he looked through his glasses at
these formidable craft said 10 the cor
resuondent Of the Associated Iross.
"Tbosc three floating forts could by
themselves whip the whole Spanish
navy"
Of Havana. as reported IN theSo dts
matches last night, spread through the
fleet to-day. no end OF discussion ensued.
The general impression Is that the men
on the torpedo boats would stand out III
tie chance OF ever coming out OF an en-
gagement alive. This view was thorough
IN con6rmed by the torpedo boat men
Themselves. and the matter-of-fact way
In which they discussed their chances was
a striking illustration OF American pluck
and of indifference TO death in their ccLn-
trys cause. -
INTENSE ENTHUSIASM.
Intense enthusiasm reigns among OFF,
GERS and men alike. The movement upon
Havana is eagerly looked forward to and
Is thought 70 be certain 10 occur. begin
ming next week. unless Spain backs down
completely. In spirit and In preparation
Captain SIMPSONS squadron is ready TO
fight and on all sides the complaint is
heard that the expected opposition is of
such poor callbre. While 1t may be
truthfuny said that there is very little
sympathy for the Cubans themselves
among the officers this long period of sus-
pense and uncertainty following the Maine
destruction has wrought them UP to an
unequalled pitch OF excitement.
The steamer Olivette from Tampa with
her passengers. lay TO eight miles from
shore this evening. There was con-
siderable excitement over the report that
| she was aground. rhe agents mere said
| that she was at anchor awaiting high
tide and would soon proceed 10 Havana
on her regular trip. Up to midnight she
| still lay of shore and had not landed
mail or passengers.