Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-05-06
BIG FALSE ALARM.
FLEET RousED ny REPORT THAT
SPANISH WE'RE COMING IN CApEs.
MISTAKE OF The NAVAL RESERVES.
y" Harm Done. Hcwevcr-ProbabIc
purchase of the Grand Duchess
Inc Recent Democratic Primary
Election Contest, Etc,
Election Contest, Etc.

| NEWPORT NEWS. VA, May 5.-(Spe
cial)-While the people OF Newport News
Norfolk, and Hampton were peacefully
slumbering about midnight last night,
events OF most alarming nature were
occurring at Fort Monroe, on board the
warships of Commodore Schleys flying
squadron, and at the signal station at
the Virginia capes. Shortly before that
hour the naval reserves in charge OF
the Cape Henry station flashed over the
government wise TO Old Point the alarm
ing news that a fleet OF warships. con-
sisting Of five vessels, was approaching
the Capes. evidently with a view Of enter
ing. The message was Immediately
transmitted 10 Commodore Schey. aboard
the Brooklyn. and a few minutes later
big gun doomed a note OF warning. In
stantly a scene of orderly commotion sue
ceeded the quiet conditions in which the
vessels of the fleet had been wrapped
since s o'clock. The alarm vas caused
by the appearance OF "A number Of mer-
chant ships inside the Capes shortly be-
fore might, their masters, knowing
that tne harbor had been blockaded and
mined. being afraid TO venture in. The
sky was overcast with heavy clouds,
making it difficult TO discern objects
several miles from shore. The watchful
naval reserves on duty at Cape Henry.
noticing the slow and cautious approach
of a number of large forms in the direc-
ton Of our fleet. AT once suspected that
the enemy's squadron had passed into
the Capes with hostile intention. and at
"a 70 fg,o ipr
schley over the government wire to Old
Point. 40 harm was done.
THE GRAND DUCHESS
The Plant Line steamship La Grande
Duchesse. Captain Hanlan, will positive
~ be ready TO leave the ship-yard five
weeks from Saturday. All of the repairs
10 the palatial liner have about been COM
pleted. and the costliest product Of the
Newport News Ship-Building and Dry
Dock Company will be ready at that time
TO 90 where her owners may direct.
1t is limited in some quarters that La |
Grande Duchesse may shortly be leased |
by the government for use as hospital |
or supply ship. Your correspondent has |
authentic information that the latter |
step IS being contemplated and is posi-
BILE.
An interesting case was before the Po-
lice court inns AFTERNOON anu III N'4i'~
uuence of the decision Of Justice Brown
MIR. S w. Edwards. of Isle of Wight
county. a well-known citizen. was fined
300 for transporting COW for immediate
slaughter within the quarantine period.
The COW was purchased by Messrs.
Smith and Sinclair dairymen. Mr.. A. {.
Peachy represented the COmmOnw ealth,
and vigorously prosecuted his case, while
Mr. X. NJ. Lett was equally Jealous IN J
behalf of the defendant. The defendant
pleaded ignorance Of the law. but Justice
Brown levied the fine above stated. state
Veterinary Surgeon r. p. Niles, of
3lacksburg, appeared as an expert wit
less.
EXPORTS AND PRIMARY.
The value of exports from this port du-
ing the month of April was $3O6O,SSL
his large business is surprising in view
II the prevailing war-scare, which has
worked so much harm TO commercial in
arosts of other ports. The value for
asst month was only $4,000 less than that
Or March. which is usually the largest
lonth Of the year and more than twice
hat for April of last year.
II is hardly probable that Messrs. T.. S.
and J. r. Saunders. attorneys
DR. Mr. G. W. Robinson, who petitioned
ne Democratic Executive Committee for
recount of the primary vote OF the
ixth Ward will carry the matter TO
curt. They will probably drop the case
here it is, although they maintain that
recount would show their client to be
he victor for the nomination for the Of
ce Of Commemorative Attorney.
1t is learned on good authority that
ne cruiser Nictheroy. recently purchased
v the government from Brazil, will be
named Buffalo on her arrival at this
nip-yard for conversion into a cruiser
fter the plan of the Dixie Yosemite.
Tairie, and Yankee