Evening star., 1898-04-06
PLANS FOR TIE FLYING SQUADRON
Commanders and New Names for
Vessels Chosen.
SPIRIT OF THE. MILITIA

0tdte, war dHu navy departments, Wner6
SO much Of the history of the present crisis
is being made. The departmental activity,
however, was confined to the bureau OIL
cials and their assistants, so far as the
War and Navy Departments were concern
ed, as both Secretary Long and Secretary
Alger spent most of the day at the White
House. There were few senators or men,
bers around the departments during
the morning, most of them going
to the Capitol early to attend the
various informal conferences and to dis
cuss the situation preliminary to the re-
ceipt of the message. "A large delegation
Of Massachusetts, scnool teachers, who are
In Washington on a brief visit, was at the
State, War and Navy Departments build
ing this morning. The greatest object of
interest to them appeared to be the model
of the battle ship Maine, which still stands
in the corridor adjoining the Office of Sec
retary Long.
A telegram was received at the Navy De-
partment today announcing the departure
of the battle ship Texas from New York for
Hampton Roads to join the flying squadron
to which she is attached. Assistant Secre-
tary Roosevelt is very much pleased with
the present condition of this vessel. He
provements made to her during her stay at
the New York navy yard. her batteries are
nearly three times as effective in rapidity
of fire than was formerly the case. Sig
nificant developments are expected to fol-
low the arrival Of the Texas at Hampton
Roads. The flying squadron, under COM
mand of Commodore Schley, will then be
fully organized and ready for any service
that the department has mapped out or
may map out for it. Unless present signs
fail that formidable fleet will leave Chesa-
peake bay in a day or two, destined for
some Spanish port, most probably the Ca
naries, and in that event there would be no
doubt that its mission was to capture or
destroy the Spanish torpedo flotilia which
was in that vicinity at last accounts. Naval
officials while naturally reticent as to such
a warlike measure admit that such an oper-
alton has been under consideration by the
naval strategic board. and is not an i'm
possibility.
Plan of Naval Action.
The plan of action fcr the naval forces in
event Of hostilities is now practically COM
pleted, as a result of several weeks con-
slant work on the part of the officers to
whom was intrusted this important fea-
ture Of the war preparations. While these
plans are naturally most closely guarded,
1t may be stated on high authority that
one feature of them ccntempiates dash to
the Canary Islands. This proposition is as
yet tentative, as all projects subject to u,l-
fereseen conditions must be, but has re-
ceIved most careful consideration by the
naval authorities.
AS outlined by high naval official, the
plan is thar in event of declaration Of
war the flying squadron. as 1t is now COM
posed, or possibly with the addition of a
few more ships will Immediately start for
the east, with the Canaries as its destina-
ton. Naval officials do not think that 1t
would be difficult task for so powerful q
fleet to establish a station at that point
and operating from 1t as base to harass
the coast of Spain. From that point the
squadron would not only be placed advan-
tageously to intercept Spanish merchant
men, but would be in position, should cir
cumstances demand or warrant SO desper-
ate venture, to attack a seaport. It was
also pointed out by this officer that to seize
and hold the Canary Islands would be
severe blow to Spain, inasmuch as the
islands lie between the Cape Verde Islands
ard Spain in direct line with the route TO
Cuba.
should such plan be put in operation
the American fleet in Cuban waters would
be composed of the present squadron at the
Tortugas and such additional vessels as
could be spared from the protection of the
coast further up. While there would. Of
course, said this officer, be a certain amount
OF danger in removing the flying SQUADRON
SO far from home, it was felt that circum-
stances might arise which would Justify
the dash to the Canaries hence the plan
was among those considered by the DEPART
ment, though. of course, not as yet finally
decided upon.
New Naval Vessels Named.
Several OF the vessels recently purchased
by the Navy Department have been given
new names more in accordance with their
probable duties in the near future.
The Algonquin" received by transfer
from the revenue cutter service, Is to be
called while cooperating with the navy. the
"Accomac.'
The "Mayfiower." received by transfer
from the light house service, to be called.
while cooperating with the navy, the "Su-
vance"
The yacht Sovereign" acquired by pur-
chase, to be called the scorpion"
The Creole" acquired by purchase and
lnaended Tor use as hospital Ship to be
called the "Solace."
The gunboat "Diogenes," purchased in
England. to be called the Topeka" after
the capital city OF Kansas.
The small unnamed torpedo boat pur-
chased in England is 10 be called the MAN.
ly" In honor Of Capt. John Manly a dis
tinguished sailor Of the days of the revo-
luton. In 1775 Capt. Manly captured the
Nancy, and subsequently. while in COM
mand OF the Hancock. he captured the Fox.
In 1779 he captured two British privateers.
The coal transport Saturn" acquired
by purchase, wiA retain her present name.
A Number Of Commanders Chosen.
The following naval orders were issued
today:
Commander B. 8. Richards has been de-
tached from the navy yard at New York
and ordered at once TO command the Sat-
urn.
Assistant Paymaster M. E. Biscoe has
been detached from the Essex and ordered
home to settle accounts and await orders.
Chaplain A. A. McAliister, relative rank
OF captain, from April 5.
Chaplain c. Q. Right, relative rank Of