New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-06
ALERT FLYING SQUADRON.
FALSE ALARM CALLS MEN TO DUTY
ABOARD SHIP AND ON SHORE.


events of stirring nature were happening on
board the warshps Of the Flying Squadron. In
the garrison at Fort Monroe and at the United
States signal station at Cape Henry.
Shortly before that hour the Naval Reserves
bearing in from the sea, and at once flashed
over the Government wire to Old Point the
startling news that a fleet OF warshps. con-
sisting of Ave vessels. was approaching the
capes. evidently with the intention Of proceeding
to Hampton Roads
The message was Immediately transmitted to
Commodore Schley. aboard the flagship Brook
lyn, and few minutes later big gun sounded
the note Of warning. Instantly n scene OF dis
orderly commotion succeeded the quiet condl-
tons In which the vessels OF the squadron had
been wrapped Officers. with sidearms buckled
on. moved swiftly about the silently anchored
ships and Jack Tars rushed to their places.
knowing nothing and expecting anything
SIGNALLING THE FLEET.
Signal lights raised to the masthead Of
the flagship. and messages were communicated
to Captain Higginson. OF the Massachusetts, and
Captain Philip. OF the Texas Within fifteen
minutes from the sounding Of the alarm. the
three crack fighters. we'll the little dis
patch boat Scorpion were ready to sail or fight
the order should be given.
In the mean time the usually silent strong
hold whose guns poke their noses in every
direCtion-Fort Monroe-was equally alive with
uniformed officers and men hurrying hither and
thfther to their posts. aware OF their duty but
ignorant OF the cause. Trucks bearing ammuni-
ton 10 the ponderous mortars down the
beach behind the pines were soon out and away
and the men detailed 10 work the large dis
appearing guns. capable OF hurting their 80
pound missiles for a distance of twelve miles
with deadly effect. waited in their places for the
word 10 blaze away.
When all preparations for any emergency
were completed both aboard the warships and
inside the fort. Commodore Schley waited and
Colonel Frank waited. Men and women.
ous and alarmed. stood on the pier and at their
windows in the hotels peering out through the
hay moonlight. and watched the dim human
outlines moving about the decks as calmly as
II they had been called to practice drill IN
stead OF being summoned to their posts in the
belief that an enemy approached
Then followed long wait tho batteries afloat
and ashore az silent as death every gun manned
and every man ready TO "Remember the Maine"
Finally there were brilliant display OF lights
from the direction Of the flagship responses
from the other vessels. more hurrying and sour
rying aboard ship. and again that deathlike
silence which now indicated 10 the few watchers
that there had been a false alarm.
CAUSE OF TIE INCIDENT.
1t not until this morning that the cause
OF the incident the fret really warlike demon
stration OF the Flying Squadron. generally
known here. The alarm was occasioned b. the
appearance. jus, inside Capes Henry and
Charles. at II O'Clock las, night of several mer-
chant ships all of which CHANGED 10 strike the
entrance 10 Hampton Roads about the same
time.
The watchful Naval Reserves noticing the
slow and seemingly cautious and systematic
approach OF the ships, and fearing a contcm-
plated advance on Washington or an attack
tho Flying Squadron by the enemy. Immediately
flashed a warning 10 Commodore Schl"y When
the ships came 10 anchor. not daring 10 cross
over the submarine mines the mistake WAS seen
and the squadron was advised u tn" true char
acter ~ the fleet so harm was done. and IN"
false alarm served ~ demonstrate three impor-
tant facts The Flying Squadron and Fort Mon
roe are not only ready but spelling FOR n nght
and the sigma station is manned by men VINO
know their business
II the cruiser New Orleans makes the time
pected OF her she should drop anchor in Hamp-
ton Roads tomorrow morning. and formally
become part OF the Flying Squadron II IS
limited that Commodore Schley may not wait tor
his new ship 10 come 70 Old Point. hut will meet
the New-Orleans outside OF the capes. and pro-
coed under orders I'm sOutherly course OF
course. this is speculation. and cannot be con
nrned. but there are those wearing gold braid
aboard the warships who Will not be surprised
10 the squadron moving toward the scene 81
action when Joined by the ew-Orlcans.
THE MINNEAPOLIS TO BE COALED.
The Chesapeake and Ohio coal agency has
orders 10 be ready to coal the cruiser Minneapo-
lis in Hampton Roads Friday morning with
out delay. II seems likely from this that tho
Minneapolis is making for these waters again
and from the urgent tone Of the order It seems
probable that she is going away again These
orders may mean that the whole squadron VIII
80 South AZ the same time.
The schedule as now arranged for the de-
parture OF warships from this vicinity is as fol
lows: The SOlace. on Friday, for Key West
mouth, for stores. the Vesuvius. on Saturday
Sunday. for Key West. Captain Hanlan. Of
the Plant System. who arrived in this city soy
eral days ago from New-York. and who has
recently been detached from the command Of the
Florida to superntcnd the finishing touches
on the palatial liner La Grandc Duchessc. is
ment may lease the Duchessc as n supply ship.
Captain Hanlan stated to-day that the
Duchesse Will not be purchased. This seems TO
be practically settled upon The Duchesse VIII
positively leave the shipyard within the ncxt
i've weeks by which time her alterations Will
be completed
The British steamship Huelva Captain Towilt
arrived here to-day from Huclva. Spain. cap
tain Towilt reports not having sighted any span
ish warships after passing out 10 sea.
Colonel Royal T. Frank, commandant Of Fort
Monroe has been the recipient to-day Of many
concentrations from naval officers and others
upon his promotion to the grade of brigadier-
general. He is veteran OF the late war with
an envabe record. and is popular in both arms
OF the united services
THE MENOCAL TRIAL BEGUN.
PAPERS ARRIVED AT THE NAVY YARD TOO LATE
AND THE COURT ADJOURNED UNTIL