The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-10-09
THE RETURN OF A CONOUER0R.
The Philippines Over Our Own
Recently Conquered Seas.


On the decks the crew literally sept by
their guns, ammunition being ready and
everything prepared for battle. The look
outs strained their eyes for a sign of smoke
that would indicate the whereabouts of the
enemy; while the officers, with their mani
fold responsibilities on their hands UNDER
went vigil that only they alone knew
the strain. Over this all hung a weight of
anxiety like a pail to dim the brightness
of the tropical sea and sky.
But it is all very different now. The Oze-
gon is now on her way to Honolulu and
Manila at the head of the most complete
expedition of war vessels that ever left the
United States for foreign station. In adj
dtion to the formidable Iowa and the
many conveniences these two ships have
been specially fitted with for their voy-
age and their probable long stay on the
Asiatic station they will have at their serv-
ice not less than six supply ships. -Four
of these are the Golfers Scindia, Cassius,
Alexander and Abarenda all armed and
filled to the limit with fuel for the fighting
craft. The Alexander and the Abarenea
have started from Norfolk and will go in
advance of the batteshps to Bahia, Brazil,
where, after filling up the bunkers of the
Oregon and Iowa and distributing the rest
of their coal among the other col iers, they
will return to the United States. The Sci1-
dia and the Cassius will accompany the
battleships to Mania.
The other two ships are the supply YES
sci Celtic and the distiller Iris. Both wi
go to the Philippines and take stati IN
there. The Celtic has refrgerating plant
on board and will carry enough frS sh
meat to last her consorts for the enti
voyage. The Iris will supply fresh water,
SO that the voyage is likely to b. p easart
for the officers and crews of the battle
ships.
This return voyage of the Oregon and
the remaining ships is to proceed in
leisurely fashion. The Navy de artment
has decided that a wholesome impression
of the strength of the American navy will
be conveyed to Spanish sympathizels in the
important South American republics by
visits of these ships to several of the chief
seaports. and in accordance with instru9-
lions issued by Secretary Long, just be-
fore his departure for the north, Captain
Barker of the Oregon, the senior officer of
the squadron, is ordered to take his ships
into nearly all the leading ports while
making the long trip to the Philippines
1t is the purpose of the department espec
tally that the Chilians and Argentines shall
see some of the great fighters that SO easily
drove Cervera's vessels to destruc ion,
Secretary Long is said to have informed
Captain Barker that he may exercise his
own Judgment In entering ports on the
way. At those visited the ships will re-
ceive coal from the golfers and supplies
from the refrigerating vessel and at the
same time will be in close communication
with the authorities. who may decide to
change the present plans and hasten the
Journey should affairs in Manila assume
so threatening a character as to demand
speedily the reinforcements that have been
assigned to Admiral Dewey.
The reason for sending the fleet by way
of Cape Horn is said to be on account of
the truce, and because the United States
does not wish to break 1t, even techni-
cally. The ships probably will be ordered
at first only to Honolulu. one of our own
ports and there, three months hence, they
will receive their orders to proceed to
Manila. If Dwey were reinforced immed.-