The herald., 1898-04-25
THE FLYING SQUADRON

THE FLYING SQUADRON
Strict Secresy Observed Concerning
Intended Movements
FORT MONROE, April 24-(on Board
Flagship Brooklyn.) For strategic pur-
poses and for the protection of information
that might be of value to the enemy, Com
modore Schley of the flying squadron has
issued practical censorship over those in
his command. relative to the divuging of
the reason for any movements made or
to be made by the squadron or individual
ships of the squadron.
To more fully carry out that plan Of pro-
lection to government interests, only COM
manding officers are made aware of such
movements, and responsibility is thus min
imized. 1t is for these reasons that the
actual destination of the Minneapolis and
Columbia is unknown.
The conjectures as to the object for which
Commodore Schley ordered them to sea
last night are many. Protection of the
steamship Paris, assistance to the battle
ship Oregon, capture of Spanish gunboats,
and convoy for the transport Panther, now
at Hampton roads, are some of them. The
latter theory is partially discredited, be-
cause the Panther, with her human freight
Of 700 marines and several officers, lies Off
Fort Monroe and is evidently In no hurry
to move. AS a matter of fact, the Panther
itself has some protection, being pretty
well armed with eight rapid-flre guns
which could be used effectively. The Mary
land reserves, who are to man the Yosem-
lite and Dixie, arrived by boat early this
morning. The two converted boats will
be ready in a day or two, being at the
Newport News yards, undergoing i'm
provements.
Tonight the precaution was begun of
putting out patrol fleet of steam cutters.
fully equipped to fight and to give warn
ing If any enemy appeared The work of
strengthening the Notifications at Fort
Monroe continued all day, with large
working force, as did also the work of
laying mines in the harbor. Where the old
8 and 10 inch converted rifles used to stand
will be mounted battery of modern rapid
fire guns. which are expected to command
Hampton roads and Chesapeake bay and
make it impossible for a torpedo boat of
the enemy to enter. These guns, 1t is
thought, will be in fighting condition at
the end of this week.
The work is not confined to the fort itself
by any means, for active preparations for
possible conflict are being made at the
pines battery" and on the beach of
Chesapeake bay. midway between this bat
terry and the fort. Here four new disap-
pearing guns will be mounted behind
breastworks Of the most ,.isdern and SUBJ
stantial kind.
In addition to this, the immense battery
of smooth-bore guns Is ready for use and.
at range of one mile, will prove terribly
destructive.
At Willoughby Spit, opposite Fort Mon
roe, and which point controls the entrance
to Norfolk, Newport News and the James
and Potomac rivers, a board Of naval Off
GERS has made an inspection, with view
Of constructing fort at the point to CO.
operate with Fort Monroe.
This fort is to be erected on superstruc-
ture of steel supports, forming an arched
chamber with turrets, in which the guns
are to be operated. The fort will be tenn
porary in structure, but, properly manned,
will prove a formidable defense in case
the enemy should attempt the invasion of
the harbor.
Jobs Will Wait
WASHINGTON, April 24.-secretary
Bliss has issued the following circular to
the heads of bureaus and officers of the
interior department.:
''In answer to inquiries for information,
you are hereby notified that In case any
officer, clerk or employe in or around the
department of the interior desires to leave
the service temporarily to engage In the
military or naval service, in the event of
war, he may be reinstated at any time with
In u months from the time of separation
from the service.
Temporary appointment will be made
to fill place so vacated, with the under
standing that, on the return of the officer.
clerk or employe, the person occupying the
place temporarily will be removed in order
that the former occupant of the place can
be reinstated.''
The state department today received in
formation that the governors of Hongkonr
had issued a neutrality decree concerning
the United States and Spain. It is similar
to that proclaimed by Japan and New
foundland.
Mexican Neutrality
CITY OF MEXICO, April 2.-A persist
ent rumor was circulated today, which
found its way into the papers, that the
American government had sent a second
note to the Mexican government. asking
what means 1T could command for main
tanning neutrality along the gulf coast.
and it was added that, in case Mexico could
not do this, the United States would send
warships to patrol the Mexican coast. This
rumor caused much talk among the Span-
iards.
Minister Clayton told the correspondent
of the Associated Press that there was no
truth In the report, and that he had only
communicated formal notice of the es-
tablishment of the blockade of the Cuban
ports.
Fears for the Paris
LONDON. April PA point of vital in
terest Is whether the Paris escaped the
Spanish warship. Up to midnight there
was absolutely no news as to the liner at
Southampton.
Spain's adherence to the right of priva-
teering, If expedient, has given great sat-
isfaction in Spain, where the public press
markedly approves the attitude of the
government. Fears are expressed on the
continent that the United States will find
1t necessary to retaliate despite the adhe-
sion of the government to the declaration
of Paris. In any case, Spain's attitude
will enhance the Importance of the nego-
tiations of the powers which it is under
stood have been initiated by Italy with q
view to making arrangements with view
to protect neutral vessels on the sea- 1t
is reported from Vienna that England
holds aloof from the negotiations, though