The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-08-07
PLANS FOR THE NAVY.
A Complete Reorganization and Distri-
button of Forces.

bution OF Iorces.
Washington, Aug. eff the navy de-
| rartment contemplates any further
| change in the composition of the East
| ern squadron, which was destined for
| a cruise to Spanish waters, the matter
| has not taken form as yet. This state
| ment applies to the commanders of the
| ships of this squadron as well as to the
ships themselves in the talk of send
| ing Admiral Sampson in charge OF This
| squadron, consequently it is rather
| speculative at this time.
OF course, IL is understood, in the
| event peace is restored, there must be
complete reorganization and redis-
| tribution of the United States naval
forces, and this will involve undoubted-
ly the separation of the four naval
commanders of high rank now on duty
in connection with the North Atlantic
fleet, namely, Admiral Sampson, Com
modore Watson, Commodore Schley
and Commodore Howell.
The North Atlantic fleet comprises
about hundred vessels, the most
numerous and powerful force everA' ON
manded by an American admiral Such
giant force would not be maintained
on one station in time of peace. Many
of the auxiliary vessels and the moni-
tors, which are unfit for general cruis-
ing, will be retired from commission
and laid up in the navy yard, or in the
case of the former, will be sold. A
sufficient force of the remaining vessels
Will be retained on the North Atlantic
station to maintain il as the most inn
portant naval command. The others
are to be distributed between the vari-
Gus other stations, Pacific, Atlantic and
South Atlantic. The European station
which was vacated completely just
prior to the declaration of war, will be
rehabilitated, and for the sake of the
moral effect likely to result, will re-
ceive some of the most powerful and
modern ships i'm the American navy
1t will be possible also with ships at
the navy departments disposal to
carry out long cherished project for
the creation of new station on the
South Pacific with base probably at
Valparaiso or Callao. Under this plan
of reorganization there will be openings
for officers for flag ranks. and it is thus
expected that there will be less friction
than heretofore
But with the exception of the Eastern
squadron, the North Atlantic fleet is
not TO be diminished as long as the war
continues. More clearly than ever now
1t is perceived to be the strong right
arm of the country. and the naval Off
cials are thanking themselves that
they were able to resist the pressure
brought to bear at one time upon them
TO expose this tremendous force to dis
sipation by profitless attacks upon for
LllIeu poTlS. a distinguished naval Of
hcer to-day called attention to the fact
that the most serious casualty might
have followed the disclosure of the de-
moralized condition of our army at
Santiago had not the navy been at
hand to protect ii. Notwithstanding
the best efforts of censorship over teIe-
graph and mails, it is believed that the
Spanish government had acquired
knowledge Of the situation at Santiago,
but was powerless to profit by it, for
the reason that the navy blockaded
the way and prevented the dispatch of
reinforcements and supplies to the
Spanish army in Cuba. the lack Of
which obliged General Toral to sur
render.