Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-04-02

that the naval authorities have regarded
the approach Of the Spanish flotilla with
apprehension. and their feelings in this re.
gard were strong enough to call the matter
TO the attention of the authorities. After
considering the matter, however, it was de.
cided that no orders would be issued look
ing to movement OF the squadron. While
the decision is understood TO have beer
based primarily upon the fact that II would
be unwise to remove the ships from their
present valuable strategic poShiohD yet it
is believed that diplomatic ooDssJsrations
also had some weight.
It was pointed out the sendiHg of the
squadron in the direction of the West In
dies. even though its mission was not to
intercept the hotilla. would be regarded as
hostile act not warranted by the present
condition OF affairs. 1t is also understood
that II was deemed wise not to permit any
movement of the flying squadron whatever
just at present, as. public interest being so
largely centered upon it, such movement
would be liable to misconstruction and give
rise to rumors that would tend only to ag-
gravate the situation.
Considerable damage may have resulted
to the ships in the course OF their passage,
and IL this is the case II may take several
weeks to put them again In condition for
service. Naval officers generally concede
the fact that there Is a decided element of
danger in the presence of a torpedo fleet
within reasonable distance of our shores,
and many Of them regret that the feet has
been permitted TO come so far. Their light
draught and great speed make these boats
especially dangerous. and II was suggested
to-day that they might be able, after leav-
ing Porto Rico, to run unnoticed into Ha-
vana harbor. where they would be mater
ial addition TO Spain's naval strength.
Naval officers are watching with much
interest the movements of the Spanish
feet now rendezvoused at Cadiz. This is
composed of five vessels, two Of which,
the Cristobal Colon and the Maria Teresa.
left Carthagena the other day. 1t was
stated to-day that there was no tnforma-
tion at hand respecting these vessels. fur
the- than that already made public.
Tho flying squadron will be completed
tomorrow with the arrivel of the Minne-
apolis at Hampton Roads. and then the
swiftest group Of warships ever gathered
in one command will be assembled under
Commodore Schley's flag.
The naval officials continue reticent re-
garding the acquisition of new vessels for
the auxiliary fleet and the negotiations for
the purchase of ships Of war abroad. but
there were indications to-day that, in spite
of the announced belief of the department
that no more ships were to be looked for in
that quarter, all hope has not been aban-
doned. No confirmation of the cable dis
patch from Denmark that negotiations were
under way for the purchase of two Danish
cruisers could be obtained, but at the same
time it was not denied. Assistant Secre-
tary Roosevelt, when asked the question
direct, replied that he could not answer
Supplementing the action taken yester-
day by the navy department in requesting
governors OF states to drill and equip the
naval militia so as TO be ready for any
emergency. Assistant Secretary Roosevelt
to-day sent letters to the governors of |
those seacoast states not having such or |
ganizations 10 take steps looking to the |
formation of naval militia, SO far as is |
possible. under the state laws. 1t is hoped |
by the naval officials that each of these
states will be enabled promptly to acqui- |
esce In the departments request and be |
prepared TO assist in the naval auxiliary |
work. Those coast states not having naval |
militia organizations are Maine. New
Hampshire. Delaware, Texas and Ala
bama. The following is copy of the let
ter sent TO the officials of those states
which already have naval militia orgapi-
cations. the first one going to those on |
the coast and the second to interior states
on the lakes:
The department requests that you will
Immediately proceed TO put the naval mil
lila Of your state in thorough condition to |
meet any sudden call for their services by
the president of the United States.
The divisions should be recruited to their
full strength and thoroughly drilled. A
careful inspection should be made of all
vessels in the ports of your state that can
be utilized for a mosquito fleet in accord
ance with instructions and blanks sent to
the adjutant general"
Late this afternoon the secretary of the
navy received Il telegram from the adjutaut
general OF Connecticut stating that the
governor directs him to notify the depart
inent that the naval battalion of Connecti-
cut Is in readiness and is awaiting orders
from the president