Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1898-05-20
READY FOR BATTLE.
The Flying Squadron Anchors OF
Charleston Harbor.
VESSELS ARE STRIPPED FOR ACTION.
L waiting for Coaler to Catch Up
No sight OF Spanish Fleet-Ths
Latter Reported At CuracOa,
on Coast Of Venezuela.

grams were received at the navy de-
partment Sunday morning from COM
manders Of fleets, and others were sent
in reply. It was stated that the govern
ment was now in communication with
the several squadrons, and develop
ments of more or less Importance are
looked for in the near future. In con-
sequence Of the publication Of impor-
tant naval movements an order has been
issued by Secretary Long directing that
all matters concerning naval move
cept such as he himself sees tit to an
nounce.
Flying Squadron On Charleston.
On Board the Flagship Brooklyn, Of
the Flying Squadron, OFF Charleston,S.
G., May l6.-The four vessels of war
comprising the major portion of the fly
ing squadron, Commodore Schley, an
chored of Charleston bar, nine miles
from Charleston city, at 1880 o'clock
Sunday afternoon, after having been at
sea for three days and with no sign of
the Spanish cruisers or torpedo boats,
said to be in this locality.
stripped for battle.
The pilots were dropped at Cape
Henry on Friday night and the squad
ron proceeded to sea at ten-knot
squadron speed. At sunset active battle
preparations were made. Ports were
closed with steel covers, battle matches
covered, the main batteries of the ships
loaded and men sent to the guns with
instructions for a night watch to be
kept. With all lights extinguished the
squadron proceeded in southeasterly
direction. Towards morning several
heavy fog banks were run into, and dur
ing one of these intervals the collier
Sterling became detached, To wait for
her was partly the reason that anchor
age was made, although Commodore
Schley communicated ut once with
Washington and the navy department.
When the collier arrives all the ships
will take coal and then proceed to sea
again.
Spanish Fleet at Curacao.
New York, May 16.-An Evening
World extra contains copyright spe-
cial from Curacao, Venezuela, dated
1880 a. m. Sunday, saying that the
Spanish warships Infanta Maria The
resa and Vizcaya are still at Curacao
coaling. The torpedo boat destroyers
Cristobal Colon and Almirante Oquendo
are outside waiting for the two cruisers.
Washington, May 16.-Defnite official
information reached the authorities
that the Spanish squadron has been
sighted of the island of Curacao, one OF
the Dutch West Indies. lying of the
north coast of Venezuela. This infor.
nation was regarded as of vital impor-
lance, as it not only fixed the position
OF the enemy but disclosed the purpose
of the Spanish admiral to elude Admiral
SIMPSONS feet and make his way
through the Caribbean sea, probably ia
Cuba.
Battle Not Expected Soon.
No immediate battle with Admiral
SIMPSONS feet is now expected, as
the Spaniards, it seems likely, have
succeeded in passing south Of the
American fleet, and are now well to
the westward Of 1t. AS the enemy i,
within reach Of the cable the navy de.
partment regards it of the most vital
concern that the exact whereabouts OF
the American ships should not be made
known during the next few days. Thu.
far they have been handicapped by the
fact that the Spanish admiral knew OF
the whereabouts Of our ships, while
we were in state of doubt as to the
locality of his ships. The officials here
regard it as essential during the mex,
few days to reverse this condition, SO
that the Spanish admiral will be NOV.
ing in the dark, while our officers will
be posted as to his movements through
the Caribbean.