The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-04-22
THE FLYING SQUADRON.

THE FLYING SQUADRON.
Preparing to Leave at Minutes No
photographic Communication Viii
BE Open All Night.
Fort Monroe. Va. April 21.-Begin
ming with the reception of the first news
bulletins from Washington to-day, in
tense excitement prevailed here, both oI
shore and among the officers and men
of the squadron.
The officers who came ashore in the
afternoon were notified that they must
report on board at 10 o'clock by the
latest and that no all night shore leaves
would be granted. The officers of che
Massachusetts were told that they must
report at $50 o'clock on board when
leave might be granted for some Few
hours to see friends. These two orders
led to all sorts of rumors, one being thai
the Massachusetts had been detached,
which was promptly denied. At the
hotels where many of the officers wives
are staying there was great consterna-
ton. it being believed that the squadron
would sail before morning.
At o'clock after the receipt of the
Associated Press bulletin that the Key
West fleet had moved and the further
bulletin that the Spanish believed the
ultimatum to be declaration of war,
Commodore Schley signalled from the
Brooklyn for all engines to be coupled
The engines in port are uncoupled and
not usually coupled until at sea and the
order was for the evident intention of
making good time if an order was re-
ceived. Arrangements We're made for
the telegraph stations on shore to re-
main open all night to receive dispatches.
Despite the strain on all nerves to-
night. men and officers are enthusiastic
to a degree and that was demonstrated
when the torpedo boat Rodgers stopped
by the Brooklyn on her way out to join
the Key West squadron to ask permits
sion of Commodore Schley to proceed.
The men flocked to the forecastles of the
vessels and cheered heartily.
The Rogers went out once before but
rubbed on sand bar and slightly in
jured her screw. While the injury was
not severe it was thought best to fix It
and the work was completed to-day
She went out of Hampton Roads at Il
terrific rate.
the Merrimac and the Saturn. are not
yet quite ready but may be in a day
They are fast boats and can catch the
squadron. which. in squadron array will
not attempt to make more than II knots
an hour. The hospital boat is still in
the hands of the ship builders being con-
verified and cannot he ready with crew
for several days. These things however
off l. -
SQUADRON. Capt. Higginson said tonight
that any statement to the effect that the
Massachusetts had been ordered to New
York city for defence of that har-
Dor was untrue
All of the ships have extraordinary
comDlements of coal. water, oil and pro-
visions and are ready for a long cruise.
OF INTEREST TO THE NEGRO.
Newport News, Va. April 21.-The
new Domestic Science building at the
Hampton Normal and Agricultural In
stItute. was formally opened to-day. the
ceremonies being witnessed by large
crowd, including several distinguished
persons from New York and other north
ern cities. Hon j. l.. NJ. Curry, former
Spanish Minister, delivered the principal
address. Mr. st. Clair McKelvay, editor
of the Brooklyn Eagle: Mr.. r. G. Ogden
and Mr.. ID. Willis james, of New York
also spoke. After the benediction was
by Bishop McVicker, of Yer
mont, the visitors repaired to the gymna-
SUM, where the thirtieth anniversary of
the institute was celebrated. Booker
Il. Washington, principal Of the Tuske-
gee, Alabama, Normal school, was the
principal speaker. His address was de-
voted to a review of educational work
among negroes.
NEW WARSHIP PURCHASED.
Rio Janeiro. April 21.-Warship Mic
theroy, bought by the United States.
leayes Immediately with 5000 tons of
coal.
THE SAILING OF THE FLEET.
Key West, Fla. April 21.-9:30 p. M
1t is believed now that the fleet will
sail III the early morning hours.
REMAINS AT DE VERDE.
st. Vincent, Cape Verde Islands, April
21.-S:30 l.. M.--The Spanish Cape
Verde Squadron is still here, waiting
with fires banked.
BUYS CHINESE CRUISERS.
Berlin, April 21.-The Hamburger
announces that the Uni
ted States has bought three Chinese
cruisers that are building at the Vulcan
Yards.
MANIFESTO PROMULGATED.
The Governor General of Cuba Issues
Call to Arms Against United States.
Havana ADril 21-The Official Ga