Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-28
Veteran oaioer'a' Flag Now Flies
From Brooklyn'sf Masthead.
CHEERED BY TIE. BLUEJACKETS
Officers Allowed the Men to Show
II ar
Their Enthusiasm.
NO ORDERS TO MOVE

FORT MONROE, Va, March 2s.-(With
the American Flying Squadron, Hampton
Roads, March 2S}-More than the usual
enthusiasm was displayed today by the
officers and men Of that portion of the
American flying squadron already assem-
bled here when Commodore w. 8. Schley
took command.
There is always a perfunctory duty to be
dcne In such cases, but the duty today
was performed with an ill-concealed en-
tECsiasm that bordered upon a breach of
discipline. Officers smiled, however; the
newly detailed commander could not in
his pleasure at such greeting find fault
and the men were allowed to give full
vent to their feelings
The significance of the greeting was in
the general feeling that the first step
had been taken toward the completion CT
what VIII be the free-fignting squadron.
anu the men were apparently gratified
10th with the step and with the cho.ce of
commanders, for Commodore Schley is
Known as conservative yet absolutely
fearless and determined fighter.
Arrived Early This Morning.
Commodore Schley left Washington last
night and arrived at Fort Monroe early
this morning. He was met by an ensign
and boat crew of sailors, who relieved
him OF his baggage and received informa-
ton that he would go aboard the Brook
Ign. which he has designated as flagship.
AT $3.50, after breakfast at the Chamber
lin Hotel. the commander of the Brooklyn.
with some petty officers, took Commodore
Schley aboard a launch and conveyed him
to the fleet, which lies near New port News.
The commodore was in civilian dress, but
was saluted with the usual formalities as
he passed up the. Brooklyn's companion
way to begin active service. He was
n Uyhi rh oil lob
crate than upon any warship afioat, hav-
ing been prepared for exhibit when the
Brooklyn visited England during the
queens jubilee.
Ready for Command.
Within p half hour after boarding ship
Commodore Schey, in full uniform, was
ready to take command, and the men of
the fleet were drumrned to quarters and
the yards manned. Commodore Schley
stepped to the bridge of the Brooklyn, and,
reading his commission as commander,
took possession. At the same instant his
flag was broken from the Brooklyn's mast
heaG. and one OF the big guns belched
forth a salute which was answered from
The Massachusetts, lying near.
Then enthusiasm broke loose, and there
was a roar of applause from the deck and
yards. Shortly after the officers of the
battle ship Massachusetts came aboard,
and, together with the officers of the
Brooklyn, paid their respects
The second step in the. formation of the
squadron will take place this week, when
the assignment of Vessels is complete.
Strength Ofnfhe Squadron.
For speed and strength this squadron will
be unexcelled. At present the battle ship
Massachusetts, of 10 2ss tons, and capable
of eighteen knots an hour. and the pro-
tected first-class cruiser Brooklyn of 9.271
tons, and capable OF twenty-five knots an
hour, form the nucleus Of the squadron.
During the week 1t IS expected that the
Minneapolis of 1875 tons, with a speed of
tv enty-five knots, and the Columbia, 6. 1:5
tens, with speed of tEenty-three knots,
will be added. While these fighting ships
are rated as cruisers only, they are Of a
type equal to the best battle ships of Spain.
The Brooklyn, particularly, Is the highest
type of a fighting machine, and its equip
ment of rapid-fire guns exceeds both in
number and caliber any first-class battle
ship of Spain. In speed the squadron will
be unexcelled, its average speed being 21.5
knots. The four best boats in the Spanish
fleet average but 1875 knots.
No Orders to Move.
Commodore Schley said this morning to
the Associated Press representative: II
have no orders to move, nor do I know
when they will come. We are ready to
move at the shortest kind Of notice upon
the completion of the fleet"