Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-03-29


Fort Monroe, Va, March 2S.-More
shan the usual enthusiasm was dis
nlayed to-day by the officers and men
Of that portion of the American flying
squadron already assembled here when
commodore w. S Schley took com
mand There is always a perfunctory
duty to be done in such cases. but the
duty to-day was performed with an ILL
concealed enthusiasm that bordered
upon a breach of discipline. Officers
smiled. however The newly detailed
commander could not in his pleasure
Al such greeting, find fault and the
men we're allowed to give full vent to
their feelings. The significance Of the
greeting was in the general feeling
that the first step toward the compile
zion of what will be the free fighting
squadron had been taken, and the men
anparently were gratified both with
the step and with the choice of com
handlers, for Commodore Schley Is
known as a conservative, yet
ABSOLUTELY FEARLESS
and determined fighter.
Commodore Schley left Washington
last night and arrived at Fort Monroe
early this morning. He was met by an
ensign and a boat crew of sailors who
relieved him OF his baggage and re-
reived information that he would go
aboard the Brooklyn, which he has de-
signsted as flagship.
AT $3.50. after breakfast at the Cham
berlin. the commander of the Brook
lvn with some petty officers, took
Commodore Schley aboard a launch.
and conveyed him to the fleet, which
lies near Newport News. The commo-
dore was in civilian dress, but was sa-
Iuted with the usual formalities as he
nassed up the Brooklyn's companion
wav TO begin active service. He was
shown 10 quarters which were more
elaborate than upon any war ship
afoat. having been prepared for exhi-
hit when the Brooklyn visited England
during the Queens jubilee. Within
a half hour after boarding the ship
Commodore Schley. in full uniform.
mas ready to take command, and the
men Of the fleet were drummed to
quarters with the yards manned, the
marines on deck and the otficars and
gunners at post. Commodore Schley
stepped to the bridge of the Brooklyn,
and reading his commission as COM
mander. took possession. At the same
instant his flag was broken from the
Brooklyn's mast head and one of the
liz guns belched forth salute, which
was answered by the Massachusetts,
living near.
THEN ENTHUSIASM BROKE LOOSE,
and there was a roar of applause from
the deck and yards. Shortly after the
officers of the battleship Massachusetts,
came aboard, and, together with the Of
ficers of the Brooklyn, paid their re-
spects.
The second step in the formation of
the squadron will take place when the
assignment of vessels is complete.
For speed and strength this squad
ron will be unexcelled. At present the
battleship Massachusetts,, of 10. 2S8 tons
and capable of IS knots an hour, and
the protected first class cruiser Brook
lyn. Of 9271 tons and capable of 22
knots an hour, form the nucleus of the
squadron.
During the week it is expected that
The Minneapolis, of 1876 tons, with a
NpCtu vi 20 hHUtS, anu the Soluhipio,
6,735 tons with a speed of % knots, Will
be added. While these fighting ships
are rated as cruisers only, they are of
a type equal to the best battleships of
Spain. The Brooklyn particularly is
the highest type Of fighting machine
and its equipment of rapid fire guns
exceeds both in number and calibre,
ANY FIRST CLASS BATTLESHIP
of Spain. In speed the squadron will
be unexcelled, its average speed, even
with the heavy battleship Massachu-
sets, being 215 knots an hour. Com
modore Schley said this morning to the
Associated Press representative:
Il have no orders to move. nor do
know when any will come. We are
ready to move at the shortest kind of
notice upon the completion of the
feet"