New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-10
FLYING SQUADRON READY.
MASSACHUSETTS JOINED HER SISTER SHIPS YES
TERDAY-sENATOR PROCTOR AND THE
BELGIAN MINISTER CALI. on
COMMODORE sCHLEl

BELGIAN MINISTER CALL on
CoMMoDoRE sCHLEY
Old Point Comfort Va. April Especially
Massachusetts hurriedly left Newport News this
morning at II o'clock, and joined Commodore
SChley's squadron here hour later. The
battle-shp's departure was unexpected. and
when she started both launches and several
boats were ashore. The officers wives stopping
at the Hotel Warwick. Of whom there four
teen. knew nothing OF the orders and as the big
ship passed they waved farewell to their hus
bands with handkerchief. Captain Higginson
dipping the coors TO them. something unusual
in naval etiquette.
on arriving at Old Point. the Massachusetts
anchored in second place. behind the Brooklyn
The full fighting strength Of the Flying Squad
ron is now concentrated off Fort Monroe. ex
pecting final sailing orders IN the next forty
eight hours. The Government tugs from the
Portsmouth Navy Yard have been here all day
taking of superfluous parts
The Newport News Shpbuildng and Drydock
Company hag received official notice that the
Morgan Liners FL Rio and FL sud Will arrive at
the shipya,d Monday to be converted into
armored auxiliary cruisers. FL Norte. which
was aso built az Newport News. Will probably
be ordsred to sail with her sister ships, instead
of being armored at Brooklyn. The hospital
equipments for the Solace. including operating
tables. cots. ventilators and evaporators ar
rived a, the sh!pyard to-day. Work on the hos
pital-ship is being pushed rapidly
Senate Proctor and Baron ldchtenvede. the
Belgian Minister at Washington. arrived here
tO-da;. and at O'Clock this afternoon they VS.
tied Commodore Schley the flagship Brook
Ign. Thirteen guns were fired In honor of the
disttu ;Uished visit ors. The Senator ana ms
friend remained on board the BROOKLYN only a
short time returning after paying their respects
to Commodore Schiey. Senator Hanna cortein-
plated joining the party al Old Point. but was
detained al the last moment by matters OF Ma
tiOnai importance. In speaking tonight " MS
trip TO old Point at this time. Senator Proctor
stated that IL only made for pleasure. ana
there is no significance attached lie and Baron
Lichtenvelde will remain until tomorrow nigh.
when they Will return 20 Washington by
steamer.
Some excitement was caused here to-day b. a
report from Cape Henry 70 the effect that a
ship carrying the Spanish flag and apparently
armed had put INTO the Cape5 FOR $780, S>tdp,.di
70 have been the Palentino. took on a pilot she
Immediately discharged him. presumably after
learning that the warships were anchored IN
side. and put 10 sea again. The Palentino was
due 10 arrive here this morning
so far Commodore Schley knows. there is
absolutely no truth In the report that the Mas
sachusetts and the New York are 10 exchange
commands. In the interest Of the Flying Squad
need the Massachusetts, said one officer 10.
night, even though she cannot make the speed
/ OF the former Captain Sampson now has twc
battle-ships. the Iowa and the Indiana, and viii
soon have a third the Oregon. You can say
that the Massachusetts, will not be detached
from the Flying Squadron with Commodore
/ Schley's approval You need not be surprised
however. to hear that the Flying SQcadron VII
be strengt nened IN the near future by the New
York in case 50 South and then make for
the Canares."