The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-04-02
NO ORDERS SENT TO SCHLEY
FLYING SQUADRON WILL NOT
MOVE AT PRESENT

Effective Base of Operations,
Aside From the Diplomatic COM
plIcattOns That Arc Involved
Fleet Complete md All Ready.
REEDY ISLAND, Del, April 1.-The
cruiser Minneapolis passed Reedy ISL
and at $50 p m. She will probably join
the flying squadron at Hampton Roads
tomorrow morning.
Philadelphia, April 1.-Orders were
received at the League Island navy
yard this afternoon directing that the
monitor Miantonomah sail tomorrow.
The destination is not known.
WASHINGTON, April 1.-The flying
squadron is to remain in Hampton
Roads for the present at least. This
announcement was made late this af
ternoon by Secretary Long, and set at
. rest the reports which had ben current
Throughout the day that movement
of the squadron was imminent.
The secretary stated that the depart
ment believed that the present rendez-
vous of the squadron was the most
available one from which the ships I'M
der Commodore Schley could operate
in carrying out the purpose for which
it was formed. that is, the protection
OF the North Atlantic seaboard. He
added that no orders had been issued
were in immediate contemplation.
In the various phases of the situation
here today the flying squadron stood
out prominently, both as a center of
public interest in connection with ru-
mored orders for its sailing from the
roads. and as a matter of considera-
ton by the department.
1t is stated on reliable authority that
the department discussed the question
of ordering the ships to sea, presum-
ably. though not officially so stated, n
connection with the approach of the
Spanish torpedo flotilla.
1t has been an open secret for some
days that the naval authorities have
regarded the approach of the Spanish
f1otilla with apprehension, and their
feelings in this regard were strong
enough to call the matter to the atten-
ton Of the authorities. After consid-
ering the matter, however, it was de-
cided that no orders would be issued
looking to a movement of the squad
ron.
Diplomacy Il Factor.
While the decision is understood to
have been based primarily upon the
= fact that it would be unwise to re-
move the ships from their present val
liable strategic position. yet it is be-
ieyed that diplomatic considerat tons
also had some weight.
1t was pointed out the sending of
the squadron in the direction of the
West Indies, even though it's mission
were not to intercept the f1Otilla, would
be regarded as hostile act not war
ranted by the present condition of af-
fairs. 1t is also understood that it was
deemed wise not to permit any move
: ment of the flying squadron whatever
just at present, as public interest being
so largely centered upon it, such a
movement would be liable to miscon-
struction and give rise to rumors that
would tend only to aggravate the stu
alton.
The flying squadron will be complet-
ed tomorrow with the arrival of the
Minneapolis at Hampton Roads and
then the swiftest group of warships
ever gathered in one command will be
assembled under Commodore ScNey's
flag
experimenting the action taken yes
terday by the navy department in re-
qCaSting governors of states to drill
and equip the naval militia so as to be
ready for any emergency, Assistant
Secretary Roosevelt today sent letters
to the governors of those seacoast
- states not having such organizations
to take steps looking to the formation
OF naval militia so far as is possible
under the state laws.
Naval Militia.
1t is hoped by the naval officials that
each of these states will be enabled to
promptly acquiesce in the departments
request and be prepared to assist in
the naval auxiliary work. Those coas,
states not having naval militia organ
izations are Maine, New Hampshire
Delaware, Texas and Alabama. The
following is copy of the letter sent
TO the officials of states which already
have militia organizations, the first one
going to those on the coast and the
second to interior states on the lakes:
The department requests that you will i'm
mediately proceed to put the naval militia
Of your state in thorough condition to meet
any sudden call for their services by the
president of the United States.
The divisions should be recruited to their
full strength careful inspection should
be made of all vessels in the possession of
your state that can be used for mosquito
feet in accordance with instructions and
blanks sent to the adjutant general.
The department requests that you will i'm
mediately proceed to put the naval militia of
your state in thorough condition to meet
any sudden call for their services by the
president of the United States.
The divisions should be recruited to their
full strength and thoroughly drilled.
Late this afternoon the secretary OF
the navy received a telegram from the
adjutant general of Connecticut stating
that the governor directs him to notify
talon of Connecticut is in readiness
and is awaiting orders from the pres,-
dent
The naval officials continue reticen
regarding the acquisition of new YES
sells for the auxiliary fleet and the ne
gotiatons for the purchase Of ships Of
war abroad, but there were indications
today that in spite of the announced
belief of the department that no more
ships were to be looked for in thai
quarter, all hope has not been aban
doned.
No confirmation Of the cable dispatci
from Denmark that negotiations wers
under way for the purchase of two
Danish cruisers could be obtained, bu
at the same time it was not denied AS
sistant Secretary Roosevelt, when ask
ed the question direct, replied that HI
could not answer.
Rush Order for Meat.