The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-02
AdvisabiIity of watching the Spanish
Fleet Discussed, hut No Action
Taken by Mr.. Long.
MORE NAVAL MILITIA NEEDED
GOVERNORS OF sEACOAsT STATES
ASKED TO BEGIN RECRUITING.
Busy Day at the War and Navy De-
partments-The Minneapolis speed
ing Towards Fort Monroe.

WASHINGTON, April LA bulletin from
Madrid dated midnight, announcing that the
Spanish torpedo f1otilla had arrived at Porto
Rico from the Canary islands, caused much
interest among the naval officers who read
it. Some expressed doubt as to the relia-
bility of the announcement in view of the
fact that the flotilla was not expected to
arrive at it's destination before early next
week. Other officers however, thought the
report might be true, because II no bad
weather was encountered the boats had, no
doubt, been pushed ahead under full steam
The flying squadron is to remain In
Hampton Roads for the present at least
This announcement was made late this
afternoon by Secretary Long. and set at
rest tho reports which had been current
throughout the day that a movement of the
squadron was imminent The secretary
stated that the department believed that the
present rendezvous of the squadron was the
most available one from which the ships
under Commodore Schley could operate in
carrying out the purpose for which 1T was
formed-that is, the protection of the north
Atlantic seaboard. He added that no orders
had been Issued to Commodore Schley, and
that none We're in immediate contempla-
ton.
In the various phases of the situation to-
day the Flying squadron" stood out promi-
nently both as a center of public interest
in connection with rumored orders for its
sailing from the roads and as matter OF
consideration by the department. II Is
stated on reliable authority that the depart
ment discussed the question of ordering the
ships to sea, presumably, though not ofn-
ciaIly so stated, in connection with the
Spanish torpedo fotilla, which has since ar
rived at Porto Rico. 1t has been an open
secret for some days that the naval au-
thorities have regarded the approach OF the
Spanish fiotilla with apprehension, and their
feelings in this regard were strong enough
to cali the matter to the attention OF the
authorities. After considering the matter,
however. it was decided that no orders
would be issued looking to a movement OF
the squadron
While the decision is understood to nave
been based primarily on the fact that IL
would be unwise to remove the ships from
their present valuable strategic posiion,
vet it is believed that diplomatic consioera-
ticns also had some weight 1t was pointeo
out the sending of the squadron In the oi-
rection of the West Indies, even though its
,nission were not to intercept the f1otilla,
would he regarded as a hostile act not war
rar.ted bv the present condition Of affairs
It is also understood that 1t was deemed
wise not to permit any movement OF the
flying squadron whatever just at present,
as public interest being so largely centereu
upon it, such a movement would De iaple
to misconstruction and give rise to rumors
that would tend only to aggravate the SIT
uation. The flying squadron VIII be COM
pleted tomorrow with the arrival OF the
Minneapolis at Hampton roads, and then
the swiftest group of war ships ever gath
cred in one command will be assembled uh-
der Commodore Schleys flag.
Supplementing the action taken yesterday
by the Navy Department in requesting
Governors OF States to drill and equip the
naval militia so as to be ready for any
emergency, Assistant Secretary Roosevelt
to-day sent letters 10 the Governors OK
those seacoast States not having sucn or
ganizations to take steps looking to the for
nation of naval militia so far as is possible
under the State laws. 1t Is hoped by the
naval officials that each of these States VIII
be enabled 20 promptly acquiesce IN the de-
partment's request and b. prepared to as
sist III the naval auxiliary work. Those
coast States not having naval militia or
ganizations are Maine, New Hampshire,
Delaware, Texas and Alabama. Following
is a copy OF the letter sent to the officials OF
those States which already have naval
militia organizations, the first one going to
those on the coast and the second to in
terror States on the lakes:
''The department requests that you will
Immediately proceed To put the naval mill
itia Of your State in thorough condition to
meet any sudden call for their services by
the President of the United States. The di-
visions should be recruited TO their full
strength. A careful inspection should be
made of all vessels in the ports of your
State that can be utilized for Il mesquite
fleet. in accordance with Instructions and
blanks sent to the adjutant general"
.sThe department requests that you will
Immediately 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 divi-
sions should be recruited TO their fun
strength and thoroughly drilled
Late this afternoon the secretary of the
navy received a telegram from the adtutant
general of Connecticut stating that the
Governor directs him to notify the depart
n-ent that the naval battalion of Connects
cut is in readiness and is awaiting orders
from the President.
The building in which are the State, War
and Navy Departments was alive from end
to end to-day. Telegrams came thick and
fast, and hurried conferences were held be-
tween officials, but there was comparatively
little news obtainable. Before Secretary
Leug's departure to the White Housa he
saw a number OF bureau chiefs and also
Senator Hansbrough and Representatives
Handy. Secretary Alger had an interview
with Senator Proctor and Representative
Crurnp. The increasing tendency Of the OH
cials not TO impart TO the public news of