The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-03-25
GREAT ACTIVITY
In NAVAL CIRCLES
The Spanish Torpedo Fleet Sails from
the Canaries.
EFFECT OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT
The Most Energetic and warliko
Preparations Follow One Another
in Rapid Succession Important
Naval Appointments--Ad ST.
cards Leave Of Absence.

Washington, March 24.--The last day
before the arrival Of the report Of the
Maine court of inquiry was one of un-
exampled activity in all official quar-
ters Advices came early that the
Spanish torpedo fleet has sailed from
the Canaries for Porto Rico and from
this moment the most energetic war
like measures followed one another in
constant succession. The movement of
this fleet had been watched with the
keenest interest, as 1t was felt to in
volve serious possibilities which might
compel the United States government
to protest against the movement as of
a hostile character. Immediately on
the receipt of the official dispatch from
one of our naval attaches abroad brief
1y announced the sailing of the fleet,
the fact was made known to the presi-
dent and an earnest conference was
held between him and Secretary Long
and Assistant Secretary Roosevelt.
The seriousness of the movement was
fully considered and the president was
advised that naval strategists regarded
is as essential that this torpedo fleet
should not be allowed to reach western
waters. What, if any conclusion was
reached is not known. Later in the
de Bernabe, called at the state depart
ment and spent some time with Judge
Day. 1t was naturally inferred that
the approach of the Spanish tlotilla
was one of the subjects referred to.
Whether, however, there was any sug-
gestion against the move was not dis
closed by either Judge Day or the
Spanish minister, both of whom main
tanned the strictest reticence regarding
their conference and refused to speak
concerning 1t.
FLEET ON WAR FOOTING.
Following the f1otilla announcement,
important news followed rapidly. The
first was this announcement by Secre-
tary Long, indicating the placing of
our squadron and fleet On a war foot
ing:
Admiral Sicard has been granted
leave, very much to the regret Of the
navy department although on account
of his health.
Captain Sampson has been made
commander of the fleet at Key West.
CAPTAIN Evans has been ordered to take
command of the battleship Iowa"
The orders to the squadron in Hamp-
ton Roads have not yet been issued.
Although the announcement did not
state, it soon became known that Com
modore W. S. Schley was slated to
command the 'fying squadron"
This announcement was recognized
at once as of unusual Importance at
this juncture. Admiral Sicard has
been in command Of the fleet at Key
West throughout the critical period of
the Maine disaster. Captain Sampson
has been in command of the Iowa, but
more recently has been conspicuous
before the public as president of the
Maine court of inquiry. Captain Rob-
ley Evans is known as Fighting Bob"
The next important move was a de-
termination to create joint commit
tee from the war and navy depart
ments so as to bring them into har-
monious action on all measures. Cap
tain Barker the naval aide of Secre-
tary Long, was designated to repre-
sent the navy department in this COM
mon plan of action. The representa-
tive of the war department has not yet
been named. 1t will not be necessary
for these two officers to leave Wash
ington as they can best arrange a
joint plan of action in conference with
the bureau chiefs Of the two depart
ments here.
NEW BOATS PURCHASED.
Then at the close of day came an an
nouncement that the navy department
has succeeded in purchasing eight
steam yachts and four steam tugs pre-:
sumably at and near New Yark, for
use in the auxiliary naval fleet.
The boats are about 400 tons each
and in an emergency would be suit
able as torpedo boats. The yachts pur-
chased are among the fleets along the
Atlantic coast and are said to be some
what similar to the Mayfower recent
ly purchased of the Ogden Goelet es-
tate. This acquisition to the navy is
regarded as an exceptionally valuable
one at the present time, as the great
est need is felt for small craft suitable
as torpedo boats and dispatch boats
There was additional satisfaction at
the navy department at the large
number secured in a single purchase
The names and amounts paid for the
various yachts and tugs are not dis
closed as II is said this would prove
an embarrassment to the government
in promoting speculation on other craft
for which negotiations are now pro-
ceeding.