The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1898-06-29
Squadron to be Sent tt
Spain.

Washington jane 27.-The admins
,ration today finally came to decision
TO send 40 American squadron to the
Spanish coast aud into che Mediterauean.
Several times since the war broke
out rumors to this effect have circulat
ed. but the project bad not yet matured
it required the Spanish movement TO-
ward the Philippines by Camara's
squadron to decide the navy depart
mens to adopt this bold ,stroke. The
first announcement to-day through a
bulletin posted at the navy department
Of the governments intention vas ZEE
ceived With incredulisy. There was
suspicion that the story vas being 6oat.
ed to deceive tho Spanish government.
However, when later 10 the day the de-
tell of the vessels selected TO constitute
Com muodore Watsoo's eastern squadron
was aonounced aud official orders were
given to provision the feet for four
months. it became apparent to the lass
doubter that the government vas iH
earnest in this purpose to despatch the
feet to Europe. The three vessels ee-
lected as GOLFERS have started already
on their way to Newport News to take
on large supply of coal. 1t will re-
quire about week to get tbis down TO
Sampsop's feet, so If the start is to be
made from that point it will be impos-
sib!e for Commodore Watson TO get
away before the Fourth Of July. This
would seem to be an suspicious date fol
the beginning of an expedition that
will, for the 6-st time 10 the worlds
history. start from the new world TO
attack continental Europe. No attempt
ia made to deny that the government is
ioAueoced 10 ordering this movement
by desire to check the progress east
ward of the Cadiz aeet. 1t was not
believed that the Spanish admiral conld
be guilty of the~foily of uocover'pg his
home ports in this fashion, but inss-
much as he seems determined to do go
the naval ssrsteg,sts could not DO !ess
than take advantage of the magnificent
opportunity thus afforded to strike
crushing blow at Spain sud thereby
save much time spd loss of life and
money, in the conduct Of the tedions
campaign in Cuba
The determination to send this .quad-
ron against Spain Was the outcome of
direct official advices reaching the state
aud navy departments as to the pro-
eress Of Admiral Camara's squadros.
These advices give list of the Spanish
ships now bearing the Sues canal,
which differs somewbas fro, the list
given 10 the press dispatch, nd by the
Lloyds. The official list is IS follows
Pelayo. Carlos V. Audas, Odasa. Pros.
perins. Rapido, Beunos Ayres, Isla de
Paney. Colon. Covsndonga and San
Francisco.
The .dditionsl information comes
from official sources that this squadron
is at Port Said. and expects to take on
board 10000 toes of coal before enter
ing the Suez canal. Such heavy coal
ing will take some time. 1t discloses also
that tbe admiral expects to make long
sail. and is doubtless beaded for 4be
Philippines; point which the cfi:ials
here douted at first.
This squadron is the most formidable
Spain has adoat, 10 total tonnage,
strength of individual ships, armor aud
guns.
1t ie apparent that he maio re
lance Of Camara's feet is on the battle
shi p Pelayo, the armored cruiser
Carlos V and the two new torpedo
boat destroyers Audaz aod Ossda-
The others are anxiliaries and co!liers.
AS there are only two armored ships 10
the lot. Admiral Dewey's feet of pro-
tec,ed but unarmored ships will proba-
bIy take care of this Spanish squadron.
With the Monterey added be could GER
iaioly do so
The eastern .qusdron, which The
Uoited States will pow send against
Spain. far outranks this Spanish
,quadron. the Iowa aod Oregon ex-
ceeding the Pelayo and Carlos V at
eyerv noint. while The other United