New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-17
FORT MONROE STRONGER.
FOUR MODERN BATTERIES IN ITS DE-
FENCES
THE YOSEMITE STILL IN HAMPTON RoADs-pn.oTs
WILL NOT BD ON DUTY AT NIGHr-BATrLE-
SHIP ILLINOIS TO HAVE SMOKE

STACKS SIDE BY SIDE
by TELEGRAPH To THE TRIBrNE1
Newport News. Va. May 16.-Contrary to ex-
oectations the auxiliary cruiser Yosemite did not
start for New England waters this evening 1t
was officially stated at the shipyard to-day that
CAPTAIN Emory had orders to sail at o'clock
tonight but he did not put out further than
the middle of the stream.
The Tribune correspondent learned tonight
that the reason Commander Emory received
orders 10 move his vessel at o'clock was be-
cause the shipyard company has charged the
NAVY Department for wharfage since last Fri
day having informed Secretary Long at that
time that the Yosemite was completed and moth
ing remained TO be done to her. Three days
wharfage bill is no small item. and the Depart
nent decided that the Yosemite could eto in
the stream we'll at OF the shpyard
piers.
Commander Emory stated to night that he ex-
nsc,ed 70 leave the James River tomorrow
morning at daybreak for Old Point Comfort He
has been ordered to report to Captain Folger
-, the cruiser New-Oreans which IL still at
anchor Of the Chamberlin Hotel. at the Point
He believes that he will be sent to Join Commo-
dore Howell
The exact time OF the departure Of the Dixie
ts still matter Of speculation purely, although
the shpyard officials Will notify the Navy De-
partment on Thursday that Commander Davs's
ship is ready for sea. and every day the Dixie
is tied up at the yard the Government Will be
required TO pay wharfage.
ANOTHER NEW BATTERY.
Fort Monroe is to be strengthened by another
battery which will be a part Of the fortifca-
tons. An officer a the fort informed Tribune
correspondent to-day that modern battery.
comprising six S-inch breech-loading rifles Of
the latest type. will be constructed between the
disappearing gun hold and the mortar battery
in the Pines The distance now between these
two batteries is mile OF thin stretch Of beach
and right in the centre OF this neck leading to
the small peninsula on which the fort stands
will be built the fourth modern battery TO form
d part Of the Fort Monroe defences. When this
is completed the old stronghold will have rapid
fire. mortar, disappearing gun and converted gun
batteries.
The determination Of the War Department TO
strengthen the fort was evidently FASTENED by
the sudden departure Of the Flying Squadron
for Southern waters. as three large S-inch guns
with mounts arrived here this morning and were
al once transferred TO the fort. The work OF
placing this new battery will begin without
delay Engineers are already laying off the en-
placements.
The Virginia pilots returned to-day from
Capes Charles and Henry, and state that they
withdrew their steam pilot-boat from the Capes
station last night. having been advised by Com
modore Schley to do so. matter Of precau-
ton against any attempt OF the Spaniards TO
pick them up and force them TO pilot one OF
their war vessels into Chesapeake Bay ana
Hampton Roads. 1t is expected that the MARY
land Pilots Association Will follow the example
of their Virginia brethren. II is only al night
that IL has been deemed advisable 10 remove inc
pilots from the station.
The United States training-ship Alliance,
CAPTAIN Albert Ross. which had been lost sight
Of since leaving Hampton Roads. was sghted
last night by the schooner warren \; Iai DOT
IN the Chesapeake Bay. some distance above the
Capes. The Alliance is without armament or
armor and will now have to remain inside the
Capes as 1t would not be safe for the ofncers
and crew 10 venture TO sea IN the oio SNIP
which cannot put up any kind OF hght
The Merritt Wrecking Companys tug j. ID.
Jones' which has been purchased by the Govern
ment. will be inspected tomorrow a. the Navy
Yard 1t is the intention of the Navy Depart,
nent 10 assign the Jones. after she is named ana
converted into a gunboat. 10 the Chesapeake
Bay patrol fleet
tucky IL now being rushed at the shipyard
Since the practical completion OF the Yosemite
and Dixie the large force Of -FOUR tnousahu
men have been set TO Work on the Dig ngh'e,s'
and the progress Of the last few days is ALREADY
hsonning TO be apparent. To-day one OF the
srnokestacks was placed IN position aboard the
Kearsarge. , . ,..
The Tribune correspondent learned to-night
that the batte-ship Illinois, which IL yet 70 De
iauncbed will be somewhat different from
every other ship in the Navy as to srnokestacSs'
Her two stacks will be placed sloe by slne'
,,en+ naval experts say that the Illinois viii
have her coal space enlarged by one,thira.
which will be an important item. me limos
will be launched the latter part OF next month";