The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1898-04-08
SCHLEY'S FLYING FlLLL.
The Ships Of the Squadron Gath.
ering from All Directions
at Hampton Roads.
The MOST AVAILABLE RENDEZVOUS.
The Swiftest Group OF War Vessel. Y,a.
brought Together In One squadron
VIII Occupy Its stragctic Posnion.
Ready for Attack or Defense AS N.
Occasion Requires.


WASHINGTON, April q. The nyinp
squadron Is to remain in Hampton
roads. for the present at least. mi.
announcement was made late vcotrr.
day afternoon by Secretary Long and
set at rest the reports which had been
current throughout the day that
movement of the squadron was imini-
nent. The secretary stated that the
department believed the present rem.
devious Of the squadron was the most
available one from which the ships
under Commodore Schley could operate
in carrying out the purpose for which
itwas formed, that is the protection Of
the North Atlantic seaboard. lie added
that no orders had been issued to Com.
modore Schley. and that none were in
immediate contemplation.
In the various phases of the situa-
tion the flying squadron stood ont
prominently, both as center of pab-
lie interest in connection with the ru-
morcd orders for its sailing from tho
roads and as "A matter of consideration
by the department.
1t is stated on reliable authority that
the department discussed the question
of ordering the ships TO sea, presuiua-
bly,. though not officially 50 stated in
connection with the approach of The
Spanish torpedo tiotilla, which is now
reported arrived at Porto Rico. 1t
has been an oDcn secret for some
days that the naval authorities
have regarded the approach of the
Spanish fiotilla with apprehension,
and their feelings in this regard
We're strong enough To call the matter
To the attention of the authorities
After considering the matter however.
ii was decided that no orders would DO
issued looking TO a movement of tho
squadron. While the decision is UNDER
stood to have been based primarily
upon the fact that il would be unwisc
to remove The ships from their present
valuable stragetic position, yet it Is
believed that diplomatic considerations
also had some weight.
1t was pointed out that the sending
of the squadron in the direction of the
west Indies. even though its mission
was not To intercept the notilla. would
be regarded as an hostile act. not war
ranteu by the present condition OF af-
fairs
II is also understood that il was
deemed wise not to permit any move
ment of the flying squadron whatever
just at present, as public interest being
sc largely conferred upon it, such a
movement would be liable to mscon-
struction and give rise to rulnors that
would tend only to aggravate the situa.
ton.
The flying squadron will be com
plcted to-day with the arrival OF the
Minneapolis at Hampton roads, and
then the swiftest group of war ships
ever gathered in one command will be
assembled under Commodore schleys
flag.
The naval feet ut Hampton roads
has been increased by the arrival OF
the gunboat Vicl<sburg fresh from a
cruise in the Gulf of Mexico. and the
revenue cutter Window. which is to be
immediately transformed into ship OF
war. Both vessels will go to Norfolk.
The cruiser Minneapolis left the
League Island navy yard yesterday TO
join Commodore Schley's flying squad
ron at Hampton roads.
The gunboat Newport left Port
Tampa, Fla, yesterday for Key West
The future movements OF this vessel
are uncertain. She may be immedi
ately attached to Capt. Sampson
squadron near Key West. or she may
continue her cruise north to Hampton
roads or New York.
The gunboat Annapolis. which MAJ
Just concluded practice cruise in th'
West Indies. left Port Tampa YESTERDAY
for Tomplxinsvillc. \. ", where sh'
will take on ammunition supplies
Another navel vessel arrived at INC
Washington navy yard Yesterday. y
is the United States ship Standish' ~
tachcd to the Annapolis naval acade
my. She brought a number OF gun
from Maryland, which are to be over
hauled and put in serviceable condl
ton at the Washington gun foundry
The Standish is under orders TO go Y
N..r.ll, ap.l totx he practicp ship MO