The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-04-04
SURE EVIDENCE OF EXPECTED
ACTUAL WAR
ONLY WHEN ATTACK IS FEARED
Are Such Squadrons 0rganized-Some
Comparisons With Picked Ves-
sells Of the Spanish Navy
Associated Press Special Wire

Staff Correspondent of the Associated
Press.) The practical completion of the
flying squadron Of the American navy by
the assignment of Commodore w. s.
schley to take charge. and his acceptance
as marked by his active operation on Mon
day last, Is an epoch-making event in the
history Of the present difficulty. No other
action Of this government since the Maine
disaster SO actively determines the fact
that actual warfare has been expected.
The North Atlantic squadron is always
organized, and the appointment Of Captain
Sampson to its comman< Is but the natural
sequence of the retirement Of Admiral ST.
card from active duty. So, too. the as
signment Of ships Of war to that squadron
or to the Pacific squadron. are but moves
toward the mobilization that might occur
at any time. But flying squadrons are
the direct outcome Of dangerous condi-
tons; not necessaries of standing nav7es
in times of peace, but expeditions of an ex-
traordinary nature, created only when the
government fully decides that there is
fear or that the time is ripe for an attack
on her. 1t is therefore not only possible.
but highly probable that the new American
flying squadron has work cut out for it,
The fleet practically gathered and alto
gether proposed that will bear this
euphonious title is one Of the most formid-
able that can be gathered together by any
nation. Realistically in favorN Of the
United States as this statement may be,
facts bear it out.
In average Of speed, in armored protec-
ton, in caliber and number of guns, and in
lighting quality and discipline Of men, it
can be proven that the composition of this
flying squadron is superior. and, point Of
number being equal, to any organization
of like nature that can be formed by a
foreign power. When on the Brooklyn
evidence of an unmistakable character was
apparent that every man, from stoker 10
commandant, was not only fearless of
battle, but courted it, and hoped 1t would
come. The small caliber gun that fired ths
commodores salute with blank cartridges
sang out a high-pitched paean of welcome
and peace.
About the land-locked water Of Hampton
Roads, where 35 years ago the Monitor and
Merrimac fought their terrible battle, sun
shine touched the hills just assuming
their emerald garb, and nature awoke at
ter her Information, Guessing the hills.
blows by. in every eye was the kindling of
vengeance for fellow seamen hurled to
death, and the hope that the cannon's
tenor note might be changed to the dread
full one of war.
And IL war comes, what Of this squad
rom?
w. S. schley, commodore commanding
the fleet, is a well built man of about So
years Of age, with general appearance
denoting thoughtfulness and diplomacy
coupled with certain characteristics which
indicate force of character and quickness
of action when developments require those
features, large-headed and kindly-faced. a
smiling eye, evidently not given to temper,
quick of answer, searching of inquiry, this
man, as he treads the captains bridge of
the Brooklyn in a naval uniform, or shakes
hands with you in the lobby of hotel in
civilian clothes. impresses you as the firm,
unyielding warrior, Just the man to take
partial orders for flying squadron, and
conduct himself with credit to his country.
In the atmosphere today which surrounded
him there is a spirit akin to that German
song which says: 1--WE have all had more
than enough Of love. and now for a song OF
hatred" but in the commander there is nc
sign of emotional desire, yet when the sum.
mons comes the songs of those who cry
loudly now may weaken enough to be over
topped by the command Of this intrepid
leader of host.
The makeup of the flying squadron
speed and fighting qualities, has been con-
sidered A summary of the points in
comparison with the best boats that Spain
cam offer in making up similar squadron
follows: