New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-27
PANTHER OFF FOR KEY WEST.
THE TROOPsHIP ESCORTED BY THE
MONTGOMERY AND THE VICKSBURG
THE ALLIANCE OUT FOR A CRUISE.

IbY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRBUNEl
Oiu roht comfort. Va, April 26-Four United
states ships sailed out OF Hampton Roads to-
DAY. The event of greatest Importance since the
unceremonlous sailing Of the Minneapolis and
the Columbia last Saturday night the de-
parture this morning OF the troopship Panther.
captain McCrowley. for Key West under con-
voy of the protected cruiser Montgomery. Cap
tain Converse, and the gunboat Vicksburg, Cap
tain Tllle
The Montgomery and the vicksburg came
over this morning from the Navy Yard at Ports
mouth. where they have been undergoing altera-
tions for three weeks The Montgomery was
the first to put in an appearance. and on com
ing to stop near the transport fired thirteen
guns in honor Of Commodore Schley's flag at the
masthead OF the Brooklyn. The flagship re-
sponded with seven guns the usual number.
The Vicksburg fired salute whatever. and
cruiscd about in the vicinity Of the transport
When Captain McCrowley signalled that he was
ready 10 proceed the Montgomery. the Panther
and the Vicksburg at once got under way and
steamed out Of Hampton Roads In the order
named passing the Virginia capes two hours
later their way to Key West The eight
hundred marines aboard the Panther Will Join
the other detachments at Key West
The traning-shi Alliance. Captain Albert
Ross. also quilted Hampton Roads this morning
for a cruise in the vicinity of the capes. 1t Is
possible that the Alliance may proceed to New
York although her officers expected to return to
Old Point
The naval patrol is again in force tonight
and the little cutters are having a rough time
on a choppy sea. The Washington, Baltimore
Cape Charles New-York and Boston steamers
went out on their early schedule tonight. and
will continue to do In future. The work OF
laying mines resumed this morning, and Is
rapidly being carried nearer the capes.
The Virginia Naval Reserves are now on duty
at Cape Henry. manning the signal station
They have received orders from Commodore
Schley to report to him direct. by the Govern
nlent wire TO Old Point. any message they may
take from warships passing by day or night
A new force has been brought into use. that
OF the Life-saving Service. The station Will not
be closed on May l. contrary to the usual GUS
tom. and the surfmen have been armed. They
constitute a coast patrol to work in co-opera-
tion with the Signal Corps
The first consignment OF steel for the fort 10
be erected at Wnloughby Spit. which Will CO.
operate with Fort Monroe arrived there last
night There were four carloads in all
Commander A. Dunlop has been assigned TO
the command OF the Solace. and Ensign Nc
Keithan. now the senior officer will go out on
the hospital ship as second in rank
Five Spanish tramp ships loaded with cargoes
at Southern ports are now on their way TO
Hampton Roads for a sufficient quantity Of coal
70 carry them TO their foreign destinations.
These ships are the Alicea, the Bonita, the era
cia the Puerto Rico and the Taesforo. II is
quite likely that some or all OF these ships VIII
be taken as prizes. The Montgomery and the
Vioksburg will probably meet them on the trip
down.
The American steamship Lomas is now on her
way TO Newport News. from Bremen. win a
cargo She lis now several days overdue, and
her owners entertain fears for her safety.
II is understood that the shipyard al Newport
News has been selected as the point FOR moDhhz-
ing any prizes captured by the Flying squad
ron. Several steamships and steamers we're
waiting outside of Hampton Roads this morn
ing for the sunrise entry privilege. having been
held up by the patrol boats.