The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-03-19
MAY BE WITHHELD
From the Public Until the Middle of
Next Week.
THE NEW SQUADRON APPROVED.
Some Surprise Expressed in the Cabi-
net in the Delay in Guarding the
Coast P.rt and Gathering Such
Formidable Force Near
Key West-The Varcse
Not Sold to Any Ono

WASHINGTON, March ls.-An air OF
suspense was noticeable in the Navy De-
partment to-day, due to the approach
Of the time for the delivery of the report
OF the court of inquiry. 1t is not known
just when the document will come TO
Washington. all that is known definitely
is that the President has suggested that
the report be made as soon as possible
and IN consequence 1t is expected to
reach THIS city in the course Of two or
three days.
The Cabinet to-day talked over the
matter and the time stated was the gene
raj opinion Of the members when they
had heard all that Secretary Long had to
report on the subject
There Is az impression that Lieuten-
ant-Commallder Mark will bring the
document. though II is within Admiral
Sicard's power 10 choose any other Of
fcer.
Cabinet officer expressed the belief
that the report will require careful con-
slderation on the part Of the President
and his Cabinet before being given to the
public which would seem to postpone pub
lication TO some time about the middle OF
next week although nothing is certain ola
that point
THE NEW SQUADRON.
The new naval policy embodied in the
reation Of another squadron to rendez-
sous at Hampton Roads, was also dis
cussed at the Cabinet meeting at length
to-day and received unanimous approval
In fact some surprise was expressed al
the delay on the part of the Navy De-
partment In taking some such step 10 en-
sure the protection of the more valuable
coast ports along the North Atlantic. the
gathering OF useessly surplus fleet at
Key West regarded as In the nature OF
putting all of our eggs In one basket.
The San Francisco reported her arri-
val from Lisbon at Gravesend to-day
Under his orders the commander will
divide his crew with the Amazonas and
sail at the earliest possible moment for
THE United states conveying the new.
ship.
Beyond the Amazonas. her sister ship
Abreuall and the Mayfiower, no pur-
chases of ships have been made by the
NAVY Department. 4 number OF neet
steam Yachts owned In the United states
are being offered to the Department ano
Il is probable that some OF these VIII De
purchased.
Secretary Long takes the view thai
failing TO secure the torpedo boats de-
stroyers he wants. the best plan Is for
him to equip some of these speedy boats
and improvse torpedo boats.
The Navy Department Is convinced that
the Spanish government has not acquired
possession of the Varese, the Italian
armored cruiser. II would not. however.
bea matter of deep concern II the report
were true. The Department Itself had
the vessel In mind as a possible acquisi-
tion. but abandoned the idea upon learn
ing that she could not be made ready Tor
service In less than three CT four months
which practically put her out OF conslo-
Grafton as a purchase.
COMING HOME.
The eunboat Newport reported her ar
rival by cable to the Navy Department
from Greytown. She will bring bark 70
the United States the Nicaraguan Canal
Commission and viii then be attached al
once 10 the North Atlantic squadron.
some idea OF the activity prevailing In
r~-ei ~s.c'es is ~iven by the statement
that the pay roll OF the Construction De
partment. only one or several Depart
ments In the Mare Island Navy Na'.' Tor
March was $4,000. This great expenditure
per month. II is said. was not equailed
during the late war.
rhe amount maid for the MayAower
was about $500 900. Recruiting IS going
on apace at all stations for the army ana
navy. 49,
The Marblehead is at Tarpa. The lit
TO bancroft on her way across the ocean
reported by cable her arrival to-day al
Horta. Fayal She appears TO be making
ahor, pc rood time as her larger consort'
the Helena.
The Samoset arrived at Key West to-
dav as did the Montgorery.
while the Detroit has sailed from taa'
port for Tortugas.
The Machias has arrived At Boston
where she viii have slight repairs ma1e
No Official notice Of .he stoppage OF the
Spanish torpe6o boat notilla az the CO.
nary Islands and their turning hack
IRON that point has reached our govern
ment yet so that any assumption tha'
Tho movements Of that ho.illa have in
Nuenced the Navy Department TO with
draw the feet at Kew West is said 20
ne purely w'hou' basis OF fact.
- NO CESSATION.
The Navv Department has nv no means
as suspended its efforts 10 obtain posses
sion OF desirable warShips abroad and IN
M direction r. there any visible
relaxation OF the steadily pursued pur
nose Of the Navy and War Denar mcnts
10 provide for the defence of the coun-
trv AGAINST hostile attack
Senator Uavley. of Connecticut. raid
to-day that Il was the intention 10 re
through Congress as speedily as possibl
the three battalion mi i,ary bill wh ch was
introduced at he suggestion of the de
partrnent In both houses yesterday ior
strengthening the military arm OF the
service and providing for Its increase 70
1910 600 men IL necessary.
h,AlE March ls-An official denial Is
given TO the report that the armored
cruiser Varege has been sod.