The Hawaiian gazette., 1898-03-22
Flagship Leaves In a Few Days
for China.
ORDERED TO HONG KONG
Taking On Powder, Shells and Coal.
Mohican VIII Stay Here-Olym-
pia Remains at Hong Kong.

The U. S. Flagship Baltimore will be
out Of this port by the middle OF the
week and will be headed for Hong
Kong and moving at pretty nearly her
best speed. AS the Baltimore is out
of the dry dock less than half a year
she should make good time. This pa
per gave a fortnight ago the news
that the Baltimore was TO go to the
Asiatic station. 1t was the understand
ing then that the Olympia would come
here and proceeding to Mare Island
for an overhauling make changes of
men with the Baltimore. Now, in ac-
cordance with the program to be pro-
mulgated by Admiral Miller, the Bal
timore will leave so soon as possible
and the Olympia will remain on the
Asiatic station Indefinitely. ''Indefn-
itely'' means until there is war or I'M
til the war cloud has dissipated. 1t is
more than likely that Admiral Miller
will hold the training ship Mohican
here for some time-for several mails.
The flag of the squadron commander
will now in all probability go over to
the U. S. Gunboat Bennington The
Bennington is practically a fixture
here. If some grave emergency arose
she might leave, but in that event
would be replaced by larger vessel
with more men.
The quick passage of the Mohican
from San Francisco has greatly faci-
litated plans concerning the move
ments Of Pacific squadron vessels. The
Mohican brought a large consignment
of powder and fixed ammunition for
the Baltimore. The work of transfer
ring this began yesterday morning.
The Baltimore also started to coal and
take on supplies. Of course there is
hurry in all this work, but Sunday
labor was further considered advisable
on account of the uncertain weather.
Part of the day was clear and it was
the purpose to take advantage of all
the sunshine that came along.
While it was known all the time
that the Baltimore was to be sent to
the Asiatic station, some confusion
was occasioned by the publication in
one of the evening papers, Saturday
of a statement that she was to re-
main here. The movement of the Bal
timore to relieve the Olympia was con-
sidered absolutely necessary on ac-
count of the condition of the Olympia.
The Olympia has been away from the
dock nearly three years and her bot
tom is so foul that she could not be
to make anything like rec
ord time. Doubtless an attempt, in
case Of close occasion, will be made
at cleaning at some point on the Asia
tic station. All of the American ships
in Chinese or Japanese waters have
been massed at Hong Kong. This is
a central place for the direction of
The U. S. Battleship Oregon left Sc
attic on March for San Francisco
and is now in naval row in the har-
Dor in which she was built. The Ore
gon received thorough cleaning and |
some repairs at Port Orchard during
February and is ready for any order.
She may follow the Baltimore to Hong |
Kong or may possibly receive orders
hat will take her clear around the
Horn.
Regrets have been expressed before |
hat the city should lose the esteemed |
hips company of the Flagship Balti-
more. However, all know that Captain
Dyer and his officers and men would
Ike nothing better than some active
service, perhaps off the PHILIPPINES.
All know that the officers and crew
would acquit themselves with the
highest credit. Some of the guns of
he ship are not just what they should
,e as to weight or rapidity but the
Baltimore can be unanswered like a
owboat almost and has fighting men
who wouldn't be afraid to go into a
'attle with stovepipe for cannon If
he stars and stripes were to be vim
Heated,