The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1898-03-09
PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT LOOKS FAVORABLE.
Spain Impressed With the Futiity Of Attacking the
United States.
knowledge OF OUR VAS1 RESOURCES TEND TO THIS Belief
Capt Brownson Leaves TOR Europe Inspect Vessels for Sale
Navy and War Departments Continue Active Prepara-
tions-No Nearer the Solution of the Maine i
Disaster Than Ever.

ment in the hands Of some trusty naval
officer, probably Lieutenant Comman-
der Mark himself. the judge advocate
of the court, the Government may b.,
face to face with another and vital
issue.
DU Bose CONRERS WITH STATE
DEPARTMENT..
Senor Du Bose called at the state
department late In the day and had Il
half hours conference with Judge
Day. He brought no dispatches and
the talk did not relate to the present
strained condition of affairs. but was
rather an informal discussion of the
condition of affairs In Cuba In the
course OF the visit 1t is understood that
Mr.. Du Bose suggested that some Of
the newspaper correspondents nj Ha-
vana were trespassing on the privileges
which the Havana authorities had ac-
corded them
The new Spanish Minister, Senor
Polo y. l3ernabe. will arrive in New
York tomorrow on the Gcrlan Line
steamer. He Is expected At the LcEa-
ton the following day, and arrange
mcnts then will be made for the pre-
sentation of his crede ntiais to Presi-
dent Mckinley.
NEG GOTLATIONS FOR JAPANESE
SHIPS.
1t is known positively that ncgotia-
tions are IN progress toward having
the United States acquire the two
crack cruisers now building for Japan,
one at the Cramps ship-yards, at phila-
drlphia. and the other at the Union
Iron Works. of San Farnc!sco
How far they will succeed cannot be
said at this time. 1t is known positive
ly, however, that no Overturcs have
been submitted thus far to the authori-
f.- trl- -Ir { "a
to give the final decision. Pending this
contract could not be made nor an
option given.
BROOKLYN FOR HAMPTON ROADS
The big armorcd cruiser Brooklyn
started away from La Guayara to-day
under orders from the Navy Depart
ment directly for Hampton Roads.
She has been making flying cruise in
the West Indies and around the east
crn end OF Cuba, and 1t was the orlgi-
nal intention to have her go to Colon,
on the Isthmus, and thence to work
northward along the eastern coast of
Central America. The sending of the
ship to Hampton Roads instead of re-
turning her TO Key West, whence she
came, is taken as an evidence Of n
change III policy on the part of he
naval strategists, who may have come
TO the conclusion that the gathering Of
North Atlantic squadron n Key West is
putting too many Of our eggs in one
basket and unduly exposing the east
crn coast.
There has also been talk of organiZ-
ing Il flying squadron, composed alto
gether of fleet cruisers, four in number.
and having them ready To 80 10 sea at
moments notice in pursuit of an en-
emy's ship, relying upon the big bat
tleships for the home guard. This,
however, has not been decided upon.
TO UTILIZE LIGHTHOUSE BOATS.
a proposition that received instant
attention and is expected 10 be ap-
proved in th@ end. came to the Navy
Department to-day. This was TO turn
over to the Navy Department ten cr
the best boats in the lighthouse service.
These boats ars from three 10 four
hundred burden. good sea boats. man
ned by oflicsrs thoroughly familiar with
every indentatiOn of the Atlantic coast
and capable Of being easily transformed
Into eGiciant gunboats. The AIangrovc
is a vessel Of this character, n: ".
staunGh and speedy. ii is proposed ID
place a six inch rifle on n pivot mount
on each vessel forward ana to place q
light arm0r around the boilers and ma
ch.ntry To protect fh1m frlm small
arms fire at least. The attention Of the
department has also been called to thu
feasibility Of recruiting the naval lis,
from the rev nue. marine cutters. a
number of which are fully equal, being
given arms. to the smaller type OF gun
boats nDNv in III service. / these ves-
scis were avail d If they would b, as
signed TO duty along the Southern coasts
maintaining hlockades and relieving the
larger and more expensive cruisers Of
much worrisOma duty.
SENIOR duI7'ac. 80 Spanish rerl7e-
sentative, when seen AZ the Spanish To-
Cation today, and asked as 10 the pres
cmt status of affairs. said:
Notwithstanding the apparent agi-
tat!on, | am grHt!ficd 10 note that ~
far as actual occurrs nces are concerned
they are adjusting themselves naturaily
and in manner most satisfactory Ia
bcih governments"