Evening star., 1898-04-30
What is Thought of Injury to Span
ish Torpedo Boats.
GIESSES rs TO REST OF THE FLEET
Flying Squadron Said to Be Pre-
pairing. to Sail.
PROPOSED USE AS SCOUTS

P1iA VI tiidt pdit VI liie Opdiiisu Sdpe
Verde fleet which consisted of torpedo
boats ard transports for the Canaries 1t
as remarked by the naval officials that
two of tie torpedo boats were in tow of
the big transports, which they regarded as
sign that in the collision which these YES
sells are reported to have had yesterday
ami which caused their reIdrn to the is
lands. the machinery of the boats was
disabled beyond the possibility of repair
at St. Vincent. 1t is by no means safe
undertaking to tow a torpedo boat the
long distance between Cape Verde and the
Canaries. They are at best navigated at
great risk on such long voyages in the
open seas ard when not under their steam
are still more dangerous craft to manage.
Therefore It would not be surprising if one
or more of the little boats We're missing
VIXEN the remainder of the small fleet ar
rived at the Canaries.
Great anxiety is felt as to the destination
of the more formidable part of the Span
ish feet that has sailed to the westward
from Cape Verde. Supposing that they are
headed for Cuba, the Navy Department
calculates that they are likely to reach
Porto Rico about the 9TH of next month. 1t
is not to be expected. however. that their
arrival at the Spanish ports would be al
lowed u reach publicity by the Spanish
authorities controlling the cable, and sup
posing that they are not detected by one
of the United States naval vessels. which
will possibly be thrown out as a scout the
first news of the arrival of the fleet this
side is likely to be conveyed by some neu-
trail vessel trading between Porto Rico and
an outside port. The strategy involved in
the Spanish movement is rather puzzling
to the naval officers. Assuming that the
four cruisers have actually started on their
way to Cuba, 1t would seem that if they
arrive at Porto Rico they would be in i'm
minent danger of capture or destruction
at the hands. of Admiral Sampson's squad
ron. which is unquestionably superior in
offensive power. In other words the four
cruisers would be situated as were two
of their number. the Oquendo and the
Vizcaya. just before the outbreak of hos
tilities when they prudently fed from the
port of Havana TO escape capture.
Reports ibOut the Flying Squadron.
1t was reported in departmental circles
today that the flying squadron was about
to sail from Fort Monroe The officials re-
fused to affirm deny the correctness of
this statement. but it is assumed that if
the report is true the vessels are to be
used as scouts to detset the approach of
the Spanish vessels. 1t is not expected
that in case the armored ships were sight
ed by Commodore Schley that an engage
ment would he attempted unless the cir
cumstances were peculiarly favorable. for
he has bUt TWO armOred ships in his squad
ron TO pit against the four heavly-arm
ored Spanish vessels. He would. however,
be able to hang on.sthe flank of the Span
ish squadron and annoy then greatly.
while rushing ahead one of his flyers, the
Columbia or Minneapolis. to warn Admiral
Sampson and secure reinforcement in the
shape of ii battle ship that would insure
victory in action.
Today's Naval Orders.
The following naval orders were issued
today:
Lieutenant Commander d. Delehanty, un-
expired furlough revoked and ordered to
command the Suwanee at once.
Lieut.. c. 3. T. Moore. detached from the
naval station at Port Royal. S. c.. and to
command the Nantucket.
Passed Assistant Engineer F. H. Conant.
detached from the New York yard and 10
the ResoIute.
Passed Assistant Engineer C. r. Enrich.
detached from the New York yard and to
the Southerby.
Lieut.. T.. l.. Reamey. detached from Office
Of naval intelligence and ordered to Mon
tauk.
Lieutenant Commander J. D. Adams, de-
tached from the photographic office and
ordered to command of Penelope.
Ensign j. r. Edie. detached from New
York yard and TO Gushing.
Ensign W. y. Powelson, detached from
Fern and to the St. Paul.
Ensign H. VI. Mccormick. detached from
Lebanon and ordered TO Katahdn.
Lieut.. j. B. Milton, detached from Prairie
and ordered 20 command Wyandotte.
Mate J. F. Dwyer. to Panther.
Lieut.. ID. H. Mahan. detached from
Badge and ordered to Prairie as executive
officer.
Ensign w H. Buck. detached from the
Annapolis Academy and ordered TO bureau
Of navigation.
Ensign r. W. Tappan, retired, assistant
inspector of ordnance at works of Bliss &
Co, Brooklyn.
Surgeon J. NJ. Ross, retired, to Pensacola
yard.
Mate f. VI. Isaacs, charge the coast sig
nal service district at Norfolk Va
Assistant Engineer II. r. Rcades retired
to New York navy yard.
Lieut.. c. ID. Galloway, retired, to Wash
ington navy yard.
Lieut. J. e. Soley. retired, to Washington
yard.
Passed Asst. Engineer Jas. j. Barry to
New York yard.
Rear Admiral C. C. Carpenter, retired,
TO Portsmouth, y. H., navy yard.
Lieut.. CommaEder L. Cheuery, retired,
charge OF the recruiting rendezvous. New
York.
Asst Engineer w. II. p Creighton, retir-
ed. TO Galveston, Tex, in charge Hortense
Lieut.. Commander r. Wainwright de-
tached from the Office OF the judge advo-
cate general and TO New York
Lieut. j. L. Sullivan. retired, TO League
Island yard.
Lieut.. Commander G. X. Hasweil, retir-
ed. assistant Inspector Sd lighthouse dis
trict.
Passed Asst. Engineer j. A Tobin. retir-
&C, TO New Iock yard.
Lieut. Commander w. L. Field to con-
Sinue duties at New York yard
Naval Cadet X. G. Castleman detached
from Dixie and to the Franklin.