New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-14
MOVEMENTS OF THE FLEET.
STRONG SQUADRON TO DRILL IN sOUTHER.
" Ar1RS-rrs rpacp Aat,11

STRONG SQUADRON TO DRILL IN SOUTHERN
wATERs-rrs PEACEFUL PROGRAMME.
Washington. Jan. 13-The naval authorities here
maintain their serenity. Notwithstanding many
rumors OF radical action such as the dispatch OF
warships to Havana and like stories Secretary
Long was asked whether any OF the American
ships had been ordered to be ready to sail for
Havana. He replied that while he could not dis
cuss the matter. he would say that he had not
made any change in the orders 20 the battlc-ship
Maine lying at Key West. Inquiry developed
tho fact that the Names last orders were to 20
out for target practice. and on falling in with
the North Atlantic Squadron to attach herself.
Although there Is expectation at the Navy
Department Of any trouble Just now. still, In case
1t should occur. the Navy Is more strongly repre-
scented in Florida and Yves. Indian waters than
1t has been In the las. ten years. At Key West
there is the second-class battle-ship Maine at
Jacksonville the dynamite cruiser Vesuvius. at st.
Kits Is the Annapolis. and at Guadalupe the
Wilmington. Tho Detroit Is on the way from
Cape Haytien 10 Key West where she is now due.
The Marblehead is at Tampa. Fla. She suffered tho
injury Of four men yesterday at target practice.
She has been instructed to remain at Key West
instead OF sailing for Navassa. according 10 orig
ina orders
The naval force is made up-wlth exception.
the Mainc--of unarmored but slightly protected
cruisers and gunboats. II will be powerfully
reinforced. however. In few days by the North
Atlantic Squadron, under Admiral Sicard. COM
posed Of heavily armored vessels, the most power
full fleet that the United States has had together
In many years. The vessels OF the squadron are
now distributed as follows: The flagship New
York and battle-ships Iowa and Indiana, In Hamp-
ton Roads and the battle-ships Massachusetts and
Texas at New-York The former are 10 sail on
the 18th for Florida waters while the last TWO
are to leave New-York Saturday and Sunday. re-
spectyely falling In with and Joining the squadron
on the southern drill grounds, off the Chesapeake
Capes. A.. >.. ro,.r.
ment that this southern movement OF inc squad
ron is in degree attributable TO troubles IN
Havana but that the movement Is n part or the
programme for winter manpuvres OF the squadron
prepared by the Nav Department months ago
after consultation with Admiral Slcard ana cap
tain TAYLOR and duly announced through the daily
press al the time. In supper. Of this statement Is
movements prepared long ago. and not changed
since In any respect: -, 49,, =,
THE programme OF exercises OF the North At
lantc squadron during the winter OF 1898 Is as fol-
lows .
Tortugas four and q half days. January 20; small
arms target practice. January q. three days: 20
drill grounds January "a. one day; moving sub
calihre practice January o. two days; moving tar
get practice January 90 six days squadron evolu-
turn to Tortugas February 10. one day: coaing,
ten working days and two Sundays, February %;
exercise boat fotilla. February q. four days:
squadron evoutions March g. nine days, one Sun
day intervening; return TO Tortugas. March 10;
coaling six working days and one Sunday: squad
ron evoiutions. twelve WORKING DAYS and two sun
DAYS April !: drill grounds to Hampton Roads,
four days arriving there April T."