Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-16
MILITARY ACTIVITY
Continued from Second Page.)
tion of TIE volunteer troops raised in their
respective states.
Work of the Flying Squadron.

tion of TIE volunteer troops raised in their
respective states.
Work of the Flying Squadron.
Secretary Long received telegram this
morning from Commodore Schley, COM
handing the flying squadron, announcing
The return of that squadron to Hampton
Roads yesterday afternoon after a most
Duccessful practice cruise of forty-eisht
hours, during which the batteries of the
Various ships were given a thorough trial
md the ships put through various man.
kuvers
Capt. Philip. commanding the battle ship
Texas. sent a telegram to Assistant Secre-
tary Roosevelt, in which he spoke in the
highest terms of thu performances of that
ship during the cruise just finished. He
mentions in particular the vast Improve
ments in the operation Of the big guns of
the EIain battery resulting from the
changes made at the New York navy yard
few days ago. Whereas formerly tine big
guns could only be fired once in eight min
ptes. they are now capable of sustaining q
continuous fire at the rate of a gun every
&c minutes. Capt. Philip also referred to
the successful operation Of the Haeseler
movement of the turrets, and CLOSES his
telegram with the proud statement that
the Texas Is now ready to fight anything
nfioat.''
The Navy Ready.
Naval officials are naturally silent with
regard to the future operations of the fly
ing squadron and the North Atlantic squad
ION under Capt. Sampson at Key West.
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt, in reply to
an inquiry on the subject this morning,
SAID significantly that the navy was in
might be called upon to perform, either in
dependently or in cooperation with the
army.
Naval Vessels Not to Transport.
1t was announced at the Navy Depart
ment today that there was no necessity
or intention for the assignment of naval
vessels for the transportation of troops
to Cuba in the event that such a step was
determined upon. 1t was explained that
the War Department would have entire
charge and direction of the transportation
of the military forces both by land and
water. and that the quartermaster general
is now engaged in making complete ar
ransements for the charter of fleet of
steam vessels for use In transporting the
army TO Cuba in the event that such
movement is ordered by the President. The
only part that the navy would play in
case of this kind would be to send a quit
able fleet of warships along with the ex-
petition for its protection and safe con-
duct.
The general Understanding among nnlli-
tary and naval officials is that the army
and navy will when the proper time er-
rises make joint demonstration in great
force against the Spanish capital in Cuba,
and that smaller expeditions will be or
ganized for the purpose of landing a sufi-
Gent force of troops at Matanzas, Santi
ago de Cuba. Cienfuegos and other points
en- the island, with a. view to the capture
or surrender of the Spanish army and the
establishment Of stable government in
Cuba.
Another Steamer Bought.
The Navy Department has purchased the
steamer Juniata, of about 2, 500 tons regis
ter, and she has been ordered to Boston to
be fitted out repair ship. Her duty
will be confined largely to following the
vessels of one Of the big fleets to supply
promptly repairs that may be necessary as
a result of either conflict or accident. Com
mcdore H:chborn, chief of the bureau of
construction and repair, has given orders
that work on the vessel be pushed as speed
uy as pOSS,Dle.
Capt. Sigsbee's New COmmand.
Capt Charles D. Sigsbee, who COM
handed the battle ship Maine at the time
of her destruction, will leave here tonight
or tomorrow morning for New York. Capt.
Sigsbee has been selected by Secretary
Long TO command the fine liner st. Paul,
now at New York, which is to be converted
into an auxiliary cruiser. He will take the
vessel around to Cramps ship yard, where
she is 10 undergo the changes and altera-
tons necessary. The st. Paul will leave
New York tomorrow afternoon.
Capt Casper F. Goodrich has been select
ed for the command of the ST. Louis, and
he will take charge as soon as the ship ar
rives at New York from Europe.
The final determination of the Navy De-
Partment to charter the American liners
Ferris and New York will provide desirable
billets for two more naval officers. Capt.
Frederick Rodgers, the president Of the
beard of inspection of auxiliary vessels,
will probably be assigned to the New York,
ard Capt. A L. Barker to the command CT
the Paris. The orders assigning these off,
GERS to the ships may be expected at any
time