Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-18
NEW NAVAL SQUADRON.
Ii IL to BE stationed at Hampton
Roads,

WASHINGTON, March 1.-THE event
of the day in official circles was the issue
of an order for the formation of new
squadron of naval vessels. to be stationed
at Hampton Roads.
The squadron I'm the beginning will con-
sist of four ships, all the best Of their
types. Two of them the battleships
Massachusetts and Texas, are withdrawn
from the present North Atlantic squad
ron at Key West and Tortugas.
1t would be a grave mistake to suppose
that in ordering this movement the Navy
Department is animated by any purpose
of yielding to representations or intima-
tions that may have come from the Span
ish Minister, as TO the mischief caused by
the gathering of so large a naval force as
Admiral Sicard's fleet in the vicinity of
Cuba. on the contrary. the formation OF
the new squadron was brought about by
purely strategic considerations, although
il appears from the nature of the force
so far under orders TO rendezvous at
Hampton Roads that this strategy is OF
defensive nature.
The new squadron cannot be called
"fying squadron" because the association
of heavy battleships with fleet cruisers
neapolis is designed, and the squadron
could not do much flying in the naval
sense. The indications rather are that.
when reinforced by some smaller cruisers,
the squadron will consist an ideal naval
defence.
For the past two months influences
have been al work I'm the Navy Depart
ment to bring about this change, and as
policy board. headed by Captain Crown
inshield. has been in frequent session or
late at the department, ii is believed that
it has endorsed the plan at last.
All the ships of this squadron nave not
vet been definitely settled. but 1t is con-
cluded that il will include some of the
other battIeships at Key West and the
cruiser New York. i'm which case Admiral
Sicard. il is believed, will command tha
new force.
In place Of the cruiser New York, the
people of Key West will look upon the
grim outline OF the monitor Puritan, the
most formidable ship in smooth water
I'm the whole world She will have to
assist her vanguard. the dOuble-turreted
monitor Miantonomoh. So'the order, in
the end. will result i'm the gathering of
the pick Of the North Atlantic squadron
at Hampton Roads.
The point is said to be the best strate-
gically on the Atlantic coast. 1t Is al
most centrally located and the ships
from that point can reach any portion
~ the coast in short order, which Is
REGARDED as desirable. since no one can
toll inst where a fiotila of torpedo de-
stroyers or fast cruiser may turn up
with hostile intent TO attack town.
Resides. the second best navy-yard IN
the country is there to fall back upon Tor
ynnairs. There is easy water to navi-
gate and finally. the forts at Hampton
Roads may serve as base or opera
tions in case of need for protection. Inese
are the considerations which animated
the Navy Department in making TINS new
order.
of the new squadron has not yet been
selected. and pending that selection, or
the arrival in port of Admiral Sicard II
is said that Captain Higgnson. the COM
nander of the battleship Massachusetts
and the senior officer, will hold the com
mand of the squadron.
Remaining at Key West after the de-
parture OF the Massachusetts ana the
;rexas Admiral Sicard will still have a
fleet of his own. in numbers, when the
snectacle will be presented or a meet ana
a squadron on one station, soih"'hihs ho'
seen since the civil war.
The monitors which 1t Is designed TO
send to Key West are said 10 be wen
fitted for the service. owing 10 the'r
I'M draught of from IL 10 l6 feet, they
LII he able 10 navigate safely the shall
Loo, waters of the Florida coast, and
,yIIl not be obliged. like the Iowa. TO lie
- ,niles out at sea from Key West, 10
sacurs enough water under the keel.
The gunboat Helena reported to the de-
nortment that she had sailed to-day from
Funchal. Madeira, for Key West, to join
the squadron.
II is now said that it has been definite
lv determined 10 bring the battleship ore
eon around South America to Key West