The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-04-04

n1iral Sicard from active duty. So the
assignment of ships of war to that
squadron or to the Pacific squadron
are but moves toward mobilization that
might occur at any time. But flying
squadrons are the direct outcome of
dangerous conditions; are not necessi-
ties of navies In times Of peace, and
are expeditions of an extraordinary ma
ture created only when the government
fully decides that there is fear of at
tack or that the time is ripe for an at
tack from here. 1t Is, therefore, not
only possible, but highly probable, that
the new American flying squadron has
work cut out for it.
The fleet practically gathered and al
together proposed that will bear this
euphonious title is one of the most
formidable thatecan be gathered by
any nation. Egotistically in favor of
the United States as that statement
may be, the facts bear it out. In av-
erage rate Of speed in armored pro-
lection, in caliber and number Of guns,
and in fighting quality and discipline
of men, it can be proven that the COM
position Of this flying squadron Is su-
perior, point of numbers being equal
to any organization of like nature to
be formed by foreign power.
Anxious to Fight.
When on Monday morning Commo-
dore Schley raised his flag on the
Brooklyn, evidence of an unmistaka BILE
character was apparent that every man,
from stoker to commandant, was not
only fearless of battle, but hoped it
would come. The small caliber gun
that fired the commodores salute with
blank cartridges sang out a high pitch
ed paean OF welcome and peace. About
the land-locked water of Hampton
Roads, where, thirty-five years ago, the
Monitor and Merrimac fought their ter
rible battle, sunshine touched the hills
just assuming their emerald garb, and
nature, awake after her Information
caressing the hills, spoke only Of peace
But as the smoke blows by, in every
eye was the kindling spark of venge-
ance for fellow seamen hurled to death
and the hope that the cannon's tenor
note might be changed to the dreadful
one Of war. And if war comes, what
of this squadron?
ing the fleet, is well built man of
about f1fty-two years of age, with a
general appearance denoting thought
fulness and diplomacy, coupled with
certain characteristics which indicate
force Of character and quickness of ac-
tion when developments require those
features. large headed and kindly faced.
smiling eye, evidently not given to
temper, quick of answer, searching in
! inquiry. This man, as he treads the
captains bridge Of the Brooklyn in
naval uniform, or shakes hands with
you in the lobby Of a hotel, in civilian
clothes, fmpresses you as the firm, un-
yielding warrior, just the man to take
partial orders for flying squadron
and conduct himself with credit to his
country. In the atmosphere which to-
day surrounds him there is a spirit
akin to that German song which says.
I'VE have all had more than enough
of love, and now for a song of hatred, -
but in the commander there is no sign
Of emotional desire, yet when the sum
mons comes the songs of those who cry
loudly now may weaken enough to be
overtopped by the commands of this
intrepid leader of host.
In the makeup of the flying squad
ron, speed and fighting qualities have
been considered. A summary of the
points in comparison with those of the
best boats that Spain can offer in
making up similar squadron follows: