The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-02-23
LONGS EXPLANATIONS.
Why the South Atlantic Squadron is ut
charlottesville Terror's Orders.


WASHINGTON. d. c.. Feb. 22.-The
most potent sign that the first and ex-
citing stage OF the Maine disaster has
been passed. was the fact that not a
single cablegram was received over
night or this morning at the Naval De-
partment from Havana. Acting-Secre-
tary Day had very little news to COM
municate.
lie had received one dispatch from Con-
sul-General Lee. and that related 20 the
shipment Of Cuban tobacco to the United
States The department has heard moth
ing OF the reported revival Of the Weyler
edict prohibiting the expectation Of to-
bacco from Cuba. ON the contrary Cen
eral Lees reports show that the move
ments are I'm regular progress, or az least
had not been checked up 10 the 9th in
slant.
Judge Day had received no news Of the
rumOred capture Of the Dauntless. and,
i'm fact. the above telegram was all that
he had had from Havana i'm the last
twcnty-four hours.
The naval officials assert that the re-
port TO the effect that the movements
ofth g South Atlantic Squadron, now nm
der way. are with a view TO the early
assembling of the vessels near Havana, is
without foundation.
This movement, they say, Is in direct
accord with the plan outlined In Deem
Der last by Captain Chester. Of the Cin-
cinnau. I'm command of the squadron, and
approved by the department; TINS plan
is about as follows.
After the smaller vessels were locked at
Buenos Ayres, he would assemble the
squadron and proceed up the coast OF
South America for squadron drill, visiting
all the ports where American interests
exist. going as FAR as Para.
Upon the return Of the squadron from
the North he would make a long visit TO
Rio Janerio with all the vessels. Near
Rio Is the harbor Of Isle De Grande,
where the vessels will nave target prac-
tice and other squadron exercises. This
would also give the smaller vessels an
opportunity for torpedo practice.
LONG EXPLAINS.
In further explanation Of the movement
OF the two ships of the South Atlantic
squadron II is said at the Navy Depart
ment that some time ago word came that
they were in need Of coal. but that yellow
fever prevailed at Para, where they were
then and south OF them in Brazil They
were authorized 10 proceed TO some
healthy port for their coal and this, II
is stated is how they came 20 so TO
Barbados.
In exclamation of the order given yes
terday 10 the Norfolk navy yard officials
TO have the Terror in condition for ser
vice. Secretary Long said this order had
been given to replace the Maine. 1t be-
Ing deemed desirable that the armored
feet should not fall below q certain num-
Der There was very little work to be
done on the Terror and forty-eight hours
ha II
our most powerful double-turreted Moni-
tor. and. although not as effective as
q seaboat as p battleship. in the smooth
waters or the harbor she probably would
be able TO hold her own against almost
any craft.
The following telegram was received
by tho Navy Department this afternoon
from Captain Sigsbee:
Send 10 Forsyth for Sigsbee trans
verse sectional drawing OF Maine through
forward ten-inch magazine and shell
room. showing pocket coal hunkers."
This request was Immediately COM
piled with.
II is supposed that Captain sfgsbee
wants these drawings 70 assist In the
work OF wrecklng the ship, as they would
J be OF great aid 20 the divers.
They will be useful also as the basis
for the testimony now being taken by
the court OF inquiry at Havana.
The fact that it IS deemed essential
| that the drawings shall show the pocket
coal bunkers which abut on the maya
zine. IS evidence that Captain SigsDe'
| has I'm mind the spontaneous combustion
f, theory though II does not follow by any
means that he IS committed to it, Some
| OF the employees Of the Navy Department
| have been making estimates OF th'
amount Of money that will be required
| TO meet the demands Of the joint resolu
ton which Mr.. Boutslle proposes 10 in
| troduce IN the House allowing a years
| sea pay 10 the families of the dead sail
| ors and money for lost clothing and 81
fects not to exceed years pay to th'
| survivors
They fig the sum at not exceeding
| $4,000.