The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-16
FOUGHT A MIMIC BATTLE.
Graphic story of Two Days Maneu-
yers of the FIying Squadron.

FORT MONROE, Va. April 15.--The fly
ing squadron, the departure of which
caused so much excitement en- Wednesday,
returned to-day to anchorage at Fort Mon
roe after having completed two days and
two nights of arduous labor with satisfac-
ton to it's commanding officer. Commodore
Schley wanted the captains of the feet to
know each other in the movement of the
other vessels and TO be able to answer
quickly to all signals for movements likely
to be made in an engagement. Running
down to Cape Henry on Wednesday after
noon, the squadron was taken fifteen miles
cut to sea- at the same time maneuvering
in response to the signals from the flagship
All of the big vessels responded quickly, the
heavy battle ships Massachusetts and
Texas being especially and surprisingly
quick Line of battle was formed with the
Brooklyn on the right, the Massachusetts,
to tho left Of the Brooklyn, the Minneap-
oils to the left of the Massachusetts the
Columbia next and the Texas on the ex-
IRENE left. The signal to anchor in line
was obeyed so well that an almost perfect
alignment was obtained. Anchorage was
made on Wednesday night fifteen miles
east of Cape Charles light near the south
ern drill ground.
conditions for either maLeuvering or using
the guns, the weather being intensely dis
agreeable, with a heavy rain and hail storm
and a high sea, bat Commodore SchIey de-
cided to go out and begin the maneuver.
The Massachusetts dipped her low nose in
the water time after time, taking up tons
of water, but was handled beautifully COM
ing to alignment or circling more quickly
than light cruiser. The other vessels also
IL TO- l-f1I
was kept up all day and at nightfall
anchorage was made at point thirteen
miles from Cape Charles. After dark, sig
nal work, by electric light, was practiced
for two hours.
At 8 o'clock, when most of the officers
and men had prepared to retire, the call to
the Brooklyn quickly was the work done
that every division officer had reported
ready in four minutes and the ship was
ready for battle with water tight compart-
ments closed ammunition hoisted to guns,
turrets swinging. battle matches down and
the crews at the guns ready to shoot. The
other ships reported almost as quickly.
Friday morning was given up TO practice
at the guns all the ships putting out tar
on the Brooklyn cut the flag from the top
of their target within twenty minutes, re-
markable work, when It is considered that
and the Flagstaff only two inches wide. At
O'Clock the ships were signaled by Com
modore Schley to head for Hampton Roads
for anchorage, with the exception of the
Texas, which was ordered to remain out
| and try her big guns and improved turrets
with solid shot. The rest of the squadron
anchored off Fort Monroe at about 5
o'clock
Commodore Schley expressed himself as
very much pleased with the work of the
captains of the vessels under his charge.
The maneuvers of the boats and the work
of the crews at the suns were both highly
pleasing. He called particular attention to
the rapidity with which the call to quarters
on the Brooklyn was responded to. He also
| called attention to the target practice of
rapid-fire guns saying: Il don't think any
| tCfpedo boat would live under that fire."
| The Texas ran into Hampton Roads about
| 6 o clock and joined the squadron. Captain
Phillip said that the new turret arrange
! ment had worked satisfactorily, and the big
guns could be loaded by Lieutenant Haesel-
| er's new automatic arrangement at any
| angle and very quickly. He could fire more
| than under the old English arrangement.
The Columbia and Minneapolis went up
| to Newport News tonight after coal, so as
| to fill up their bunl1ers. replacing that used
| to-day. Commodore Schey is very much
| pleased with the skillful way in which the
new crews Of the Minneapolis and Columbia
| obeyed signals. The boats are large and re-
/ uuire much room to turn in; but Captains
| Jewell and Sands were both warmly COM
| mended.
| The Brooklyn, in anchoring tonight lost
one of her big anchors, the chain breaking.
| The Norfolk navy yard people will re-
cover it. 2" on" ol*'