New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-26
FORMING A FLYING SQUADRON
COMMODORE sCHLEY ORDERED TO TAKE
COMMAND.
THE wARsHIPs THAT WILL AS
sEMBIE THERti


Washington March 25.-Commodore Winfield
Scott Schley. present connected with the Light
mouse Board. has been ordered 10 command the
flying squadron at Hampton Roads with the Brook
Iyn as his flagship. Commodore Schley received
the news OF his assignment at the Lighthouse
Board, where he engaged IN closing UP some
OF the work OF the Board. lie thinks it Will be a
day or before no finishes his work here and
takes command of the squadron. His command at
present comprises three vessels the Brooklyn. the
Columbia and the M!nneapois all ocean grey
hounds. but in short time his squadron probably
Will be swelled to about dozen ships
Commodore Schley refused TO talk concerning
rumors that the flying squadron might be sent out
to intercept the Spanish torpedo-boat hot!lla He
said that a matter concerning which he could
say nothing.
Commodore schley has fine record for discre-
don' good judgment and fighting qualities. He
was IN command OF the Baltimore during the Chill
ian trouble that threatened end in war. and that
II had peaceful termination. II IS believed was
due largely TO his tact and discretion. The three
vessels at present under his command all swift
cruisers. and among the others which probably will
be added are the ST. Paul and the 81. Louis. OF
the American Line, which were built so that they
could be turned into efficient fighting machines at
a few days notice. These vessels have not been
Impressed yet. but arrangements have been per
fected between the Government and President Girls
com that delay will result the
large expenditure Of money necessary for their
transfer TO the Navy Department. officers have
been Professionally picked out to command ths So
ships Commander W. II. Emory and Commander
Willard II. Brownson at present in Europe on a
special mission for the Government II IS expected,
will be assigned to command the 81. Paul and
the st. Louis.
Commodore schley visited the Navy Depart
ment before noon and after 4 talk with Assistant
Secretary Roosevelt said he would assume com
mand Of the flying squadron on Monday. The
formal order. posted at the Department to-day.
stating that Commodore W s. Schley de-
tached from his present service with the Light
house Board and was ordered "to command the
flying squadron. cruiser Brooklyn. flagship" was
the first public admission OF the Navy Depart
ment OF the creation OF a flying squadron. The
fact that this squadron contemplated has
been well known. bat not until to-day has the
Department defined It's character. The designation
OF flying" has a distinct meaning in naval par
lance. 1t Will give the ships base at Hampton
Roads, bat they Will be subject all times 20
Commodore Schey's orders FOR immediate service
any other point along the Atlantic Coast. or In
deed throughout the world. The battle-ship Mas
sachusetts is hourly expected at Hampton Roads
and the crack cruisers Columbia and Minneapolis
fitting out at the League Island Navy Yard
and Will proceed TO Hampton Roads nj early
date. The cruiser Cincinnati and the Funboat VII
m.ngton probably Will be added 70 this squadron.
as will the Bancroft, now on her way across the
Atlantic for Fortress Monroe
An Official order was Issued to-day detaching Cap
tain Chester commander Of the Cincinnati. from tho
South Atlantic Squadron. leaving him in command
OF the Cincinnati. The effect Of this Is TO remove
the Cincinnati from the South Atlantic service. and
make her available for the North Atlantic station.
where her speed would make her a valuable ad-
junct to the quick moneuvres OF flying squad
ron. Commodore Schleys orders in terms make
him commander OF distinct squadron. SO
that the ships at Hampton Roads Will be
entirely apart from the North Atlantic Squadron,
OF which Captain Sampson is IN command. This
is an unusual expedient the North Atlantic ves-
sells always heretofore have been under one COM
mander.