The times., 1898-04-26

ency.
Newport r. J.. April 25.-The cruiser
Columbia. Captain Sands, arrived here at
j o'clock and anchored off the torpedo
station. There was much signaling he
fore she came to anchor with the training
station and upon anchoring she saluted
the flag Of Commodore Kautz. 1t cannot
be ascertained what the Columbia has
come here for.
The gunboat Vesuvius and torpedo
boats Talbot and Gwynn viii probably
sail south today.
The engineer corps has begun the work
OF mining the passages TO the bay.
As soon as the Columbia dropped an
chor an officer was sent ashore in a
shore launch. When questioned as TO the
vessels coming here, he said they were
simply ordered to proceed here for or
ders, and he was then going 10 report
the vessels arrival TO the department.
How long the vessel would remain here
he did not know. He asked if the Min
neapolis had been in here, saying they
parted company soon after leaving
Hampton Roads.
ii was not until the officers Of the two
cruisers had gathered on the pier at Fort
Monroe in response TO the hurried sum
mons that they found out that only the
Minneapolis and Columbia were ordered
away. Then the question of destination
arose at once. Nobody about the Column
bia but Capt. Sands kna.g, and he kept
his counsel The officers got around in
the ward room and guessed, and the stra-
tegic board devised all sorts OF plans TO
fit the situation, but nobody guessed
Newport. and after il became known that
the Rhode Island summer resort was the
ships destination the guessing as TO the
reason became as active as II had been
rs TO the other question. If the captain
knows or has formed a reason he keeps il
10 himself.
The trip up from Fortress Monroe was
under the war regulations. Battle ports
were fitted 50 that no light showed from
the ship. except her running lights All
the guns were shotted and the crews slept
at their guns. The ship was ready, as she
always is, for any emergency, but the
emergency did not put in an appearance
Sunday morning several schooners and
steamers were sighted, but the only time
the cruiser changed her course was not
the chance OF running her down. She
would have been here early last night
hut for the fog.
As soon as the ship was anchored.
eleven guns were fired as salute TO Com
modore Kautz, commandant Of the naval
station here The salute was answered
from the old Constellation and then Capt.
Sands made his official call on the com
Inodore. It is supposed that Capt Sands
has received his orders for il is under
stood that the Columbia will sail in the
morning. Nothing is known. however, as
10 her destination.
No effort has been made to replace the
coal used on the trip from Fortress Mon
roe. Il was only about 80 tons-a very
economical ruu-
The dynamite cruiser Nesuvius sailed
from here this afternoon at 4:30 preSum-
ably for Key West. All day long a gang
OF men from the shops OF the gun COM
pany who made her pneumatic tubes were
al work on her and there was some
doubt Of her sailing today. but imperative
orders came. and late this afternoon the
machlnists reported the guns ready for
service, but no test was made.
As she passed out to sea she exchanged
salutes with the Columbia.
Enthusiasm at West Point.
West Point, \. Y April 25.-The first
class Of cadets OF the Military Academy
viii graduate tomorrow al p. N. Tho
academy board had a special meeting this
afternoon ana signed the diplomas for the
nfty-nine members Of the cadets Of the
class.
The second class VIII probably graduate
in June. There viii be no pomp or dis
play on this occasion, but q happier lot
Of young men ii would be hard to find
They are anxious TO go 10 The front with
the army OF invasion.
The last parade took place this evening
Although the rain was falling heavily
The first column marched out without
arms, The parade was IN command OF
Col Hein. At the command. Officers
front and center, the class marched oui
Ind saluted Col. Hem who spoke few
words Of advice to the young men. who
then took positions in the rear Of the
colonel while the remainder OF the bat
talion marched past in review, giving q
marching salute in passing.
The order from the Secretary Of War
.nstructng the superintendent 10 gradu-
ate the first class was received here this
morning. Hurried orders were sent TO tbs
members Of the academy board TO meet
Immediately. The diplomas which had
been prepared for the past two weeks IN
anticipation OF the orders We're signed by
each member. The diplomas viii be hand
I'd 10 the young men tomorrow. Thel
VIII leave immediately ana report 10 sec
retary Alger for assignment 10 the diff
ferent regiments.
The campus tonight Is alive with cadet
marching around and singing patriot,
songs.
Mines I'm Position.
New Orleans. April 25.-AII the mine.
have been placed In position near tn,
fort in the lower river and today Major
Quinn issued an order prohibiting an yes
sells from passing the forts going up ol
down the river between sunset and sun.
rise or approaching within three mile.
of them.
Patrol boats viii be stationed above
end below the defenses- These boats ar,
authorized 10 stop vessels. TO inquire int,
their character or TO instruct them how
10 pass through mine helds. The order
OF the patrol boats must be strictly obey
AUDITOR OF STATE