Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-06-09
THE RICHMOND Observation-Disclosures JUNE o. 1898.
MYTHICAL SPY.
HE WAS ERRONEousLY SUPPOSED
TO DE ON THE HARVARD,
BUT THE STORY PROVED UNTRUE.
Notes from Newport News-Gossip
About the Formation of Another
Flying squadron-Accident to n
Vesse1-Casino, Etc.

NEWPORT NEWS. VA, June S.-(Spe-
cial.)-It Is reported to-day that the
seout-ship Harvard. which arrived in
Hampton Roads yesterday evening. has
on board very mysterious prisoner.
whose Identity is kept a secret, and
whose connections cannot be learned The
STORY goes that this man passed himself
on at Kingston. Jamaica, as an expert Gu
ban pilot. who was well acquainted with
the Cuban shore in the vicinity Of Santa
go. and knew how all OF the Notifications
at that point could be approached from
the rear. 1t is said he was recommended
to Commodore schley by United-states-
Consul Dent. at Kingston, as a trust
worthy man, and that his peculiar con-
duct and his presence at certain parts Of
the ship at unusual times aroused the
suspicious of the "sly" commodore.
He was placed under arrest, and when
the Harvard was ordered. North he was
put aboard and the ships captain was
instructed TO deliver his prisoner at Fort
Monroe.
Inquiry among reliable persons at Old
Point failed to develop even one single
fact in the story. No one seemed to know
anything about the alleged captive.
ANOTHER FLYING SQUADRON
1t is rumored that the Navy Depart
ment is contemplating the formation OF
another flying squadron, the nucleus OF
which is right here in Virginia waters.
According TO the report, this squadron is
to sail across the ocean for the purpose
OF keeping tab on the Spanish reserve
squadron, and, wherever advisable, to
make an attack on any Of the ships of
that mysterious aggregation of uncertain
men-of-war that may venture to sea.
There are now seven ships OF war in
Old Dominion waters. The Yale is re-
ceiving her armament at the ship-yard,
and will take on 400 tons of coal before
sailing. The Buffalo and Dixie are an
chored at Old Point. The Newark and
Charleston, both protected cruisers, are
at the Norfolk navy-yard, and the little
submarine boat Argonaut is lying on
Lambert Point. In northern waters
there are the san Francisco, Columbia.
Yankee, and Prairie. The Harvard left
Old Point al 3 o'clock this afternoon and
arrived here at 4. She will take on an
immense cargo Of COAL and Will also re-
ceve her armament at the ship-yard
on ten 6-inch guns at the ship-yard, and
will have a number of FOUNDERS"
DR.. Pettus, the national quarantine Of
fcer at Old Point, is having the newly
purchased cruiser Buffalo thoroughly fu-
migated before permitting her 70 proceed
to the ship-yard for alterations. She will
probably be cleansed in time to allow her
to leave for this port in the morning.
CASINO AND PERSONALS.
The Casino, which for some years past
has been the scenes of all of the society
germans and balls, is to be converted
into a trim little theatre, with modern
stage and all Of the seating convenience
that are 10 be found in an up-to-date
playhouse. In other words, the Casino
is to be a Casino in the American inter
pretation of the word a local architect
has completed the plans after which the
building will be remodened.
One Of the seamen on the scout-ship
Yale, at the ship-yard, imbibed too freely
this morning when given liberty. and
on his return TO the ship proceeded TO
make trouble. One of the officers, IL is
said attempted TO quiet the man. who
made an attempt to assault him. An
other officer was summoned and the sea-
man taken to Jail
The German steamship Castillo, which
left port this morning on her way
across the ocean with a cargo, collided
with a small schooner lying at anchor
below Point Breeze. The schooner's bow
spirit was carried away. The schooner
whose name has not been learned, went
I'D to the ship-yard at noon to have the
damage repaired.
Mr.. Winfield Scott Cooper, q years OF
age. died this morning at the residence
of his parents, No. 243 Thirty-seventh
street. The funeral will take place to-
morrow afternoon from the residence OF
his parents, and the interment Will be
made in Greenlawn Cemetery.