The evening times., 1899-06-27


Inasmuch as there is a less pressing
waters and no large feet need be main
tanned in commission for service at home
the authorities propose to take advantage
of the present strength of the North At
lantic squadron for an elaborate system
of maneuvres and evolutions before be-
ginning the retirement of the more ex-
pensive ships. Rear Admiral Sampson.
who will probably be detached from sea
duty this autumn. has been notified that
all vessels of his squadron will be held IN
commission during the summer and au-
tumn and that no detachments VIII pe
made for special duty unless some unex-
pectediy important circumstance arises.
He will be allowed to carry out the pro-
sramme of the Naval War College, to drill
the men OFF the New England coast ana
later in the season to send the ships 10
the Southern drill grounds for target
practice with small arms and heavy guns.
Admiral Simpsons ambition, it IS SAID,
is to turn over the fleet to his successor
in a most efficient state, better driiieu
tnan anv squadron of modern ships has
ever been.
When the evolutions are completed
MANY of the famous ships will be detach-
ed for repairs and retirement to the re-
serve list at League Island, where the
Government is constructing an immense
fresh-water basin capable of accommodat-
ing ten men-of-war. But the retirement
of these vessels will not mean a reduc-
ton in either strength or fighting emcien-
cy of the home feet, for two OF the most
powerful battleships built for the navy
are now near completion and VIII take
their place in service during the autumn.
six months later three Others equally for
midable will be ready for service, besides
a fleet of destroyers and torpedo boats, all
of which must be shaken down and orok-
en- in soon after they are delivered ny
contractors.
The prospects therefore, are for no nu-
merical reduction in the North Atlantic
fleet On the other hand, 1t may be ex-
pected TO be even larger in hghting force
than at any time during the war with
Spain. as vessels are completed and put In
commission. Should all the battleships
be in commission one year hence that are
now at sea- in addition to those which VIII
be ready for service, the total NUMBER OF
this class afioat would be ten, or within
two ships OF the entire American dispia!
during the naval review six years ago,
when the fleet comprised every type OF the
cruiser and gunboat class, without really
formidable wagship-
The addition of powerful battleships to
tho navy must necessarily be followed by
Increased expenditures for the support OF
the establishment. Baitleships require
from FIVE to six hundred men each and are
expensive machines to support when IN
service. They are of little service in peace
times and serve generally on the nome
stations Yet economy demands that they
be retained in service, and naval necessity
requires that officers and crews shall be-
come familiar with them both at sea and
during the tactical evolutions.
The Navy Department is considering the
formation of small squadron Of light
draught auxiliary cruisers for reserve SER
vice at the navy yards. and subject to the
orders of the authorities for duty in the
West Indies or Central American waters
should the presence Of war vessels in such
quarters be urgently demanded: This neet
will be independent Of the North Atlantic
Station and under the direct orders Of the
Navy Department, the purpose being TO
have several small craft suitable for shall
low water navigation available on short
notice, with skeleton crews on board and
stores and equipment accessible on few
hours notice.
Ii has been necessary heretofore when
ever the slightest signs OF a disturbance
occurred in Central America to dispatch
some of the larger ships to Bluefields or
other ports for the protection of American
interests, often involving the detachment
OF a vessel required for manuevers with
the fleet and wholly unSJited for such du-
ties. Vessels like the Detroit have seen
much service of this character. although
ii is said a small yacht would have the
same effect in impressing the people with
the firmness of this Government in dealing
with the situation.
1t is now suggested that several auxil
larry vessels of the Hawk Dorothea, and
Eagle class. all purchased for patrol work
in Cuban waters last year, should be plac-
ed in condition and held at the Norfolk
and New York navy yards ready for such
service. II is probable the suggestion will
be adopted and put into effect. Three Off
GERS, a commander, an engineer, and one
watch officer will be detailed to the ves-
sers and crews held available for shipment
from some of the receiving ships.
Affairs in Cuba and Porto Rico are ey-
pected to constantly require the presence
of several small naval ships near the chief
ports, and while it may not be necessary
TO station them permanently in Sout.Crn
waters it is thought advisable to form a
fleet from which ships may be drawn when
needed for this duty without interfering
with the work of the koIne fleet. Navai
officers have for years labored under the
of having little practical ex-
perience with fleet formation, owing to the
necessity of reducing the squadron by re-
lieving one or two ships for other duties
just when evolutions are about to be con-
Quoted.