The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-11-13
scHLEYS CRUISE IMPORTANT.
NEAR ADMIRAL WILL BE SENT TO
SOUTH AFRICA.

seoled Instructions VIII BE Sent
Him at New YOrk-He Goes to Seek
Information That May Be valuable
70 the United Stntes-WiII study
English Transport System-HOw
the story Happened to Come to
Light.
washington, Nov. 12-(speciaD. The
mystery surrounding the probable destlna-
roB Of Rear Admiral Schley, after he posts
his flag aboard the Chicago next Satur-
dav is explained by a conversation which
took place at the navy department yester-
day between Acting Secretary Allen and a
naval officer who has just been ordered to
dutv aboard the Rear Admiral's flagship
This story comes to your correspondent
exclusively, and is sufficiently vouched for
TO Justify its publication.
Rear Admiral Schley had been selected
for important duty in South Africa and
sealed instructions will be delivered to him
when he takes command of the Chicago at
New York.
Notwithstanding the well-known per-
sonal anupathy shown Rear Admiral
scbley by certain officials of the navy de-
rartment. growing out of the Sampson
scbley controversy, Schley's courage, skill
snd general efficiency as a sailor, together
with his recognized ability as a diplomat,
ir5uced the President to select him for this
Important mission.
Kept Profound Secret.
His mission is being kept a profound
secret. for he is not expected to interfere
in any way with the conflict now in prog
ress in South Africa between England and
the Beers He is directed to cruise in the
South Seas, ostensibly to seek information
which may be valuable to the United
States ia such direction as circumstances
and conditions may suggest. He is also
expected to make close investigation of
the English transport system at the othef
end of the cruise, to see how it compares
with the transport service of the United
STATES and make such recommendation as
may he oil benefit 10 our service.
1t is conceded that tine English troops
start away from home ports under better
facilities than are obtainable in our SER
vice, and there is a desire on the part of
this government TO learn if the efficiency
OF the English service is maintained from
given wide discretion in various direc-
tons, 50 that his cruise may or may not be
one of more than ordinary interest and
Importance.
Navy department officials refuse TO dis
clss The subject, and will neither confirm
Or deny the story. They simply say that
no one is authorized to state what will be
cM,ained in the sealed Instructions to be
given Admiral Schley.
How 1t All Came About.
The veridcatlon of the foregoing story is
conversation which took place at the
navy department yesterday. II appears
may naval officer who was recently mar
ned, received orders to report for duly
aboard the Chicago for an extended cruise.
NOW this officer was averse to being torn
rom MS bride, and sent to sea for a long
cruise. He had a friend of The same rank
ABOARD the New York, and after cons.de
aoie correspondence end a personal visit
10 washington, transfer was arranged
uelWeen the two officers by which the
youhS Benedict should so 10 the New
i9IN, ana his friend accept duty with Rear
AImlrai Schley aboard the Chicago.
in nigh g!ee at the prospect of spend
Hs the coming winter near home on the
NoIth Atlantic station, the new convert
10 narmony hurried 10 the navy depart
meht 10 inform his personal friend, Act
ing secretary Allen, that a transfer had
peen arranged, and requested him to issue
Tue order necessary to permit the proposed
transfer. Then it was it is said, that Mr.
Ahen advised the young officer of the i'm
poilance of the ChlcagO's cruise to South
africa and suggested that he might have
an opportunity to distinguish himself, as
mere is no telling what may occur.
without repeating the exact conversa-
uon, ii is sufficient to state that the in
uucement he'd out was tempting enough
10 cause the young officer to withdraw
MS request for a transfer and his orders
10 the Chicago viii take effect