New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-07-16
LARGE Attacking Fleet.


The attacking feet will consist of the
fa,,leships Missouri. Maine, Ohio, Mis-
sssippi. Connecticut, Michigan. Virginia.
Nebraska and Idaho, and the cruiser
| Washington. under the command Of Rear
Admiral Aaron Ward, whose flag flies
from the Missouri.
This war game planned mainly for the
i ieneh, Of the fresh water auXiliaries,'
will prove. it is believed one of the most
Interesting series Of manGuvres ever at
tempted. The principal object is TO find
out just how effective torpedo boats and
/ Submarines would prove in checking an
attack by a hostile fleet.
The fotilla will probably attempt a
number Of night attacks itself as soon
as II can discover the position Of the
enemy. There is nothing more nerve
trying than torpedo boat attack by
1 night
Lying close to the water. painted so
/ that they resemble darkness itself, they
sre seen dashing toward the ponderous
fighting ships at express train speed.
On board the battleships every trecau-
ton is taken TO avoid surprise for If
he torpedo boats succeed in getting
within range before being sunk the de-
struction OF the battleships IS assured.
The loCkouts are doubled. the search
Aghis constantly play over the waters,
me guns are loaded, open cases Of shells
paced by them. their crews sleep around
uem Every moment the cry Of warn
hg is longed for and dreaded.
suddenly from out Of the darkness
ahead some one picks up" a little black
"!ect cutting through the water. blacker
smoke pouring in clouds from her fun
hfS' Instantly the bugles ring cut. The
gun crSws leap to their work. Their fire
I'lst be quick and accurate, or in shorter
& space than it takes TO tell some five
AAlons Of government property will be
NoVn 10 atoms.
Such is a torpedo attack at night, such
uA feeling Of the men on board the bat
~Snlh As for the men on the little
sh green boats-why, they figure out
"a uere is no hope for them, anyhow.
.D'lf only aim is TO get in close enough
60 their work and leave the rest to
'''ine providence
efeenhorn Must Learn a Lot.
me naval militia will learn. among
-f things, what it is to stand watch
shd watch off," how il feels 10 turn
VeioTe one has had time TO get asleep
peer through darkness an intermi-
iour hours. They Will also learn
get into hammock without fall
., O''' difficult accomplishment for
=, aeehhorn, and a host Of other USE
"lnss which they never even heard
,,. ~iofe. And they will long, oh. so
,a,"u!' Tor just one hour on good old
8hu before the cruise Is over.
kr VIII also learn how TO swing their
.1,- 4.OcKs In the dark. This is an es-
."! Important fundamental in a
D.. training. II will be recalled
". vi one memorable occasion a fleet
- @eAing Baltimore. Under ideal
conditions the warships had
M IA. Nls' lOi u uIiI6 iiI'
, H.. aNehe and anchored later on in an
p,,, iHe following night was even
n. perfect for the attack. Laboriously
t,.' M 2'.d ieen worked up the bay
NJ, "e' We" IaIrJ abreast of Fort
-. ~ aas quiet ashore. The
m. "shts OF the fort had not been
~ pick up a single ship
H., commanding admiral was congrat-
s,s himself upon his success and
a Il. "'uIsing in delightful reveries OF
Nh prise Of the citizens OF Baltimore
Ii, "ey awoke the next morning TO find
e heet anchored i'm their harbor,
e,, usgust ana chagrln of the army
,,r s'ht al learning the aforesaid
a., ana lastly OF the pleasant SEN
oi reading that congratulatory