Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-14
HAMPTON ROADS LOSES
INTERNATIONAL FLEET
Ships Of the. Nations VIII Gather
at Cristobal, Instead OF In Vir-
ginia Waters.
DANIELS ANNOUNCES PROGRAM
President Wilson VIII Leave Hamp-
ton Roads on March 8, and VIII
Then Proceed to Rcndezvous-No
Parade of Fleet Through Canal.

WASHINGTON. January 1a.-The
proposed international naval rendez-
vous at Hampton Roads has been aban-
doned. according to plans announced
tonight by Secretary Daniels, for tho
cruise OF the Atlantic Fleet and visit
ing foreign war craft to San Fran
cisco in celebration OF the Panama
Canal opening. Instead, the program
provides that the ships shall proceed
directly to Cristobal, at the eastern
entrance of the canal. to be passed
through at stated intervals.
Consent OF Congress must be OBJ
tanned for the change as the law au-
thorizing the cruise provided that the
United States should Invite tho mari
time nations of the world to send ves-
sells to Hampton Roads for the event.
Secretary Daniels said. however. he had
no doubt the necessary legislation
would be enacted at once. He pointed
out that the war had made impossible
a rendezvous OF the international char
acter contemplated by Congress, and
that tho Isthmus would be a more con-
venient gathering place for the Ameri-
can fleet and the few visiting vessels
that would participate. Only Spain,
Portugal, Argentina and Cuba SO far
have indicated their intention of send
ing ships.
CONFIDENT THAT CANAL
PASSAGE WILL DE POSSIBLE
The program has been worked out In
the confident belief that passage
through the canal will be possible, al
though Governor Goethals has given
notice that he cannot guarantee it. on
account Of recent slides. February %
is fixed as the date for passage OF
the vanguard Of the Atlantic Fleet
Other vessels will go through day by
day until March 10, when President
Wilson Is due to arrive on the battle
ship New York, and transfer to the old
Oregon for the trip through the water
way.
All the plans have been framed par
ticularly with n view to interfering as
little as possible with the winter
manoeuvres and drills Of the Atlantic
Fleet. Two weeks will be saved by
changing the place OF rendezvous
Mayor Mayo and n delegation Of Nor
FOLK citizens. accompanied by Senator
Swanson. talked over tho change Of
plans to-day with Secretary Daniels
The delegation protested but after the
Interview said they were content with
the departments decision. Secretary
Daniels promised them that a grand
review would be held In Hampton
Roads after the Atlantic Fleets return
from Pacific waters. and that tho for
eign vessels that participate in the
opening OF the San Francisco Exposl-
tion would he invited to come to Hamp-
ton Roads for that event.
Under the revised plan, there will be
n gathering OF only five ships In Hamp-
ho
Will be American battleships sent to
| receive President Wilson when he ar
rives there from Washington to take
ship for Cristobal.
Secretary Daniels announced the fol-
lowing program for preliminary opera
tions and the cruise to San Francisco:
THE following named foreign vessels
are expected to take part in the cele-
bration incident to the opening of the
canal:
Argentina will send the battleship
Moreno. flying the flag of Vice-Admtral
Onofre Betbcder; Cuba Will send the
cruiser Cuba; Portugal will send the
cruiser Almlrante Reis and the dis
patch boat Cinco de .Outubro; Spain
Will send the battleship Espana Vice
Admiral Don Ramon Estrada Catoiva
has been appointed by the Spanish gov
ernment AS It's naval representative.
WILL HOLD EXERCISES
AND TARGET PRACTICE
Tho battleships OF the Atlantic
Fleet and destroyer notilla will pro-
ceed to Guantanamo and Guacanayabo
Bay. Cuba, January II. for extended
fieet exercises and target practices,
seventeen battleships participating in
the manoeuvres. Tho Georgia. Texas,
South Carolina and Minnesota will re-
main at their home yards. undergoing
overhauling. until February 15. These
vessels Will proceed to Southern waters
the latter part OF February.
Tho Texas will remain at Hampton
CONTINUED on Second Page.)
START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT,
BY usinG York River Linz to HaItimnra