The Times

TACTICAL NAVAL MANEUVERS

The Squadron of Evolution to Go to Narragansett Bay.

The Navy Department has practically determined that as soon as the squadron of evolution returns to New York from its course of winter exercises in the West Indies Admiral Sampson will be ordered to take the ships composing it, and probably some others, to Narragansett Bay for a series of tactical maneuvers, to be outlined by the Naval War College at Newport. This decision of the department is due to the efforts of Commander Charles H. Stockton, President of the War College, to revive the course of instruction there. He recently asked the Navy Department to establish a class of officers at the college during the coming summer. In the opinion of the department this request could not be complied with without material injury to the service. The department, however, told Commander Stockton that his desires might be met by ordering to Newport the vessels of the squadron of evolution for the execution of tactical problems prepared at the college. This suggestion has not met with the approval of Commander Stockton. In a letter to the Navy Department he says that he does not think that the ends desired will be met by this means, and reverts to his original recommendation for the assignment of a regular class of naval officers to take up the college course during the summer months.

It is evident the Navy Department, despite Commander Stockton's objections, has determined to adhere to its idea of assigning the squadron of evolution in connection with the war college work. The plans of the department contemplate ordering the squadron to Narragansett Bay as soon as possible after its return to New York from the West Indies. A problem in naval strategy will then be presented to Admiral Sampson and the commanders of his vessels and the squadron will proceed to sea to work it out. Then, according to the ideas of the department, Admiral Sampson will bring his ships back to Newport where the officers will be ashore to listen to lectures and to participate in discussions pertinent to the problem which had been executed by the squadron. This plan will be repeated at frequent intervals during the greater part of the summer season.