 On April 14, 1898, ten days before the Spanish–American War was declared, the Navy requisitioned the big four as auxiliary cruisers.The U. S. Navy chartered her on 27 April 1898 from the International Navigation Co. "Paris" was approaching Southampton and did not arrive in New York until April 28.In just three days, the Navy installed her 12 six-inch main guns, 20 six-pounders and numerous secondary weapons.