Conde de Venadito participated in the 1892 commemoration of Columbus's first voyage, and the British royal family used the ship for a reception. She later joined the Spanish Navy's Training and Evolutionary Squadron off Cuba in 1894. The squadron was meant to demonstrate Spanish naval development at a time when the cruiser still had value for ceremony and showing the flag. Instead, its ageing ships risked advertising how far Spain had fallen behind newer naval powers. Conde de Venadito remained in service until she was sunk as a target in 1936.
Notable Point · 19:46-20:43
Conde de Venadito shows the flag
Ceremonial receptions and an 1894 training squadron show both the diplomatic usefulness and the growing obsolescence of Spain's presence cruisers.