Evening Star Newspaper, February 17, 1898, Page 2

CSDHE EVENING STAR, -THURSDAY, FEBRUAR Y 17, 1898-14 PAGES. them and with the whole American nation the occurrence.” Regret Expressed by All. As the details of the loss cf the Maine are published there are renewed marks of sympathy here. They are not only in the newspapers, but are to be heard on all sides. Many of the dipiomats, includ- ing the Spanish ambassador, have called at the United States embassy, and the first lord of the admiralty, the Hon. George J. has reque Mr. White. the ef the United States embassa: » absence of United States Ambassa- ‘ol. John Hay in Egypt, to expr. y's and his own persona! sym- United States government and “nited States navy. ‘evincial morning newspaper make ar in tone to these of the moraing pap and the London on papers devote much space to the comments s omton disaster. Th> Pall Mall Gazette, alluding to the bravery of the American ofticers, says Sizshee Showed Bravery. for one, behaved with ‘ontempt of danger worthy traditions of the Americay or any bee, a of Rased chiefly in two special telegrams amearing this morning in the Daily Chr md the Morning Post, there is much nsston of the treachery the ce of th ai the Morning Post President MeKinle i of some at play, and ts reported to have confidential reports in hi pessession which, if published, would cause immediate 's the conduct De Lom James ident McKinley jent shows he is rot eS rel and is “unwilling to his hand to he foreed by the firebrants of the at Continuing. the St. James Gazett remarks . though very nst his will. hewspapers comment on the dis- the same lines. powerful, may be driv Other mpathy. t United States embassy has received the following telegram from Bagshot: “To the United States Ambassador: cere sympathy h has hap- I deeply deplore the urred to your navy and OF CONNAUGH1 secretary of the Uni replied as follows th 1 highn: egram ¢ thanks me dor age to government. WHITE.” use Cheers America. the Ri. H The first lord of the admiralty, Hen. George J. Goschen, in the house of commons, today, replying to Mr. Dillon, chairman of the Iri rliamentary party, said he had ro in tion to impart te ive States batt had taken the to the or to the > but th of sending Navy Department at Washington an o2 of the deep sympathy felt by he opportunity admiralty with the loss sus- aanovncement was greeted with nite, di or of British ion, when questioned today s of the Maine, said it wa i »esthle te venture a theory until the | rts of the Maine's officers had been re ed. H ided “Englis b ‘al officers are waiting for reports with the utmost interest, as in common with all English official: the most prefourd sorrow at the dis- particularly in that it occurred on board an American ship, for, in spite of oc- k to the contrar; and and are the very best friends HAD VISITORS TUESDAY. Suggesticn That Infernal Machine Was Hrought by One. NEW YORK, February 17.—The World has re Celine Am MAINE ic eived from Sy nt at Havana an inquiry wed on th Scoville, the follow: as to whether strangers Mat ¥ visitors were on the Maine all af- n the day of th» explosion. The t have been deposited near the megacine, as 1 have already cabled. Cables wre much delayed here.” ‘This eispateh bears date of today. GOV. TANNER SCENTS WAR. Asks Ilinois Legisinture to Tender Support to President. Mi, February 17—Gov- 2 y called on the legis! avikerize him to tender to the nt of the United States the “mora! 41 support of Illinois to preve ttempt at hostile invas This he did in a me the senate and house. In the the message came as a profourd The debate on the Berry po’ interrupted to receive it. While ad by the governor's private the deepest at its conclusion there ause from both erhor's message “Slate of Illinois utive Department, 5 1st. ntry.” rpr report was it was fein Be SPRINGEL the Honorable calamity which « ates battle ship Ma 1 its ill-fated crew fills me with nd herror, and | assume thi assembly wil by Jel of the p and wound ing retativ that the of intention result t the official investigation o: kovernme’ demon- fue to ental cause. which exists as uncertainty ould seem tha die before th it should he exe to tender to the of the ates, on behalf is, atever moral that may be y to maintain the an flag and to prevent ttempt at hostile invasion von country. JOHN R. TANNER, “Governor.” KENTUCKY LEGISLATOR FOR WAR. Representative Moore Urges Immed- iate Declaration Against Spain. Spec.al Dispatch to The Evening Star. FRANKFORT, Ky., February 17.—Rep- resentative Moore of Ballard county this morning introduced a resolution in the house asking that war be at once declared sguinst Spain. The resolution urges gov- «rnment officials at Washington to wait no longer, b&t push forward work looking to _ | tinguished. ur royal ni with my | loss of the Maine under ng circumstan T at once ening | © the day of the | sanguinary engagement with the Spanish government. No immediate action was taken on the resolution. SYLVESTER SCOVEL’S STORY. The World Correspondent Describes Scenes Attending Explosio: NEW YORK, February 17.—The Evening World today contains a copyrighted cable- gram from Havana, signed by Sylvester Scovel, whe repeats graphically the story of the blowing up of the battle ship Maine, end says: “The quays and docks were jammed with Spectators during these sad proceedings, and I am informed that some jubilant say- ings were heard among the crowd, and that some of the lower elements rejoice ever the ‘Yankee massacre,’ as they term- ed it. Personally, I saw nothing but sy pathy. “It was too colossal not to dwarf even in- ternational jealousy and apprehensive hate. Only in the palace did I see signs of con- tent. “Captain Sigsbee bears the calamity like an American officer and a gentlem: He Was not even outwardly ruffied by the aw- ful calami He received the Spanish chief of police as calmly as though his quarter deck were not a wreck and his men man- gied and drowned. ‘Apropos of this it is told of Capt. Sigs. bee that he was writing a letter to his wi in his port cabin when the explosion oc- evrred. Ail the Jights were tantly ex- Sigsoee, running out, bumped [into a perfectly disciplined marine orderly, | who, amidst shrieks, groans, flames and kerror, and in the dark, saluted and said: ‘Sir, I have to inform you that the ship has been blown up and is sinking.’ ” Men Were Very Cool. Ss is coolnes: the men, was noticeable ev! and when the boats and maimed loads had left the craft for amon: theix the pital there was no jabbering or j citement. The officers who had something j to do did it quietly. The others said noth- All stood this Samoa of fire as others once gav2 three cheers for the British warship Calliope, at Apia, during the hur- ricane. The correspondents of the Madrid press have sent home foreboding messages, and | on the civil side of the palace thore grave apprehension and scant courtesy. When I asked Secretary Congosto aid me in talking te Gen. Solono over curing the reopening of the table for tae messages of the Maine's officers, he coldly said il was none of his business, that Gen. Solono was in sole charge. “Fortunately that gentleman was court- cous and the messages went. In view of this sent attitude, I shall now quote are to se- ry Congosto, then the acting or fulfilling the fanc- Ds le position, said to | fore the Maine arrived. had told him that af- | ship would com 1 Congosto Taiked Warlike. “Congosto belligere: tly objected. General then said: * ‘Remember, if any trouble does occur, I {shall have the whole fleet here in four | hours. “Short! after L saw Secretary Congosto and he was very mad. He was also indis- | \ | ereet. He said to me: | If your people would only let us alone j it would be all right. Spain has put up | with x than any other nation would i have done. I have warned you that there will be trouble if the Maine comes here. Now bring your ships here. If you want war you can have it. You will find Spain } basn’t forgotten how to fight." “I took these words at the time as the angry utterances of an overtaxed diplomat. | Now they em to mean something. | ‘““fwo days ago a Spanish daily here claimed Senor de Lome wrote his famous letter and cused its capture because he | Saw no gain in further delaying a break | between the two governments.” Hurrying Up Ordnance. CINCINNATI, Ohio, February 17.—The | big Niles teol works at Hamilton, Ohio, is | turning out twelve-inch mortars for the | Bevernment as speedily as possible. Two Raval attac! ssigned to the ordnance | department, en at Hamilton en- |gaged in pushing forward the work and rintending the constructionof the hug» of ordnance. ! hin st few days the work has j keen gre hastened to all appear: | s of the company deny that a > to hasten the * nt war sez |r de denials th> 1 dic the work has been h: and that the naval officers have been espe- cially busy of late. Sensational Rumor Denied. BERLIN, Fepruary 17.—The North man Gazette this afternoon sa: it is au- thorized to state that the recent r=port, enunating from Madrid, that a number of h anish officers propose to leave thei cards ai the German embassy, with view of thus s tting on foot a demon: tion against th» United States, is utterly devoid of foundation. Emperor William Sends Regrets. BERLIN, February 17.—Immediately after the news of the disaster to the Maine was communic d to Emperor William he ca- bled direct to President McKinley, expre ing his most heartfelt ™mpathy at the lo: of the Maine and so many brave offic and men. The German ambassador at Washington was also instructed to convey to President McKinley his majesty’s sincere condolence. New Y¥ Legislature's Acti ALBANY, N. Y., February 17.—Mr. Tay- lor Phillips of New York has iniroduced in | the assembly a resolution condoling with rs jured in the sinking of the Maine, and cal!- ing upon the Navy-Departmeat fer a quick and thorough investigation. per EEE ER ON “S FINANCES, IRGINIS ne pvernor Opposes Any Legisia- tion Durirg This Session. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. RICHMOND, February 17.—Govern- or Tyler has just sent a message to the legislature cxpressing fear of any meas- ures being adopted in the limited time the feneral assembly has left looking to the | readjustment of the state’s finances, and recommends that a small commission be appointed to investigate the subject thor- oughly and report to the next session of the legislature or a special session if nec- essary. He offers this plan instead of a constitu- tional convention, which he thinks is likely | to misearry and might contain undesirable material that would pervert the purpose for which it was called. > AFLOAT ON AN ICE FLOE. Two Hundred Norse Fishermen Carried Out to Sea. COPENHAGEN, February 17.—A_ dis- patch received here from HolSingfors says that a tract of ice on the coast of the Galf of Finland broke adrift in a snow storm yesterday and was carried to sea with 200 | fishermen and several horses, Are the friends of those lost and with the in- } i | afternoon. LIST OF THE SAVED. Names Received by Secretary Long This Afternoon. ‘This afternoon a telegram was received by Secretary Long from Capt. Forsythe, at Key West. saying that the following named officers of the Maine are at Key West, un- injured: Lieut. John Hood, Lieut. R. W. Dungan, Lieut. George Blow, Lieut. George J. Blan- din, Passed Assistant Engineer Fred. T. Bowers, Assistant Engineer J. R. Morris, Naval Cadet A. Bronson, Naval Cadet P. Washington, Naval Cadet A. Crenshaw, faval Cadet D. F. Boyd, First Lieut. A. W. Catlin, U. 8. M. C.; Boatswain F. E. Larken, Gunner J. Hill, Carpenter George Holmes and Paymaster’s Clerk McCarthy. Secretary Long received a telegram this afternoon from Captain Forsythe, at Key West. saying that the following named of- ficers and men were gaved from the Maine: Uninjured Men. Peter Mikleson, sea. Chas. Galpin, private, marine, Thos. Melville, C. P. Michael Lanahan, lds. Peter Larzen, sca. Martine Recen, sea. Louis Moriniere, sea. Alonzo Willis, app. John Turpin, er Bae Re Westmore Harris, M. Att. i Michael Mechael Meehan, Sergt., U.S.M.C. Edw. McKay. Priv., U.S.M.C. Fresanoni, Owa, M. At Dan G. Toppin, W. R. Cook. Jos. Lutz, Priv., U.S.M. Men Slightly Hurt. Frank G. Thompson, corporal ‘orps. Chester Germond, private, Marine Corps. John Herbert, ordinary seaman. Geo. Schwartz, ship's cook. Alfred Johnson, seaman. William H. Thompson, landsman. Chas. Bergman, boatswain’s mate. Henry McCann, seaman. Walter E. Richards, apprentice. Arthur Ran, or Arthur Rau, seaman. Joseph H. Kane, Lds. % 7 liam McDevitt, private, M. C. John DP. Load, M. at A. Charies Lohman, C. P. rtrell, fireman, first class. sear Anderson, Cos. Alfred Hallberg, Coxs. John Panck, fireman, first class. George David, seaman. Ham, apprentice. Marine C Williams, cabin cook. ‘Treakle, Seaman. ‘Thomas J. Durchan, landsman. William McNair, ordinary seaman. Michael Flynn, seaman. Men Sertously Hurt. Carl Christianson, fireman, first ciass. Patrick J. Foley, apprentice. George Fox, lanésman. Rubert Hutchins, laudsman. G. J. Dressler, apprentice. Capt. Forsythe says: “Of the men se- riously hurt, only one, Foley, is considered to be in any danger. ‘he list has heen compiled by Lieut. Jungen and myself carefully, and is, I think, correct. ‘THE MARINES LOST, Information Received by Colonel Heywood. Colonel Heywood of the United States Marine Corps received a dispatch last night announcing the status of affairs so far as the Marine Corps is concerned. Elfminat- ing tb ist of saved from those on board the list of lost is as follows: First Sergeant Henry Wagner, Sergeants Michael Meehan, J. T. Brown, Corporals J. R. Burns, Jo- seph Schoen, A. H. Richter; Drummer J. “ifer C. H. Newton, Privates V. H. Botling, George Bros- Downing, C. E. Johnson, W. J, T. Rean, Frank Kelly, G. M. P. A. Losko, J. P. Monohan, T. H. Dierking, John Benneti, man, M. J. Newmgn, J. H. Roberts, H. E. Stock, angman, E. B. Suman, E. B. ‘Trin- A. Van Horn, R. V. Warren, R. ,» Wm. McDevitt. Colone! Heywood had received no further information. In fact, the loss of the ma- rines is, he said, the only definite informa- tion he had received from the department in regard to the matter. a COULD OFFER NO HOPE, Depariment Sends Sad Message to Mr. Merritt's Friends. The family of Darwin R. Merritt, the engincer officer who was lost from the Maine telegraphed the Navy Department to ask whether it were positively known that he had been drowned. Tne only reply the officials were able to make was that they understood such to be the case. Secretary Lonyy today directed that dis- tches be sent the commandunts cf the chief “officers of throughout the world all flags at half mast until fur- ther orders mark of respect to the officers and men drowned from the battle ship Maine. to stations and WILD RUMORS AFLOAT. Meged Reports of Cuban Situation. There were wild rumors in circulation about the District building this afternoon concerning the situation in Cuba, and in some of the rooms the clerks gathered in groups to discuss the rumors. “Has The Star issued an extra question most frequently asked. It was the sentiment of the clerks that until an extra Star appeared they would not put much faith in the rumors. This afternoon a young colored man, accompanied by a colored veteran from the Hampton home, called at police head- quarters and said he nted to enlist. He had heard that volunteers were wanted to go to Cuba, and he wanted to be one of them. The old man id he had been shot nine times, but he, too, was willing to en- list. The young man left headquarters to so to the navy yard, where he expected to offer services. Hood Says Muine is Lost. Late this afternoon Secretary Long re- ceived the following important telegram frem Admiral Sicard at Key West, Fla.: “In the opinion of Lieutenant Hood, Maine, who has just arrived from Havana, the Maine can never again be utilized as a ship. He described the whole forward part of the ship as completely collapsed, wher: the shock of the explosion was the heavy- jest. Photograph of wreck sent departmen teday by mail.” Excitement Over was the —e~—______ Order to All United States Fleets, Telegraphic orders were sent to the com- manding officers of all naval fleets this afternoon, directing that the colors shali be half-masted on all vessels under their cemman:l until further orders. ‘the first dispatch received at the Navy Department from Key West since 2 a.m. reached the departmént at about 1:30 this It read as follows: “KEY WEST. the draft that was sent from New York the 5th went to the Detroit for the on squadron. The only man sent to the Maine lately was Joan Hamilton, carpenter's mate. FORSYTH.” 2+ —— ANITARY CONDITION Report of Board of Visitors on East- ern Branch Flats. Acting Secretary Ryan of the Department of the Interior has transmitted to Mr. Me- Millan, chairman of the Senate committee on the Disiriet of Columbia a copy of the | letter from the board of visitors for the government hospital for the insane, calling attention to the unsanitary condition of the flats along the Eastern branch of the Poto- mac river and urging the early passage of Senate resolution No, 28, making an appro- priation for the iraprevement of the Ana- costia river and the reclamation of its flats. Acting Secretary Ryan calls Mr. MeMil- lan’s attention to the recommendation in the report of the Secretary of the Interior for the fiscal yéar ending June 30, 1897, urging the early reclamation of these flats, ge Bill In Massachusetts Legisiature. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. BOSTON, Mass., Febrvary 17,—A sur- j prising order was introduced in the legic- Jature for an immediate emergency ina zec- Uon of the state's artillery and protections, TORERSGES IN HAVANA HARBOR. oF: Statement .by Navy Department Re- wa ag, Their Presence There. The Navy Department authorizes a denial of the statement attributed to Cant. Sigs- bee that’ h2”recommended to the depart- ment before,.he sailed for Havana that no other ship than the Maine be sent to Ha- vana bezause the harbor was too dangerous owing to the/number of torpedoes planted in the of fact, Captain Sigsbee had bostom: As a matt not the Slighjest hint given that his ship was to ‘be selected for the visit twelve hours betoré ‘his departure. He was then at Key West. doing patrol work, and had gone to join the squadron at Tortugas be- fore the telegraph orders from the depart- ment tor is The tele; hip reached Key West. eS dispatched after him by means of the torpedo boat Ericsson, and was deJivered to him at Tortugas that night. Before daylight his ship was on the way to Havana and there was no cor- Tespondence with the department beyond the acknowledgment of the orders. As to the statement relative to the num- ber of torpedoes planted in Havana hur- bor, it is said at the Navy. Department that nobody aside from the Spanish offi- cers in Havana knows what has been dene to proteet the harbor in that man- ner. 5 It is customary to divide all great har- bers into sections and in plans of coast de- fcnse, to assign places for torpedoes on the bettom at certain intervals. The location of these torp2does is kept a profound secret, only a Tew officers of the army be- ing intrusted vith the knowledge. If their lceation were known, it would be easy for an attacking enemy to r2move or explode them without causing harm to their own vessels. But it is not usual to keep the torpedoes actually in their berths in the water in times of peace; they are placed in the posi- ticns assigned to them only as a war meas ure. There are some exceptions to this tale, for insta: ce, at Hong Kong, where the torpedoes are at all times kept in position, and it may be presumed that the same pre- caution has been taken in Havana harbor to guard against an unexpected raid by a swift. steamer that might iall into the hands of the insurgents. These torpedoes are not of the contact type, as are called the torpedoes that are set to go off upon the touch of the hull of a vessel passing over them, but are arranged to be exploded only by means of e'ectric currents sent from shore by buried wires. These fixed torpedoes are really mines, and carry much larger charges than the small automobile torpedoes discharged from the torpedo tubes of war ships. In view of the near approach to New York of the Spanish war ship, which has caused so much comment, although it has been explained semi-officially that she is merely returning the courtesy exhibited in sending the Maine to Havana, it may be proper to state that the naval regulations provide for a proper reception of the ship. The commandant of the navy yard, Ad- miral Bunce, will look after the necessary formaliti A salute will be exchanged with the ship by the shore forts and naval officers will be sent from the navy yard to board the visitor and extend to him the courtesies of the port. An anchorage will be pointed out and all proper precautions will be taken to make the stay of the ship safe and comfortable. It is probable that she will lie in the North river naval anchor- age, unless she receives other orders from the Spanish legation. —_—__+2.___ CALLERS: ON THE PRESIDENT. Those Who ‘Want Office for Them- “'setyes or Others. Owing to the Havana tragedy, the Prest- dent nad not decided today whether he would alter his plans as to going south with Secretary Bliss next week. Representative Eennett of New York saw the President today to recommend the appointment of Charles J. Haubert as marshal of the eastern district of New York when! the term of the incumbent +-x- pires shortly. Mr. Haubert ts the choice of Senator Platt. Capt. C..W. Thomas of Jefferson Ci Mo., is here to-iry to secure the post offic of his city, and was at the White House with ex-Goy. Fletcher. Representatives Hepburn and Brownlow saw the President in behalf of Gen. Man- ney for a positign. in Tennessee. Senator Burrows saw the President, with Rev. Mr. Cowden, the blind chaplain of the House. Mr. Cowden wants to have his son appointed ‘to a cadetship in the Naval Academy. Among the ‘numerous other callers were nators Foraker, Wetmore, Lodge, P-n- rose, Qua nd Representatives Miller of West Virginia, Pierce and Joy of Missouri, Boutelle of Mlinois and Harley of New York. Most of the congressional callers were accompanied by constituents or friends. HIS FATE IN DOUBT. A Charles County Man Who Was on the Maine. Benjamin H. Herriman, whose two broth- ers live in this city, was on the Maine, hay- ing enlisted as an apprentice. He would have been discharged from the service this fall had not the Maine been destroyed. One of his brothers is Mr. W. G. Herriman, who is employed in Sparrow’s grocery store on North Capitol street, and the other is Mr. M. H. Herriman, who until recently was employed on one of the street rail- roads. Benjamin H. Herriman, who name appears in the lst of those who were lost, enlisted from Charles county, Md., and his father now lives at Chaptico, in that county. Although his name appears in the list of those who were not saved, his brothers still cling to the hope that his life was spared. In th> supplemental list of the saved ones telegraphed by. Cap: Sigsbee app2ars the Benjamin, and the Herrimans here hope that, by reasun of some mistake this Benjamin is meant for their brother. —— - BRECKINRIDGE’S REMA ENSIGN S. Brought to New York This Morning on Steamer Seneca. ~ NEW YORK, February 17—The Ward line steamer Seneca, which arrived this morning from Havana and Mexico, brought the body of Ensign Breckinridge, who was weshed overboard from’ the United States torpedo boat Cushing and drowned, while the Cushing was,on the way trom Key West to Havana. ‘The body was recovered and taken by the Cushing to Havana and shipped thencé by the Seneca. Lieut. Ward .of, the staff of the com- mandant of the :New York navy yard dropped down to quarantine early today on the United States navy yard tug Nerkecta with an escort of fourteen marines, six of whom will act as pallbearers for the re- mains. The casket was removed from, the Seneca at quarantine and takem on board the Narkeeta, which steamed up the bay to the Jersey City pier of the Pennsylyania railroad, where the party will take a train for Kentucky. Lieut. Ward, was accompa- nied by Mr. Hines, a representative of. the Breckinridge family, who came on from Kentucky to attend to the details for transportation of the remains, ~ Sse Detectives Seize Oleomargarine. Special Dispateh to Evening Star. CUMBERLAND,/M4., February 17—Two gcvernment dgttctives. from Washington coused almo nie among Cumberland when they seized a num- ber of bo; alleged oleomargarin¢, which was d for creamery butter, and took jt # to Washington for analysis. “It ht that some dealers may be hea . . Russtan for Viadivosteck. CONSTA PLE, February 17.—The Russian auxiliary cruiser ‘Tamboff, of 8,610 tons ent, -belonging: to the Rus- Passed through the + with. 2,000 ‘soldiers bound for Viedivo- olution.4 : resolution follow: cf the Pacific railroad made tcday, ougit not to be confirmed, except n the terms that the original claims the int thereon due to the United States trom sald railroad company of the Kansas Pacitic division be paid in full by tke bidcers.” | ACTION IN CONGRESS Senator Allen Introduces a Resolu- tion to Investigate. GOES OVER ON AN OBJECTION Unabated Interest at the Capitol in the Maine Disaster. MANY THEORIES EXPRESSED ———— ‘There is unabated interest at both ends of the Capitol today in the Maine disaster, but expressions generally take th> shape of inquiry for new light upon the subject and of demands for most rigid investigation. As a rule, the occurrence is viewed as a mystery and some expr2ss the opinion that it will always remain such. There are many theories advanced, but the authors of them generally confess that they amount to nothing more than speculation. “The best information obtainable,” said Senator Gear of lowa, “indicates that there were two explosions, and that five hours elapsed between the two. I do not profess to be an expert, but this seems to me to be irconsistent with the torpedo theory.” Another senator, who refused to allow his name to pe used, express2d doubt as to whether a torpedo explosion would have caused the shattering of windows in Ha- vana @s this explosion, he said, is reported to have done. Ind2ed, there are almost as many theories as there are members of Congress, and there appears to be unanimi- ty oaly upon the one point that the matter should be prob2d to the bottem. A leading member of the Senate com- mittee on foreign relations expressed the opinion that if the Navy Department’s pro- posed inquiry should prove unsatisfactory the matter should be taken up by Congress. The present disposition, especially about the Senate, appears to be to allow the mat- ter to rest where it is until more light can be secured than at present. There is general comment upon the fact that no reference was made in either house of Congress yesterday to the occurrence, and this circumstance is taken to indicate that the present Congress could be counted upon to keep a coo] head and deal cautious- ly and wisely with a real emergency, if one should arise. The Chaplain’s Prayer. At the opening of the S2nate today the blind chaplain delivered a touching invo- cation with reference to the awful disasier to the Maine. The invocation follows: “Oh, Lord, God, with our whole people we stand b»>fore Thee deeply moved vy the appalling calamity in the harbor of Ha- vana. And we humbly pray that Thou will grant to the relatives and friends of the officers and men, whose lives have been sacrificed, that pity, consolation and sup- port which Thou alone canst bestow. We beseech Thee to give Thy comfort and cheer to the brave and noble men who are now suffering from their wounds and hurts. Give them the sense that the nation loves and honors them, and so imp»rt to all the survivors that chesr whicn goes with the nation’s regard for our zavy, and with its regard and admiration for the qmet, steady and brave demeanor. Likewise we com- mend to Thy fatherly pity the family of the brave young officer, who, in the p2r- formance of his duties, was swept into the gulf of death. Let Thy loving kindness come to his father and mother, and his group of brothers and sisters. Oh, Lord, God, show Thy regard and love unto us all in thes? days of sorrow and pain. And may we find in the religioa of our Blessed Lord and Savior—in the faith and hope and love, which we gain from it alone—the up- holding and comfort only to be found there on earth.” The only reference made to the disaster to the Maine was in the form of the following resolution introduced by Mr. Al- len (Neb.): “Resolved, That the committee cn naval affairs be directed to make an immediate and thorough investigation into the cause of the disaster to the battle ship Maine in the harbor of Havana on the 15th insiant and report to the Senate.” Mr. Hale (Me.), chairman of the naval af- fairs committe, said he had no objection to the reference of the resolution to his com- mittee, but he did not deem it desirable for the committee now to proceed with an in- vestigation of the melancholy affair in Ha- vana harbor. The executive department of the government was even now engaged in making an investigation of the disaster. The Secretary of the Navy was engaged in the work and was employing all the means in his power to ascertain the truth. jt the matter were taken up by the naval affairs committee, Mr. Hale said, the best the committee could do would be to act through the Navy Department. H» was satisfied that as soon as the Secretary of the Navy obiained definite information concerning the explosion and its details he would communicat> the facts to Congress Mr. Allen cbjected to having the resolu- ticn sent to the committee on naval af- fairs. “We of us,” said he, “who are no: members of the naval affairs committee, or of the foreign r2!ations committee, can- rot get information from the departments about these things. We are shut out as cempletely as if we were private citizens. I think I ought to get my information, and I am deeply interested in this matter, through the committee on naval affairs of this Senate. 1 do not care to debate this matter or to indulge in any extended dis- cission of it. What I want is action by the committee that will give us informa- tion.” Mr. Chandler (N. H.) objected to the res- olution, and it went over until tomorrow. Resolation in the House. It is probable that the families of the vic- tims of the disaster will be cared for by the government, as were the survivors of these who were lost in the Samoan hurri- cane several years ago, when fifty-four American officers and sailors were lost from the Nipsic, Vandalia and Trenton, which were wrecked on that occasion, Representative McClellan of New York ir troduced a joint resolution appropriating ss ),000 for this purpose in the House to- The resolution is as follows: “Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representa- tives, that the Secretary of the Navy be and hereby is directed to pay out cf the mcney in the treasury not otherwise pro- vided a sum equal to tyelve months’ pay to the legal heirs or representatives of each of the officers and crew of the United States ship Maine who perished in the dis- aster in Havana February 15, 1898, and the sum of $150,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated to carry out the provisions of this act.’” A special act of similar tenor was passed for the relief of the victims of the Samoan disaster. It is not customary to grant pen- sions to the widows or orphans of soldiers or sailors who die in time of peece, but Congress, in view of the extraordinary cir- cumstances, will undoubtedly be quick to grant the relief proposed by Mr. McClellan, In Foreign Affairs Committee. The foreign affairs committee of the House held a brief meeting this morning. ‘The members informally discussed the lat- est rumors regarding the Maine disaster, but no action was cither taken or sug- gested. Chairman Hitt was not present. The DeArmond resolution calling upon the Secretary of the Treasury for the expense incurred by the United States in intercept- ing filibustering expeditions to Cuba was reported favorably and will be called up during the day. The Drift of Feeling. ‘The conviction has become more general in Congress that the Maine was destroyed by intent. The genera) disposition is to await developments with reasonable pa- tience, but it is evident that the worst is expected to’ develop. When some definite information is had there is no doubt that there will be such action by Congress as the facts warrant. = It is not thought, however, that anything will be done until some sort of definite re- port has been received from the ing officer of the Maine. The ag * tion by Congress will follow promptly upon the disclosures. It may not b> necessary after the official reports are made for a cot.gressional com- mittee to investigate. further. Action in that direction will depend spon early de- velopments. It is expected thai made in the naval bili De consid- ered for replacing che Maine, and for otherwise strengthening our navy to an ex- tent not before cont:raplat-i. If it whould Prove that the expission was the result of an accident (whica is noi expected) it will be the signal for a vitter figh~ in Congress upon our system of navel esceblshment by thos) who have never heen friendly to incressing the naval estabiishment 1- ready some are s>izing the opportunity upon the assumption of an accident, to ce- nounce the general system of naval con- struction, and to declare th» whole theory of the big tron provisions will be lighting machines to by wrong. There are. nowever, as yet, few supporters of this idea, ant it is rot thought that their position will be Strengthened by cha facts in this case. Great Demand for News. All sources of news were besieged by members of both houses, who displayed the greatest anxiety for information. All sorts of reports were being set afloat, cir- culating for awhile and causing more or less excitement until disproven or crowded out by some new report. One thing which caused much comment among congress men and tended particularly to excit prehension was the absence of special « ap- tis patches from Cuba. It was argued that, in a case of such disaster, the natural thing would be to open the wires freely for in- formation to be conveyed to the home country of the victims, unless there was some reason in the nature of the disaster why the facts should be kept from the public as long as possible. A report was current in both houses this afternoon that it had been definitely dis covered that a torpedo had been expic under the Maine. The report was prob: traceable to the report from Key Wesi, but various authorities were given fur it One was that the announcement had_ bee made at the Navy Lepartment to somc member of the House. Auother was that an army officer detailed at the War Depart- ment had stated that the War Department had been officially notified by the Navy Department that the fact of an explosion of 4 torpedo had been discovered. This and other reports served to increase the feeling of excitement and anxiety, but there was no manifestation of hot-headed- ness in either house. The Cannon Resolution. Considerable unfavorable comment has been excited in the Senate by the failure of the President to respond in any manner to the Cannon resolution passed by the Sen- ate calling upon the executive for informa- tion as to what steps had been taken for the protection of American citizens and American interests in Cuba. It has been a long time since the resolution was passed, but there has been no response—not even to 3ay that the information cannot be fur- nished, if such is the case. —E NO REVOLUTION. Absolute Denial From the Minister of Costa Rica. The minister from Costa Rica made the following statement to The Star today: “The news of a revolution in Costa Rica is wholly false and is entirely without foundation even. Dispatches received ves- terday and today at the legation in Wash- ington contradict in the most positive terms the false report just published in a New York paper, as well as the rumor puo- lished in the form of a telegram from Managua, dated February 8, which I did not deem worthy of any notice.” Sees Conferences Arranged For. Representative Bingham of the House conference committee on the legislative, judicial and executive appropriation bill went over to the Senate side of the Capl- tol this afternoon to arrange for a confer- ence on that bill with the Senate confere: This conference will probably be held late this afternoon or tomorrow. The subcommittee of the Senate commit- tee on appropriations, to which has been referred the District of Columbia appro- priation bil] as it passed the House of Rep- resentatives, will probably not hold a meet- ing to consider that measure until the mid- dle of next week. SN Looking for Infernal Machines, The anthracite coal here for the supply of the United States warships is being overhauled, in a search for infernal ma- chines. It is pointed out, however, that the Maine took her coal on board here a week ago, and that it is not likely that the mechanism of any infernal instrument would delay action so long. a finms on Witness Stand. The tial of Rey. Gilbert F, Williams, formerly rector of Christ Church, Navy Yard, on charges affecting his moral char- er, which has been in progress behind closed doors for several weeks at the Pro- Cathedral, appears to be nearing the end. It is stated that the defendant, who is regarded as the last witness, took the stand yesterday afternoon. Before he had con- cluded giving his statement the hour for adjournment arrived. Today, after the court approved the record of yesterday's proceedings, Mr. Williams resumed, and was said to be speaking as to his conduct toward Miss Denham when this report was closed. Rev. W —— Found in Dying Conditio An eléerly colored man named John C. Cook was found in a dying condition about { o'clock this morning in his room in a house on Delaware avenue northeas between G and H streets. William Jenifer, colored, discovered him and summoned the ninth precinct patrol wagon. The dying man was taken to the Eastern Dispensary where he expired a few minutes after hi arrival. ‘The old man bad been sick for some time and William Jenifer kad been visiting him regularly, remaining with him at night. Cook's body was removed to the morguc and the coroner notified. > Arrested ex » Suspect. An elderly man giving his name as Louis Gardner, who said he had taken only a few drinks today, was arrested this after- neon by Detective Procter on suspicion of having stolen an overceat. He was en- deavoring to sell the coat to a second-hand desler. According to the prisoner's story, he was a sailor for thirty-five years, and when asked where he lived, his response was: “Any old where.” Tomorrow he will be given a hearing. = > Gov. Lowndes’ Appointments. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. STATE HOUSE ANNAPOLIS, Md., Feb- ruary 17.—The governor sent the following nominations for Prince George's county to the Senate today. Election supervisors: Luther Brashears and Edward E. Perkins, republicans, and William D. Barry, democrat. School commissioner, Nelson A. Ryon. Notaries public: William H. Harrison at Laurel, A. M. Coffman at Upper Marl- boro’, and Harry B. Major at Hyattsville. > The Speaker appoinied Messrs. Hemin- way (nd.), Pitney (N. J.) and McRae (Ark.) conferees on the foriifications appropria- tion bill. BARAT ie Government Bonds. Quotations reported by Corson & Macart- ney, bankers. 2 per cents, registered. 4 per cents, coupon of 1 4 per cents, tered of 1907, ioe 4 per cents, ccupon of 1925. M4, 4 per cents, registered of 1925, “128% 1a 5 per cents, of 1904. 1 te 5 per tered of 1904. [FINANCE AND TRADE —__.—____ Maine Disaster Again Affected Stocks Rather Unfavorably. THOUGH REACTION SOON FOLLOWED Standard Oil Interests Invested in St. Pau! Stock. GENERAL MARKET REPORTS Special Dispatch to The Evening Star, NEW YORK 17. — Opening prices this mornin, generally higher, as the result of advances in the European markets, but under the iniluence of sensa- tional stories from Mavana declines vary- ing from % to 2 per cent were orded before noon. Practically all of the news entered around the disaster to the Maine. A moderate volume of short selling was inspired thereby, which had the a ndant ult of forcing prefit-taking on the pur- chases made at the extreme level of yesterday. Advices announcing the govery- ment intention relative to assuming charge of the Key West telegraph station te vent the cortinuation of the disturbing Newspaper correspondence was favorably construed, the market rallying sharply for fractional February wer « The mystery surrounding the event ts likely to overshadow the markets for a time. Confidence in the early disposition of the international phase of the accident prompi- ed some exceptionally good buying of sec rities. The buying of St. Paul was to Standard Oil interests, who belle higher prices once the market w back upon legitimate speculative incentive. cted a n= The granger croup general! gocd demand throughout the of weakness being ces due to an increased ¢ y att The Traction stocks, in which manipula- ticn has played an important part, wer given good support because of the con- fidence in a sudden turn in sentiment. The Vanderbilt sh: reflected conservative and cautious buying, but no general move- Tent was undertaken, The covering of short stock should come noticeably to the front as an influence for good. Rumors of imper ding Nquidation of long holdings, too weakly margined to sustain the strain of anxlety, were freely circulated in some quarters, but were not verified by the tape. If the market can be held in check during the balance of the week ordinary developments will lend it strength in the very near future. D COMMERCIAL. ‘The following are the opening, the high- est and the lowest and the closing prices of the New York stock market today, as re- ported by Corson & Macartney, members New York stock exchange. Correspondents, Messrs. Moore & Schley, 80 Broadway. Open. High. Low. Close. American Spirits... 8% 8h 8K 8 American Spirits, pf Soe kiss iae ieoeet ais American Sugar... - 1857, 136%; American Sugar, pfd. usye ey American Tobacco oy BRN American Cotton Ot. ating Atchison si é 1h Baltimore & Omo. 16 Bay State Gas... Canada Southern Canada Pacific. Chic St. P., M. Consolidated Gas. Lake Shore. pais Louisvule & Nasnviie. Metropolitan Traction, Manhattan Elevated. Michigan Central Missouri Pacific. National Lead Co. : National Leaa Co.. pid. New Jersey Centrai. New York Centrai. Northern Pacitt Northern Pacific, pfd. Ont. & Western Pi Maui. .... Phila. & keading: Pulumar P. ©. Co douthern Ky.. pia. Puita. Traction . Tenn. Coa Cnion Pa Union Paciti Wavasa, pid Westera Unwon Tei SBiver.. Brookiyn 29 ai ‘1 “cents; 40 at 31 Linotype. 2 1 E 145, mbia Bonds. —20-year fund Saf ir fugd Gs, gold, f10 bid, 4.655 116 bid. ond=. Metropolita 18 Metropolitan’ Kut et tan Kailroad cert politan Kall . B. 14 bid. Belt Railroad Zo asked, Eektugton Rallrond Ga, 16 » i 106 bid, phone pa 110 asked. C} 108 bid. Amer and A. 100 bid. Company 6s, series 1 Light debenture tmp. peake and Potomac Ts fean Security and ‘Trost 5s, F American Security and Trust Sa, A. and ©., 100 Mid. Washington Markte Company Ist Gs. 1 bid. Washington Market Company imp. 6s, 1¢ bid. Washington Market Company ext. 6s, 11¢ Masonic Hall Association x, 108 hid. National Bank Stocks, Bank of Washington. 28t bid. Metropolitan, 3e6 bid. Central «new stocky 135 bid, 150 Asked. Farme's and Mechaules’. Ist bid. "Second, 145 ‘bid, 160 asked. Citizens’, 14¢ “0 bid 125. bid. West 19 asked. "Th ~ 8 Bid, 100 | . 1G bid, 119 asked and Trest Comp ington Loan ieun Secusit; . 149 bid, 151 asked. Was! 9 bid. ‘apital Traction, 75% bid, 7€ 120 bid, 12% asked. ‘Co- asked. rhe Light Stocks, Washington Gas, pid, 44% asked. 40 bid. 34 bid. 40 asked. Franklin, #6 bid) Metroyoliten, 70 Ud, 5 asked. Corcoran, 60 bid. Potomac, G1 bid. Ariingt bid. German-American, 185 bid. National om, 10g bid, 11 asked. Columbia, 11% bid, 12% asked: Riggs, 74 bid, 8 asked. People’s, 54 bid, 6 asked. Lincoln, 94 bid. Commercial, 34 vid, 414 axked. Title Insurance Stocks.—Real_ Estate Titlh 80 bid, 87 asked. Columbia Title. 4% bid, Si. geked. Wavhington Title, 2% Wd, District Tithe, 3% bia. Telephone Stocks.—Pennsylvania, 28 bid, 48 asked. Chesapeake and Potomac, 54 bid. 58! asked. American Graphophone, 15% Wid. 164 asked. American Graphopbone. preferred. 16%, bid, 17 asked Pneumatic Gun Carriage, 32 bid -38 asked. Miscellancons Stocks. — Mergenthaler Linotype. 144% 1454 asked. Lanston Monotype, 16 bid. 17 asked. Washington Merket, 12 bid. “Groat Falls Ice, 140 bid. Norfolk and Washington Steam- deat, 100 asked. ‘Lincoln Hall, 90 asked. Grain, Provisions a Cotion Markets, Furnished by W. B. Hibbs & Co., bankers and brokers, 1427 F st., members New York stock exchange, correspondents, Messrs. Ladenburg, Thalman & Co., New York. GRAIN. a¢ ont By By << ae SESE Seite watafhs saey eet seeet