Evening Star Newspaper, February 18, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. Se Se PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 31C1 Fenzeylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th St, by i Com; "Be Breig Sy AST Corre? Kew York Office, 49 Potter Building ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers in the eity by ccrriers, on their own account, at 10 cents per week, or 44 cents ‘month. Copies at the ccunter 2 certs each. By mail—anywhere in the United States cr Canada—postage prepaid—50 cents per month. Saturday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added. $3. (Entered at the Po.t Gffice at Washington, D. C.. as second-class mal matter.) £7 All mail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on applicatio Che £veni g Star. No. 14,031, WASHINGTON, D. C., FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1898-FOURTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. The Evening Star is the only afternoon paper in Washington that receives the dispatches of the Associated Press. It is therefore the only one in which the reader can find the complete news of the world, directly trans- mitted by telegraph, up to the moment of going to press. ag TO RAISE THE MAINE Both Houses Appropriate $200,000. REQUESTED BY SECRETARY LOWG Remains of Men and Officers to Be Brought Home. PROPOSED CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY Unusually Exciting Scene in the Senate. MASON’S VIGOROUS REMARKS In-his invocation at the opening of the Senate session today the chaplain again re- ferred with deep feeling to the catastrophe to the Maine. While the nation shuddered with horror at the awful disaster in the harbor of Havana, a deeper and tenderer sense of humanity had grown up through- ©ut the country and a tender sense of the brave sailors who lost their lives in the performance of their duty. Keference was made to the expressions of sympathy ani condolence which have come to this govern- ment from the Christian nations of tne world. Mr. Nelson (Minn.) eniered’ a motion to reconsider the vote by which the resolution relating to the Kansas Pacific was adopted yesterday. No action was taken. On motion of Mr. Quay it was decided that when the Senate adjourn today it be until Monday next. Mr. Hale, chairman of the naval affairs committee, then offered the following reso- lution relative to raising the Maine: “That the Secretary of the Navy be, and he is hereby, authorized to engage the ser- Vices of a wrecking company or companies Paving proper facilities fur the prompt and efficient performance of submarine work, for the purpose of recovering the remains of the officers and men lost on the United States steamer Maine, and of saving the vessel or such paris thereof, and so much of her stores, guns, material, equipment, fittings and appurtenances as may be prac- ticable; and for this purpose the sum. of $200,000, or so much therecf as may be recessary, is hereby appropriated and made Smmediately avatiable.” The resoluiion was preparcd at the Navy Department, and introduced at the request ef Secretary Long, who, in forwarding it 4o Mr. Hale, also. sent a letter explaining its purpose. He says in this letter that “it 4s deemed proper and important that steps Should be taken immediately to recover the Femains of the officers and men lést on the eceasion of this most deplorable catas- trcphe, to raise the vessel, or to save euch parts of her armament and equipment as may be practicable.” To this the Secretary adds: “The meager information received respecting the nature and extent of the injury sustained by the hull of the Maine renders it difficult to de termine at this time whether there is rea- sen to hope that the vessel herself may be raised; but it seems probable, as she lies Within the protection of a harbor, and is vot wholly submerged, that much valuable picperty may be recovered if the necessary fection is taken without delay. The vessel, With her stores, guns, material, equipment, fittings end appurtenances, cost approxi- mately $5,000,000. As an illustration of the value of single items which may have escaped serious injury, it may be said that the 10-Inch guns, of which the Maine car- ¥ed four, were worth, with their mounts, $43,500 each. Aside from the melancholy duty resting upon the government to re- cover and to bring to this country for > if this may be done, the bodies of fae officers and men who lost their lives in this disaster, it is believed that much val- uable property may yet be saved from the vessel. In any event, it is of the utmost importance that whatever is to be done in this matter should be entered upon without delay “The sinking of the Maine will be made the subject of immediate and exhausti inquiry, and Congress will be fully ad- v.sed of the result of such investigation.” Mr. Long states that in fixing the sum asked for, the department is at this time Unable to estimate the necessary expense with any degree of accuracy, but he says he has conferred with the bureau of con- struction and repair and that in case of the Sppropriation requested, only so much of it as may be found necessary will be ex- pended in the work. The Secretary incloses the following table, showing the cost of a number of items of the ordnance outfit of the veasel: Main battery ani equipme $183, Main battery, miscellaneous, $6,380; secon- Gary battery and equipments, $20,718; small arms end equipments, $8,742; ammunition, $123,049; ammunition, seccadary battery :d small arms, $30, magazine and small room equipments, $1,159; stores, too!s, &c., $1,887; torpedo outfit, $22,310; perma- nent fittings, main battery, $84,670; perma- nent, secondary b: y, $1,259; permanent fittings, torpedo, $ permanent fittings, Mizcellaneous, $165. Total, $402,152. Bringing Remains Home. Mr. Allen thonght it very desirable that ® provision be inserted in the reselution for the trarsportation ond burial of the re- tains of these who lost their tives in the disaster. Mr. Hale called attention to the fact that Feference was mede to the transportation of the bodies in the letter from the Secre- tary of the Navy. In many cases, he said, ft would be impossible to bring te this country the remains of the men killed, as the bodies were so badly mutilated and the facilities for embalming so inferior in Ha- ‘vane that already the remains of many of tre dans sewn denomposine end it would be necessary probably to bury them at once. 4 Mr. Mason hoped that provision would be made for the transportation of the bod- jes to the United States and for their burial in this country. To that end he pro- Posed an amendment to the resolution, as follows: After the word “thereof” and before the werd “and” insert the foilowing: “And for the transportation and burial of the re- mains of the officers and men so far as pessible.” The amendmeat was agreed to and the resolution as amended was passed. To Investigate. The resolution offered yesterday by Mr. Allen (Neb:) —direoting. the conmmittee on naval affairs to make an immediate inves- tigation of the disaster to the Maine was then laid before the Senate. It precipitated the most spirited debate of the Cuban ques- tion. Mr. Chandler (N.Y.) thought that if the word “immediate” be stricken out and the matter be left within the discretion of the ccmmittee there would be no objection to the resolution. Mr. Maso (Ill) proposed an amendment, striking out all after the word “Resolved’ and inserting the following: “‘By the Senate and House of Representatives concurring, that a joint committee of five, consisting of three meinbers of the House of Repre- sentatives and two members of the Senate, be appointed to investigate the disaster to the battie ship Maine.” Mr. Ha‘e expressed the hope that Mr. Mason wouid rot press his substitute. The eisaster, he £2id, was even now being thor- oughly investigated by the executive de- partme=t «f the government, and that as soon a5 tangible results were reached the facts would be communicated to Congress. He said that he had had an interview with the Secret=ry of the Navy today, and that the Secretary had already set on foot an investization, which is always made by the department ir. the case of any disaster. Mr. Hale urged Mr. Mason to withdraw his substitute, as it would tend only to embarrass the executive department. “I had hoped,” said Mr. Hale, “that this entire matter might be disposed of today without debate. It seems to me that in the circumstances and the light of this most melancholy affair it is now inopportune to indulge in debate upon it.’” ww Mr. Hale said he was willing to withdraw his objections to the resolution of Mr. Allen, but the substitute suggested by Mr. Mason was even more objectionable in its form. Mr. Mason followed Mr. Hale in a speech replete with sensational utterances. MASON CHARGES CONCEALMENT. Says the Truth is Not Being Told About the Maize. Senator Mason offered an amendment to the Allen resolution today for an investi- gation of the Maine disaster providing for a special committee to make the investi- gation. . Mr. Hale asked that the matter not be pushed. Mr. Mason in reply said it was evident that the facts in regard to Cuba were be- ing concealed from the people of the coun- try and from Congress. Mr. Mason said the policy of the gov- ernment was delay and nothing was stop- ping the murder of people in Cuba. The De Lome letter had not stopped the murders. ‘The Maine disaster had not stopped them. It was time for the Sen- ate to act. Mr. Mason said he did not want the facts regarding the Maine locked up in the executive departments. Mr. Masen said we had waited while the diplomats have deceived us. They had sat at our table and misrepresented the situation. Mr. Mason saig..tkat while the ¢iplomats delay¢d 250 of our brave seamen were lying in the harbor at Havana. “Mr. Hale said he hoped there would be no exasperating debate while this matter ‘was being investigated by the Senate. He deplored the reflections which were made upon the Navy Department. He said the whole world deplored the great tragedy. He hoped the Senator (Mr. Mason) would see the impropriety of the position he was taking. - Mr. Mason said that he meant no reflec- tioa on Secretary Long, but an investiga- tion by. Congress could not interfere with the Navy Department. He said the Amer- ican people were tired of investigation be- hind closed doors, and that with two hun- dred and fifty seamen lying at the bottom of Havana harbor the people of the United States wanted to know whether she was blown up by her enemies or from sponta- reous combustion. He declared that if it was found that the Maine disaster was a result of accident the people would be better satisfied if a ccmmittee of Congress should find it so, ond no harm would be done. Referring to the De Lome letter, he said he theught every one wauld commend the President for the. manner in which he hardled the matter, which was in part so rersonal to himself. He thought that those who are so anxious to go slow in the mat- ter of the Maine were the defenders of De Lome and had praised his wise statesman- ship. z He also said the President. said in his message that one reason why he had hesi- tated to inierfere was because of the prom- ise of autonomy, and yet at.the same time the Spaniards were denouncing the gov- ernment. at Mr. Mason said there should be American divers for the Maine, so that the truth could be told. He would not act upon an investigating committee, he said, because he would not sit at a table with a Span- iard unless he had a stiletto in his pocket. ‘This caused a titter in the Senate. “Mr. President,” said Mr. Mason, “I un- destand the great necessity of proceeding deliberately and carefully in this matter. I have no disposition to arouse or excite a situation already so exciting as to cause the attention of the people of this coun- try. 1 will state my reasons for offering the amendment to the resolution submitted by the senator from Nebraska. I under- stand that the Navy Department will make the investigation, but I also un- derstand that an investigation could be made by this branch of the government that would not in anyway interfere with the naval investigation. I also understand that the people of this country are fast coming to the conclusion that the real situation is not only being concealed from the people, but from the members of Con- gress and senators. The people have a right to know scmething about the situa- tion. “I say that the people do lack confi- dence in some of the departments of the government, and they sometimes perhaps do in this it. What. possible harm can it be to a fair and-fall tivestiga- tion that two departments are investigat- ing the same thing at the same time? Is {1 not true that this great and terrible ca- Jamity came to the Navy Department? Is it not possible that you are willing to ad- wait thai men are human and whatever the legitimate and true cause of this disaster may be, is there not danger that if We are at fault and it was a mistake of this gov- ernment, is there not danger that that de- partment in investigating itself will be trying its own cause and possibly involv- ing us in trouble with other nations by finding a state of facts that do not exist? It is all very well for the senator from Maine to say that when the facts are de- termined they will be reported to Con- gress. It is all very well for us to have that high idea of duty and that high con- ception that everyone else in the discharge of his duty will do the right and proper thing.” Statement Chaltenged. Senator Wolcott created a sensation in. replying to Mr. Mason. Mr. Wolcott said the senator from Illinois had said the peo- ple were losing confidence in one of the great departments of the government, a statement that could not. go unchallenged. Mr. Mason sought to interrupt Mr. Wol- cott, but the latter peremtorily declined to be interrupted and insisted that the words be read. He then said he desired to resent as ut- terly unfounded the insinuation that the people distrusted any department of thc government. He resented especially a statement on the floor of the Senate that there was any distrust of the navy, and es- pecially during this calamitous and terri- ble time. This country, said he, will never stand and listen to insinuations that our officers will lie. He did not know what slums the senator from Illinois had dragged to secure a basis for his remarks. He declared that the in- vestigation of the terrible disaster would be conducted fairly. Today we should refrain from insulting a friendly nation and outrageous criticism of our own people. Mr. Wolcott went on to say that war might come; in fact, it might not be far distant; but our corduct must be such as to make us respect ourselves and make nations respect the position. Mr. Lodge (Mass.) said this was a question which involved the death of American sea- men in Havana, and that the only way to get at the truth was through the naval of- ficers. He said no one could distrust the naval officers or doubt that they would tell the truth. No one believes that John Sigs- bee would lie. Speaking of Secretary Long, he said he was an honored citizen of Massachusetts. No one believes that he would conceal any- thing of the great disaster. Those who knew Roosevelt, the assistant secretary, knew that he would do nothing to deccive the people. He said that up to this time action of. the American Congress, in face of the great disaster, had been dignified, end it was to be regretted that this debate had arisen today. Mr. Mason followed Mr. Lodge, and charged Mr. Wolcott with making a state- ment that was not borne out by any state- ment made by him (Mason). He was sur- prised that the great admiration Mr. Wol- cott had for the Navy Department had not “slopp2d over” to the ‘Treasury Depart- ment. ‘This caused a laugh among senators and spectators. Mr. Mason said he did not like Mr. Wol- cott’s allusion that he got his information from the slums. Senator Hawley said the Cuban question did not enter into the matter of the loss of th? Maine. He thought it was improper to make allusions to “our enemies” at thig ilme, as we had none. ‘Two thvestigations could not go at once. Mr. Allen Criticises, Secrecy. Mr. Allen. followed in-a criticism of the secreey both-in the departments and in the Senate and thé balance of the Capi- tol. The -foreign relations committee did not permit the senators to know what was going on. Senator Platt (Conn:)' said that in com- Plaining about the secrecy of the Senate, lhe was casting a reflection upon the in- vestigation h2 was trying to have made of the Maine disaster. Mc. Hele said that it would be better to have no warring upon the subject of Cuba en the floor of the Senate. He had read the dispatches from Captain Sigsbee re- ceived ‘by Secretary Long, which, he sald, showed that in Havana today there was nothing but profound sympathy for the un- fortunate occurrence. At 2 o'clock the resolution went to the calendar without 2° vote. Mr. Bacon (Ga.) offered a resolution for @ memorial tablet in the Capitol for the cfficers and crew of the Maine. The Senate then went into executive ses- sion on the motion of Mr. Hale. PASSED BY THE HOUSE. No Objection to the Senate Resolu- tion. = Immediately after the reading of the journal at noon in the House of Represen- tatives today Mr. Boutelle (Me.), chair- man of the naval committee, asked unani- mous consent for the consideration of the resolution prepared by the Navy Depart- ment and passed by the Senate, appro- priating $200,000 to raise the Maine and recover bodies of the victims. The mere mention of the Maine disaster on ‘the floor brought members in crowds from the cloak rooms and lobbies, and they thronged down the aisles to listen. The spectators inthe galleries leaned over with breathless interest as Secretary Long's letter was read. “It is unnecessary to say,” sald Mr. Boutelle at the conclusion of the reading of the letter from Secretary Long, “that the work of salvage should begin at once and that arrangements with the wrecking companies which have necessary ‘outfits should not be delayed. I deem it. proper to call attention to the fact that Secre- tary Long, recognizing that Congress was in session, has come here for authority to do this wcrk instead of straining any au- thority he might possess independently.” Mr. Bailey called attention to the fact that the resolution cnly spoke of recov- ering the bodies, not of their return to this country, but he added that there need be no stickling 6n this point. Mr. Boutelle replied that the Secretary had referred in his letter to nis duty in that regard. He said he had just received a communication from Secretary Long morning containing the latest information from Capt. Sigsbee and that it might be of interest to members. “Read it! Read it!” came in chorus from the members, and Mr. Boutelle then read the cable from Capt. Sigsbee, which had already been given out by the Navy De- partment. < Mr. Sulzer (N. Y.) asked Mr. Boutelle if he had any information, official or other- wise, that threw any Jight on the cause of “I must reply as I did yesterday,” re- plied Mr. Boutelle, ‘that I regret to say 1- have not. But all the information at hand seems to strengthen the belief that it was due to an accident.” Mr. Cannon (ill.), chairman of the ap- propriations committee, said that. while he . Shades of political was heartily in favor of the fesolution, he wanted it understood that this was not to be construed as a ‘precedent. - “I hope there are,to be mo more such cases to follow this,” observed Mr. Bailey. The resolution was then adopted unani- mously. = Hl : EXCITEMENT IN THE saan. ATE. Scene the Dew S m: Dering very. of Senator The Senate broke into 3ntenso exeltement over the Maine disaster today. The ques- tien was precipitated by the calling up of the Aller resolution. When the resolution ‘as called up it was ngt expected that there would be mucW debaté, The-purpose of the resolution-“waste'sécure an investi- gaticn of the disaster ;by Congress, inde- pendently of that to be conducted by the Navy Department. . Senator Hale interposed objection to. the resolution, and Senater Mason, who had undertaken its championship, became im- passioned in’advocating a thorough inves- tigation of the catastrephe by a committee of Congress. In the course of his heated address, man- aged in his <usual slap-dash manner, Mr. Mason said. or was understood to say, that many people in ¢his country had lost ccnfidence in some of the Separtments of the government. : This caused great excitement in the Senate. Senator Walcott at once rushed to the rescue of the administration, and there was & general bristifrig of the dignity of the Senate. Senator Wolcott was pas- sionate in his retort, and, the report of the expressions used by Mr. Mason was di- rected to be read. It showéd that he had said that many of the people of this coun- try lacked confidence in some of the de- Fartments and believed that ‘facts were be- ing withheld which tHey had a right to know. : After the reading ofthe’statement Mr. Wolcott in @ most vigorous manner de- fended the administrati¢n afid the navy. Senator Lodge followed, ‘deploring thai there should be an intemperate debate, and Mr. Mason asserted that Mr. Wolcott had misrepresented his statement and that he had made no attack updn the Secretary of the Navy. A Senator Allen said that he had hot antici- pated that the resolution Would be made the subject of contention, among the repub- licans, but he must say ithat»he shared in some of the views expregged gy Mr. Mason. He thought that inforgatign which the pecne had a right to wag-frequently with- eld. : This led to a brief tilt:metween Mrr Allen and Mr. Gray, which elpsed: the exciting feature of the incident. REPORT FROM CAPT. SIGSBEE. Expected Divers 10;G@q@ to Work Today. , Rs The first notice to. reagh tie Navy De- partment this morning’ geomepthé scene of the great naval disaster, at Havana was a Delated telegram of last might’s date from Capt. Sigsbee, reading ag; follpws: “Nineteen of Maine's gad» were buried this afternoon, with great qivil, ecclesiasti- cal, "naval and military ceremonies, and with all; of” the aesources of Havana brought into requisition. The Spanish gov- ernment, under express directions of Gen. Blanto, the bishop of Havana, Gen Parado and Admiral Manterola and the mayor of Havana, took {complete charge of all ar- rargements. The bodies were first laid in state in the building of the city govern- ment of Havana, where they were covered with floral and other emblems suitable to the occasion, which weré’ presented by ofti- cials and other persons’og Havana of all opinion. They were escorted to the cemetery by representatives of all the military, naval,and civil organ- izetions and. foreign j‘tgnsular officers, and through -a vast cohcourse of people spreading over routes. Gen. Lee, myself and officers and men of the Maine now here, together with Liéut. Com. Cowles and members of the Fern’s crew, were given special carriages ‘and .conveniences, Ground Jor the burial 6f aH the Maine's dead has been presented .by Gen. Blanco and the bishop of Havana in the beautiful cemetery of Havana. “The utmost sym- pathy and respect has been shown. I am informed by the authorities that this is the second instance only of ‘such: a demonstra- tion having been shown :to foreigners in the history of Havana. It:is inconcetvable that a.greater.demonstration could have been made to me personally. A great num- ber of people have expressed sympathy for the Maine and for the Untted States gov- ernment and people. The remainder of the dead‘ must; perforce, be buried with brief ceremony, which will be corducted by our- selves, but the.eare and preparation of the remains will be with the Spanish authori- ties. - z A _ Caring for the Dead. “About forty in addition to those buried have come. ashore tod@y, Very few: are now recognigable. Even; in the case-of some cf those who are hurt, but live, rec- ognition was:,aifticult# 1 nave not-for a moment lost sight of thé grief of. thé fam- ilies and friends of thé snembers ‘of my crew, but I beg:thettepartment to expiain to them: -that:it! is impfacticable, in fact, impassible, ‘to.send-bodies home. Facilities ere Jacking, and cmbalmment is necessary to secure shipment; evén under the’ most favorable, ciroumstances. Embalromént is only imperfectiy dome:ere. Will wire ali cases*of identificatiom “|. maintain organ- ization among my small -foree here, but it can be well understood*tiat ‘the execution of the work with which’ we are cliarged is one of much detail and diffieult of execu- tion. It is Believed thatalj af the depart- ment’s telegrams have.teathed me. I am deeply grateful for the helpfml sentiments and directions telegraphedyby the President and the department. I .aave the earnest help of all the officers: Maine now here, which was to be expected under all circumstances, A_ pre telegram sent today gives the names ‘of these buried by the Spanish authoritfes:-She: flags of all vesseis, naval and .mei in Havana harbor have been at 2 it yesterday end today. Shall send: Mifhsyove back to Key West tomorrow: with ‘eight wounded. ‘Will wire names latér. Dr; Clendening of the army will remain with the wounded. Assistant Surgeon Speare also came with the Mangrove, but will be detained here on board the Fern, to any others of the wounded hen nggarendy ee nee i Sdivers at work to- Dh 7: tration ot sympathy for the ; explosion and their burial at Havana. The Secretary's telegram is as follows: “Telegram received and action approved. Express to Capt. Gen. Blanco and to the mayor and people of Havana the thanks of the Navy Department and its appreciation of their action in extending the honors you have reported to those lost on board the Maine.” =e Bodies Identified. It ts officially stated at the Navy Depart- ment that the following are the only bodies réceived from the wreck of the Maine which have been identified so far: J. H. Dierking, drummer. Jas. A. Graham, chief yeoman. Wm. H. Tineman, landsman. J. F. Brown, sergeant. Eldon H. Mero, chief machinist. Harry J. Keys, ordinary seamam, Owen Sheridan, fireman. Patrick Gaffney, fireman. ‘Wm. Cosgrove, fireman. Jos. Seery, fireman. Chas. P. Galpin, marine. Michael Kane, coal passer. Carl A. Smith, seaman. ‘Witnesses for the Court of Inquiry. The intention of the Navy Department is to keep the survivors of the Maine dis- aster now at Key West at that plac? or in the immediate vicinity. This is necessary in order that the evidence that may be ex- tracted from them shall be accessibl> to the court of inquiry. The naval regula- tions provide for such cases, as shown by the following article: “Article 21. When the crew of any vessel of the United Stat2s are separated from their vessel by means of her wreck, loss or destruction, all the command and authori- ty given to the officers of such vessel shall remain in full force until such ship's com- pany shall be regularly discharg2d from or ordered again into service, or until a court- marttal or a court of inquiry shall be held to inquire into the loss of such vessel. And if any officer or man, after such wreck, lors or destruction, acts contrary to the discipline of the navy, he shall be pun- ished as a court-martial shall direct.” Another regulation, which is also a stat- ute, provides for the continuance of the pay of the officers and men during their separation from their ship. It is held at the Navy Department that Capt. Sigsbee, though his crew 1s divided, some being at Key West ard some at Ha- vana, is still constructively In command of all of theme and as the regulation quoted above requires the men to be heid subject to the call of the court of inquiry, which will probably meet next Morday. the men now at Key West will be held there. False Stories Affoat. The Officers at the Navy Department are getting weary of denyirg the many stories that ar2 finding circulation every hour, but they still found time this morning to pre- nounce as without any foundation in fact the statement that Secretary Long had ad- vised the skippers of all merchant vessels to remain in home ports during the present stat> of affairs. It is possible that a tele- gram sent from the department to the naval tug Leyden to keep in port instead of going outside to Took after a fitbustering expedition was the base for the story. The m2ssage was sent at the instance of the Weather bureau, which sent notice of a northeaster off the cvast that would be dangerous for a craft so small as the Leyden. Messages of Naval Officers. Indeperdent of the regular diplomatic ex- P ions of sympathy, the Russian naval authorities have telegraphed the Navy De- partment directly a feeling expression of their own sympathy. The message was signed ty Vice Admiral Trytow, ‘tn Rus- sian minister of marine at St. Petersburg. Secretary Long immediately returned’ a graceful acknowledgment of the message and expr2ssed the thanks of the United States Navy Department to the Russian navy. Similar action was taken in response to telegraphic expressions of sympathy from the officers of the Italian navy, the Spanish navy, the Holland navy and others. GEN. LEE CABLES. Describes the Faneral Ceremonies at Havana. The following dispatch was received from Consul General Lee.this afternoon: “Great popular demonstration at funeral yesterday. Military, naval, fitemen and civil organizations generally represented. Bishop of Havana, General Parrado, next in com- mand to governor general autonomistic cabinet, civil governor, mayor and other prcminent persons walked in procession part of route in accordance custom to tes- tify sympathy. Forty bodies buried. Many coming to surface water since, but now Gifficult to recognize. Will be buried with religious services as collected.” CAPT. BRICE’S OPINION, He Believes That 2 Torpedo Caused the Disaster. Capt. John J. Brice, a retired naval of- ficer, in speaking about the explosion on the Maine gave the positive opinion that it was caused by a torpedo. He said he thought the investigation would prove this to be true, ard that a torpedo was lowered by men in a boat and suspended from the anchor chain or cable some feet below the bow, and that torpedo was exploded by wires. “From a professional point of view,” said he, “there is no theory that will bear out the supposition of an accident. Ye: the suspicion of a crime so heinous would be. so unjust if not true that it would al- most equal the crime. 1 am sure, however, the whole matter will be laid before us in a few days like an open book and the truth absolutely known. If the explosion was from the outside the undulation of the plates will be inboard, and to the contrary if from the inside. The wires, if any, doubtless will be picked up, and many ether indications will be found if the ex- plosion is from the outside. I think the vessel's plates will show inboard from the bow and outward from the back, for the detonation from the explosion of the torpedo evidently caused the explosion in the mag- azine, which caused a second explosion. The only thing I cannot account for is the smoke fire. This:could not come from a torpedo alone, and hence I believe the shock caused the explosion in the maga- zine or elsewhere and gave rise to the es.” —-o+—_____. HEARING TO BE GIVEN. Oleomargarine Dealers Urging Their Compromise Offer. . Messrs. Michenor and Wilson, who repre- sent Wilkins and Butler, under indictment here and in Philadelphia for violation of | the oleomargarine laws, have asked Attor ney General to give them a hearing on the proposition of the defendants to compromise the cases against them for $8,000. The Attorney General has con- sented and will give a hearing probably on It is understood that every effort 1s be~ see . to have the government accept “3 . = warner papier tenes Sybeonaey levy jmorning... He is at 1717 Oregon avenue. FR NO NEWS FROM PEPPER. Why The Star’s Cuban Correspondent Has Not Been Heard From. There is genuine regret expressed by both the public and officials that The Star has not received a spacYal dispatch about the Maine disaster from its Cuban represcnta- tive, Mr. Charles Pepper. The news and information contained in his letters* and Gispatches from Cuba hay> been regarded by the officials of the administration, con- gressmen, wide-awake newspaper men and the public as the most authentic and rell- able rent from Cuba. His silence at this crisis can only b> explained by his absence from Havana at the time of the disaster io the Maine. The latest private advices from him were dated Havana, Wednesday, Feb- ruary 9, and he then stat:d that he would leave Thursday or Friday for a visit to the Santa Clara province, intending, however, to return to Havana Tuesday of this week. The Maine disaster occurred that night, and had Mr. Pepper returned to Havana, as he expected, he would undoubtedly have wired a full account, containing, of cours€, valuable news. His dispatches could not have come direct from Havana, but would have been sent by boat to Key West and telegraphed from that point, as heretofore. When the arrival of the Olivette at Key West Wednesday night was not followed by a special from Mr. Pepper there was only one conclusion—that he had been de- tained on his mission to Santa Clara longer than he expected, and was still in the in- terior of the island at the time of the dis- aster. The letter from Mr. Pepper published in today’s Star is dated from Santa Clara province, February 11. This shows that Mr. Pepper left Havana as he intended, and bears out the Inference that he was in the interior at the time of the Maine disaster. —_—__ ABOUT RAISING THE MAINE. Conference With Representatives of Wrecking Compantes. Representatives of two wrecking compa- nies, the Merritt Wrecking Company and the Boston Tow Boat Company, called at the Navy Department today in response to the invitation extended by the department yesterday to talk with the officials over the steps to be taken toward raising the Maine, or, if that should be found imprac- lUcable, to save the ordnance and such other parts of the ship’s equipment as may be of value. It was made apparent that at this distance it 1s not possible to give an opinion as to the feasibility of raising the ship, and it is likely that a representative of the company selected to undertake the work will be dispatched immediately to Ha- vana to make an inspection. The photo- graphs which Capt. Sigsbee yesterday an- nounced that he would forward may also be of uge in enabling the department ex- perts to reach a conclusion in this matter. One suggestion that came this morning to the department may also be availed of, namely, to photograph the ship under wa- ter. If this can be done, a matter of some doubt, considering the condition of the wa- ter in Havana harbor, the resulting picture may be of considerable value, not only to the wreckers, but also to the court of in- quiry. A wrecking vessel is now lying at Key West. She is held subject to tne de- partment’s decision in this matter. 3Vith the complete diving outfit, experienced men and a big crane capable of lifting 300 tons, this craft could be easily able to hoist even the Maine's turrets, and-she ceuld be sent to the scene of the wreck inside of a day. ee WOUNDED. DOING WELL. Message Received From Commander Forsythe. Tke telegraphic reports from Key West ang Havana are slacking off, doubtless be- cause there is nothing new to communicate at present. One message that reached the Navy Department this afternoon from Key West was sent by Commander Forsythe, in charge cf the naval station there, who has been indefatigable in his attentions to the survivors of the disaster and in the execu- tion of the relief mcasures ordered by the Navy Department. The commander re- ported briefly that all of the wounded at Key West are doing well, and that Foley, who yesterday was supposed to be dying, is now out of danger. No official notice has yet reached the Navy Department of the intention cf the Spanish government to send the warship Vizcaya to visit this country. The officials say that where such notices are sometimes given, as in the case of the Gerian school ships expected at Charleston at the end of this month, the practice is usually to dis- pense with such notices, and our own ships never give them except in cases where it is desired to compliment the government of the port called upon. . The officials, hew- ever, have taken notice of the unofficial reports of the approach of the Vizcaya, and they say that everything will be done to insure the safety of the craft, the precau- tions probably including a boat patrol around the ship to guard agairst exhibi- tions of crankism. ————— NOT CAUSED BY A TORPEDO. Prof. Philip R. Alger on the Maine Disaster. Professor Philip R. Alger, who is regard- ed as one of the leading ordnance experts in the navy, gives the following opinion as to the cause of the explosion of the Maine: “As to the question of the cause of the Maine's explosion, we know that no tor- pedo such as is known to modern warfare, can of itself cause an explosion of the character of that on board the Maine. We krow of no instancs where the explosion of # torpedo or mine under a ship’s bot- tom has exploded the magazine within. It bas simply torn a great hole in the side or bottom, through which water enter2d, and in consequence of which the ship sunk. Magazine explosions, on the contrary, pro- duce effects exactly similar to the effects of the explosion on board the Maine. When it comes to seeking the cause of the ex- plosion of the Maine’s magazine, we should naturally look, not for improbable or un- veual causes, but those against which we e to San it produce an explosion of a tgazine SPAIN DISTRUSTS US Madrid Papers Advise Surveillance of Court of Inquiry. SPANISH DIVERS T0 BE PRESENT Representatives of a Third Nation May Be Called In. RESCUING BODIES AT HAVAN Reports Indicate Spanish Are in Charge of the Work. WOUNDED DOING WELL A MADRID, February 18.—The newspapers here are urging the government to adopt great precautions when the American di- vers arrive, and not to allow them to de- scend alone and examine the Maine, “as divers sent by private persons might be bribed to report at variance with the act- ual facts and might even do something to the hull which would serve as a confirma- tien of their report.” Here it is thought improbable that Cap- tain General Blanco will allow private di- vers to descend, or even those sent of- cially by the United States government, if they are unaccompanied by Spanish divers. The newspapers here fear serious trouble uniess a strict supervision is exercised, and they claim to foresee the necessity for employing divers of a thira nation to artt- trate in the event of a disagreement bee tween the Spanish and American divers. ‘The whole press enjoins the mest rigoroug supervision of the wreck of the Maine, WANT FIRST INVESTIGATION, Spanish OMicials Ask Lee's Consent te Explore Wrec! HAVANA, Kebruary 18—Lieut. Pedro Porat, brother of the inventor of the sub- marine appliance bearing that name; Senor Poral, the judge in the case of the Maine, and the members of the technical commis- sion, have requested the authorization of Consul General Lee to take the depesitions of the officers of the Maine and to appoint a committe to inspect the wreck of the Maine and investigate the cause of the ex- picsion. Gen. Lee hss not yet replied to the appli- cation and consequently the experts have not commenced work. The divers are only employed in recovering the bodies of the dead. Up to 9 o'clock this morning ninety-seven bedies had been recovered. Eight funeral wagons are employed in carrying the bodies from La Macina to the Colon cemetery. Many Relics Recovered. The men searching for bodies have aiso ‘Fecovered a number of sad relics of the Maine, including a medical chest, eniist- ment records, a gold watch and chain, marked “P. T. Bartlett, Waltham, 331 184," and five portraits. Approach to the Maine is now prohibited irside a distance of 100 meters, excepting in the case of boats of th United States navy, or boats having a special permit. This action is taken as a precautionary measure against any accident occurring during the inspection by the American divers and to prevent interference with the work ordered by Capt. Sigsbee. No Permission Asked. Neither Gen. Lee nor Capt. Sigsbee have ® far asked permission to inspect the work in connection with the wreck of the Maine, Captain General Blanco and Bishop San- tar der have visited Consul General Lee. General Lee is receiving many telegrams from mayors und other officials express- ing sympathy at the loss of the Maine, and the foreign consuls have either called per- sonaliy or have sent written expressions of their condolence. Messages’ of regret this morning have been received from the chamber of co merce, the president of the coionial gov- ernment, Dr. Congosto, the secretary gen= eral; the governor of Havana, the mayor of Havana, the Marquis Esteban, the mu- nicipal council, the preduce exchange and the stock exchange. <In-addition the theaters have’ suspended their performances and there will be no more music in the parks for the present. Bodies Which Were Recognized. The bodies recognized include those of Deerking, Drummer, Graham, James A.; Chief Yeoman: of Newport, R. 1; Tinesman, Wm. H., landsman, of Portland, Me.; Ser- geant Brown, who is described here as the chief machinist of the Maine; Keya, Harry J., ordinary seaman, of New Yo Owen and ‘Sheridan, firemen; Nice! (Mc- Nieco, Francis J., coal passer, of Boston Hassel, Charies, gunner's mate, of New York; Fury (Fewer), described as captain of the forecastle; Holmes, Helm; League James-M., chief yeoman, of New Yorks Eirmann, Charles F., gunner’s mate, of Port Royal, S. C., and Journie. Patrick Gafney, coal passer; Roberts, a fireman, and McManus, a marine, are re- perted to have died at the hospital. The divers yesterday evening picked up fcurteen more bodies. WOUNDED DOING WELL. Lieut. Binndin’s Denial of Another Sensational Ramor. KEY WEST, Fia., February 18.—-All the j; Wounded of the Maine are now doing weil. The Bache left for the cruiser New York at 9 o'clock this morning with Givers and paraphernalia on beard. She will take more divers from the New York and will then proceed to Havana. She wil! prob- ably reach the wreck of the Maine tomor- rcw morning. ! - Affeirs here-are settling into their usyal routine. It is notable that the officers the Maine are inclined, when alone, into, abstraction, with their eyes Hit