The New York herald., 1873-12-14
THE SPANISH IRON-CLaD ARAPLEs.

The Coal Barge Observation-Disclosures OF
IA Herald Reporter with an Officer OF
the Vcssel-The Feeling of the Conn
mander and the OMccrs-It Is Consid-
cred the Result OF Design-The state-
ment of an Eye Witncss-The Diiatory
Course of the Authorities.
This vessel still remains in the dry dock at the
Brooklyn Navy Yard, and, from present appear
ances, is likely 10 do for an indefinite PERIOD as
there Is no apparent effort being made to raise
and remove the coal barge which sunk in
front OF the entrance to the dock, now some eight
days since. As the report has been generally cir-
cuiated that the sinking OF the barge was regarded
by the commander and officers the Arapiles as
the result of design intended to delay the sailing OF
their ship until after conclusion of the negotia-
tions arising out of the viig MUS affair." and
which, 1t was supposed at the time would result
in hostllities HERALD reporter yesterday
directed TO visit the vessel and ascertain what
the ideas OF the commander and officers, in reer-
ence TO the supposed accident, are. lie stepped
upon the deck amid a heavy ram storm, which
gave gloomy aud desoaie air to the surround
nes, the so that the vessel still retains tne
dismantled aspect resulting from her r, cent re-
pairs. Sentinels clad in Uilclo,h, and with the
dogged sombre, dissatisfied look peculiar to q cer
tam Class OF Spaniards, moved 10 and ro, but the
decks were otherwise deserted. non-commis-
sioner onicer at once appeared, who proceeded,
alter courteous gesture, to cal the officer OF the
visitor Was made known, and he at once expressed
his regret that the illness OF the commandant
Senor Montenegro, wouid prevent his receiving
him. The oficer would, however, give all the IN
formation required. ave all believe" he sad,
''that the sinking of the barge was through design,
and with u view of detalning US here Tor time
with the least trouble"
''ourely 20 do not attribute such purpose to
the American authorities SAID the reporter.
mo. Certainly not to Admiral Rowan or the
Commander OF the yard: but the barge was sunk
there purposely was IN charge OF the deck at
the time and saw the whole proceeding. 1t was
about half-past one or two O'Clock in the morning.
NY attention called by the guard to the large
number o. lights at the stern OF the ship, the
entrance OF the dock, and at once proceeded to
that point and remained there. | saw the barge
II was removed and placed directly IN front, when
II began to fill and almost Immediately sunk. The
Swatara had been removed TO give place TO the
barge. 1t Is very strange. Certainly in country
Ill the word would the rules oil yard permit Il
barge loaded with coal to be brought into that
position and at such an hour. Many Americans
have spoken about 1t and style 1t very contempt-
bic tilcK and we think SO, though we do not
know VINO is responsible"
''And has there been no effort to remove the
obstruction ~ asked the reporter.
"You see," was TIE response with gesture
and shrug. "1he barge is entirely covered by
water he commander addressed communication
concerning it TO Admiral Rowan who, In response,
very much regretted the unlor1unate accident the
last word with emphasis ald an incredulous
smlle), and promised that tie barge should be
removed. But VINO knowsY We are here.''
''You are all ready TO sail, presume ~
"And have been or eight DAYS and more. Ii is
source of great annoyance: but only
await the action OF the authorities OF the yard for
the present.n
A reference to the virgnus question resulted in
mutual congratulations on the probabilities OIL con-
tlnued peace between the two nations; and the
reporter, having expressed his Obligations or the
courtesy extended him, withdrew.