The Emporia weekly news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1881-1889, 1885-04-30
a. w~nIoston

LONDON, AprlE Cav IL O'CLOCK THIS 1
morning an explosion occured in the
basement of the admiralty building
The building was badly damaged and
MANY persons injured. among them some
OF the head officials Of the department.
The explosion was undoubtedly caused
by gun cotton or dynamite.
Great excitement was caused in the
admiralty Office In the White Hall at IL
O'Clock this morning by the explosion
in q room in the basement of the build
ing. The fremen and police were
promptly summoned, and all the gates
of the admiralty building were closed.
A special guard was a. once posted and
no person was allowed 20 enter OF de-
part from the premises until q thorough
examination could be made.
THE CAUSE.
The supposed explosion was caused
by 9 premature discharge Of projectile
which had been sent to the admiralty for
examination.
The explosion this morning badly
damaged the room In which it occurred
and set il on IRE. The officials and fire.
men soon extinguished the flames. TIE
cabinet ministers were Immediately in
formed by telegraph of the explosion and
were furnished with ali the facts in con-
nection Herewith that are sscertainable.
At first 1t was reported that the explo.
sion was caused by dynamite, and that it
was the outcome of q plot Matched by
either the dynamiters or the Nihilists
for the purpose Of hampering the war
preparations of the British. A prominent
detective asserted to-day that the Nihil-
lists in London have suddenly became
very patriotic In their conversation since
the controversy between England and
Russia regarding Afghan. Yesterday
the question had reached critical stage.
The emperor's Office admiralty have been
working day and night for some time
past, In order to hurry forward war prep
aratIons for the Soudan and tor other
purposes, and any disaster to the build
ing at present would cause a serious de-
lay. An inspector after q cursorY ex-
animation, expressed a doubt as 10
whether the explosion was caused by
gas, gun powder, or dynamite.
An explosion occurred in the secreta-
ry's department. Mr.. Edwin n. Swain
son, assistant secretary and principal
clerk received severe scalp wound. 1t
is said the other officials were also in
lured, but none so seriously as Mr..
Swanson. It is now believed that the
explosion was not accidental, but was
caused by dynamite. A large force of
detectives have been posted around the
building and no one is allowed TO leave
until after naturalization. 1t is now
regarded as certain that either gun cot
ton or dynamite was used 20 cause the
explosion. Swalnson's room In
which the explosion took place
was made complete wreck, and the ad-
jacent corridors very much damaged,
while all the windows fronting on the
Horse Guards parade were blown out.
Several OF the inspectors of explosives
attached TO the home Office were prompt
ly on the ground and are making crit
ical examination of the wreck. No Ar
rests have been made up to this hour,
nor has anyone been detained even on
suspicion. No clue Of any kind what
ever has yet been obtained as to the
origin of the explosion.
The room occupied by Swanson, and
in which the explosion occurred, Is on
the ground floor and Immediately back
of the admiralty Office. It overlooks the
yard In front of the residence of Lord
Northbrook, first lord of admiralty. Mr.
Swanson gives it as his opinion that
the explosive, whatever it may have
been, was thrown into the room through
the window. A rumor is now in circu-
lation that two men bearing package
were seen just previous to the explosion
mounting the wall near the secretary's
department.
The explosion took place at 1880 this
morning. Two loud and quick reports
were heard. CONSERVATION took pos
session of all persons IN the Vicinity. 1t
is supposed the explosive was thrown
over the wall in the rear OF the admiral
ty building and facing the Horse
Guards parade. The explosion occurred
close to but not in MIR. Swainson's room,
as stated in the earlier reports.
The staircase leading to the board room
located in the southwest corner of the
building was demolished. The iron rail-
ing of the staircase was Wrenched from
its fastenings, and windows within fifty
yards of the spot where the explosion
took place were broken. Another re-
port says two men were noticed by
several persons accommodating yesterday
and this morning the same me1 were
seen to enter the garden IN front OF Mr..
Swainson's Office from the direction of
the Horse Guards parade ground. One
carried q tin can, which was placed in
the recess of the passageway lead
ing to the offices. The move
mept OF the men attracted
but little attention at the time owing to
the fact that several surveyors and q
engaged In gathering distances etc, on
the grounds, and those who saw the two
men believed they were employees of the
government engaged in some sort
of work. Two officers of the
government took such particular
notice of the two men that
they claim they can identify them even
if placed in a crowd of other men. They
gave good description of the suspected
men to the detectives, who are now
working up the case There was only
one explosion.
Mr.. Swanson who 1t is now ascer-
tanned was the only person injured, was
taken to the hospital.
GLADSTONE CRITICISED.
Sir Stafford Northcote, conservative
leader in the house of commons, made
speech in this city last evening in which
he attacked the government program as
indicated by Mr.. Gladstone in moving a
vote of credit last night aud of abandon
ing Soudan. He said that the retention
of Egypt was all important, 1t was
duty which England owed to the people
of India to maintain her proper posi-
ton and prestige in Egypt, and es-
pecially to keep the SueZ canal Always
available for transportation of British
troops.