The herald., 1898-02-19
THE SAILORS FUNERAL
TAKEN IN CHARGE BY SPANISH
OFFICIALS
The Obsequies at Havana Conducted
With Civic, Ecclesiastical, Naval
and Military Ceremonies
Associated Press Specia, Wire

Associated Press Specia! Wire
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1S.-The first
news TO reach the Navy Department to-
day from the scene of the great naval
disaster at Havana was a belated tele-
gram of last nights date, from Captain
Sigsbee, reading as follows:
Nineteen of Names dead were buried
this afternoon with great civic, ecclesi-
astical, naval and military ceremonies,
and with all of the resources of Havana
brought into requisition. The Spanish
government, under express directions of
General Blanco, the Bishop of Havana,
General Parade, General Manterola
and the Mayor of Havana, took complete
charge of all arrangements. The bodies
were first laid in state in the building of
the city government of Havana, where
they were covered with floral and other
emblems suitable to the occasion,
which were presented by officials and
other persons of Havana, of all shades
of political opinion. They were escorted
to the cemetery by representatives of
all the military, naval and civil organiz-
ations and by the consular officials, and
through a vast concourse of people
spreading over the route. General Lee,
myself and officers and men of the
marine now here, together with Lieut.
Commander Cowles and members of the
Ferns crew, were given special car
riages and conveyances.
Ground for the burial of all the
Names dead has been presented by
General Blanco and the Bishop Of Ha-
vana, in the beautiful cemetery of Ha-
vana. Utmost sympathy and respect
has been shown. I am informed by the
authorities that this is the second in
stance only of such a demonstration
shown to foreigners in the history of
Havana. 1t is inconceivable that a
greater demonstration could have been
made.
ITO me, personally, great number of
people have expressed sympathy for the
Maine and for the United States govern
ment and people. The remainder of
the dead must, perforce, be buried with
brief ceremony, which will be conducted
by ourselves, but the care and prepara-
ton of the remains will be with the
Spanish authorities. About forty, in
addition to those buried, have come
ashore today. Very few are now recog-
nizable. Even in the case of some of
the most who are hurt, but alive, re-
cognition was difficult. I have not for a
moment lost sight of the grief Of the
families and friends of the members of
my crew, but l beg the department to
explain to them that it is impracticable,
in fact, impossible, to send the bodies
home. Facilities are lacking and en-
balmment is necessary to secure ship
ment under even the most favorable cir
cumstances. Embalmment is only i'm
perfectly done here. I maintain organ
zation among my small force here, but
it can be well understood that the ex-
ecution of the work with which we are
charged is one of much detail and diff
cult of execution. 1t is believed that all
of the Department kilograms have
reached me. l am deeply grateful for
the helpful sentiments and directions
telegraphed by the President and the
Department. I have the earnest help of
all the officers of the Maine now here,
which was to be expected under all cir
cumstances A previous telegram sent
today, gives the names of those buried
by the Spanish authorities. The flags
of all vessels, naval and merchant, in
Havana, have been at half mast yester-
day and today Shall send Mangrove
back to Key West tomorrow with eight
wounded. Will wire names later. DR..
Clendenning of the Army will remain
with the wounded. Assistant Surgeon
Spear also came with the Mangrove but
will be detained here on board the Fern
to accompany others of the wounded
when they are ready to be removed.
Will put some divers at work tomorrow.
Divers required of Admiral Sicard will
be here Saturday morning by the Oil
vette. Recovery of Names battery i'm
practicable except by regular wrecking
outfit. (Signed) SIGSBEE."
GRATEFUL CONCENTRATES
HAVANA, Feb. 17.-(Delayed in trans
mission.) Previous to the funeral of
the victims of the Maine disaster, dele
cation from the concentrates expressed
the wish to carry the bodies on their
shoulders to the graveyard as proof OF
their gratitude to the Americans, but
General Lee thanked them and said the
bodies would be carried in the manner
selected by the authorities.
In front of the Albisu Theater, on
Reina and Belascoain avenues, about
four hundred concentrates Joined in
the procession, which had by that time
been increased by some 5000 persons of
all classes. The procession did not reach
the cemetery until after 6 pm. There
the religious ceremonies were presided
over by Bishop Manuel Sander and
Father Chadwick, Chaplain Of the
Maine.
In the seventeenth century the average
duration of life was only 1S years. in this