The San Francisco call., 1898-02-21
Call Office, Riggs House,

Washington, D. C., Feb. 20.
 The President himself has given an assurance to a United States Senator that the Maine disaster was in no way responsible for the activity in the War and Navy departments. This was said by the President this morning.
 Three weeks ago a newspaper man who was on very friendly terms with the President returned from Cuba. and President Mckinley, knowing him to be a very reliable and conservative correspondent, invited him to the White House and questioned him closely about the condition of affairs in Cuba. The interview was closed by the following remark of the President: Well. we do not want war and will not have any war;
 President Mckinley. Secretary of the Navy Long, and indeed every member of the Cabinet. Is inclined to the belief that the Maines explosion was acci- dental. When Secretary Long read in a morning paper an alleged interview with Captain Sigsbee. cabled from Ha- vana, stating that in his opinion the explosion was not accidental, Secre- tary Long immediately wired him ask ing whether he had been correctly quoted Secretary Long tonight re- ceived an answer from Captain Sigs- bee saying that he had expressed no opinion as to the cause of the disaster.
 Secretary Long tonight repeated his declaration made yesterday that there was no unusual activity in naval cir cles as 8 result of this affair.
 It seems to be pretty generally be- leved in Washington that the work of coast fortif1cation has not been hurried as a result of the disaster to the Maine, but there is scarcely a doubt that the preparations to defend the sea- coasts were begun five or six months ago in contemplation of possible trouble with Spain over Cuba.
 The theory that submarine mine destroyed the Maine Is growing in na- val circles. They say there is no doubt in the world that submarine mines and torpedoes had been planted numerous ly in the harbor. and they argue that very naturally the Spaniards would have planted them in that part of the harbor where the water is deep enough for naval vessels, and which is known as ''man-ofwar anchor" Not many of the officers incline to the belief that the Spanish Government ordered the firing of such a mine or torpedo under the Maine, or that General Blanco sanctioned it. but that some Spaniard who knew how the wires lay touched the button"
 This seems to be the opinion of Sem ator Perkins of California. He says that as he Is member of the Naval Affairs Committee he cannot speak his mind for publication as to the author of the explosion. for he may be at any time called upon to act in his official capacity; he does not hesitate to ex- press his belief that the explosion was not accidental. but does not like to be quoted as declaring the opinion that 1t was the work of Spaniard.
 The inference is plain, however, that this is his opinion. and his friends say that he expects the ultimate result will be the commencement of hostilities be- tween the United States and Spain un less something unforeseen occurs to turn the tide of public sentiment now setting in so strongly against Spain. These views-said to be entertained by Senator Perkins-may we'll be regard ed as significant, for he is known as a conservative man. and rarely. if ever. expresses anything but conservative views