The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-03-23
WHAT II SAYS
EpitOme of the Main Points of
the Report
Of the Z. s. Naval Board of In
quify
ON MAINE EXPLOSION.
Divided Into 12 Statements of
Facts or Counts
Was Caused by a Torpedo In
tentiOnaIly Discharged.

Key West. Fla, March 23.-The re-
port of the court of inquiry sent to
Washington last night was signed by
Capt. Sampson, president; and Captain
Chadwick and Lieut.. Commander Pot
ter. Judge Advocate Mark signs only
the proceedings of the court. It's con-
tents. of course, were not made public,
but from secret sources the findings of
the court can be accurately forecast.
An epitome of the main points of the
report is as follows:
First-The explosion that destroyed
the Maine was from the exterior on the
port side, leaving the ram almost in it's
original position and driving the bow
and forward structure on the Starboard.
ne afterpart of the ship swung slight
ly on the starboard and then sank.
Second-The first explosion was fol-
lowed by a second in the interior of the
ship as result of an exterior blow.
Third-The second explosion was in
the reserve magazine. This destroyed
the superstructure of the ship.
FOurth-The bog magazine forward
did not explode. This was demOnstrat-
ed beyond a doubt.
Fifth-The exterior explosion proba-
bly, came from a torpedo. Evidence
that mine might have caused the dis
asrer was produced, but it was not suf-
dcient to convince the court.
SiXth-The impact came low under
the hun of the Maine on the port side,
blowing one of the bilge plates to the
surface, where it is still in sight.
Seventh-The ship is broken in two
and probably cannot be raised.
Eighth-The forward turret was bur
led far to starboard, its top being in
tact
Ninth-The solitary plate showing
above water is a bottom plate, not from
Ion faHTN p
side.
Tenth-The bow of the Maine now
points nearly east while the rest of the
ship lies along line nearly at right an
giles.
EIeventh-The ram of the Maine lies
off to port of where the bow lies, near
ly on line parallel to the body of the
ship.
Twelfth-No evidence was adduced
duplicating the Spanish government or
Spanish officials or of preparation for
the destruction of the ship.
What do all these findings demon
strate? 1t needs but a few words to
explain that the Maine was destroyed
by forces outside of herself, the de
struction being aided by an explosion
in the interior of the ship, resulting from
the initial blow. Proofs of this are am
pie Who is responsible for the out
rage, the destruction of a noble ship
and loss of 264 lives of her crew? No
answer can be given to this question.
Key West, March 23-Lieut Com
nander Mark left Key West yesterday
afternoon on his way to Washington
by the way of Key West, bound for
Miami, taking with him the report of
the court of inquiry on the Maine dis
aster.
Commander Mark brought the report
ashore from the Nashville yesterday,
and Rear Admiral Sicard with Com
mander Mark spent several hours in its
further revision.
of 6e off Of Ia
except Paymaster Clerk Mccarthy
have received orders to leave for their
homes and to await orders, as is the
case of the other officers who left here
last week. This is considered to be ev-
idence that the court viii not require
the confederation of technical evidence,
as was thought a few days ago. The
majority of the officers of the Maine
have left for Miami, and the remainder
leave today.
Before leaving Key West, Command
er Mark said nothing could be given
out about the work of the court of in
quiry it's findings. Personally, the
commander said he was intensely re-
neved at completing his labOrs.
Lieutenants Jungon and Hood. Ca
dets Bronson and Boyd. Past Assistant
Engineer GOwans, Assistant Engineer
Morris and Carpenter Hilmans of the
Maine left here today on the City of
Key West for Miami Gunner Hale
will leave later.
CzraVeSend, Eng, March 23.-The Uni
ted States cruiser New Orleans (fOr-
merly the Amazonas) started for Hole
Haven at II o'clock this morning to
take on board her ammunition.
San Francisco, March 23.-The gun
carriages for a second mortar battery
at the presidiO, commanding the en-
trance to this harbor, have arrived,
though the guns are still in transit. The
new carriages will be placed in position
with all nOEGihIa SnPn6 in order tn h9
them ready for mounting the guns on
est point at the preside. The first NOR
tar battery was placed and completed
about two years age.
San Francisco, March 23-Gen Shaf-
ter, commanding the department of
California, has just made careful ex-
animation of the fortif1cations at Fort
Point. The ten inch rifles. the twelve
inch guns and the mortar batteries. the
emplacements for FIVE inch rapid firing
guns, were all thoroughly inspected and
found to be in perfect condition and
ready to Withstand the approach of any
foreign war vessel that might attempt
TO enter the harbor. Speaking of the
garrison, Gen. Shafter said.
The troops on duty are sufficient to
care for the high power guns and keep
them in readiness for use but the force
is not large enough to man the guns in
the event of war. Should war come.
volunteers would probably called into
service to assist in manning the bat
teries."
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