davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-06-29

The SWEETEST Necktie in town IN
Club. Teck. Four-in-Hand or
Bows, also national colors.
The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-06-29

AT Louisville-The Quakcrs made II
three straight to-day, winning easily. Al
tendance, 800. Score.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-17
SAD SCENES AT KEY WEST.
The Olivette Comes in With 50 Ma
rine Survivors Aboard.

Key West, Fla, Feb. 1.-THE steamer
Olivette, with 81 survivors of the Maine
on board, arrived here at 10:3O last
night, seven and half hours from Ha-
vana. Of the number 20 are wounded
ten seriously and one fatally Captain
Merrill, with company A, of the First
artillery, took possession of the dock
before the vessels arrival and kept
back the excited crowd which included
half the population of Key West. The
majority fere Cubans and mulattoes. No
one not in uniform was allowed to go
on board. The Associated Press cores
pOndent saw Purser DenziOn of the Oil
vette who gave the following brief ac-
count of the disaster:
1.-The explosion is an absolute mys-
terry to every one. It occurred in the
forward magazine, which is just for
ward of amidships and below the water
line. The coal bunkers are outside, but
separated by two feet Of space. Ac-
cOrding to custom the magazine was
inspected at o'clock in the evening
and the temperature found to be So.
The magazine was locked and the keys
given to Captain Sigsbee. The men
went to their hammocl1s in the forward
part of the ship soon after o'clock
THE explosion occurred at 9:4O and
hence the awful and overwhelming loss
of life No one can yet give con-
nected account About ten men who
were in the forward part of the snip
were saved and of these several had
their hammOc1s s1ung on the lower
deck. The explosion split the big ship
who was sleeping on the superstructure
40 feet in the air and into the water.
In the magazine were 25 tons of
coarse powder used for charging the
big guns, there being no dynamite. de-
| tonatiOn powder nor torpedo heads nor
anything in fact that could be explod-
ed by conclusion. In the Maine maga-
zine aft the high explosives were stored
and this rnagaz zine did not explode.
There are no electric wires connecting g
with or near the magazine. It is not
believed that the Maine was destroyed
by a torpedo underneath, as if this were
| the case, a hole would have been torn
in the bottom and the ship would not
have been riven to atoms as was the
case. The aft part of the ship sank in
| three minutes and the officers and sur
vivors of the crew escaped half clothed.
| Pieces of the wreckage flew a distance
/ of five hundred yards. One large piece
| of cement struck the quarter deck of
| the City of Washington, of the Ward
| line, which anchored ahead of the
| Maine 20 minutes before the explosion .
1t was a sad scene at the dock as the
/ wounded sailors were carried to the
waiting ambulances by artillery men
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-17
INCIDENTS OF FATAL NIGHT.
Capt. Sigsbee Was Blown Out of His
Chair by the Explosion.

Havana, Feb. 1.-THE Maine, at the
time of the explosion, was at anchor
about 500 yards from the arsenal and
some 200 yards from the floating dock.
The explosion put out the street
lights near the wharf and blew down
telephone and telegraph wires in that
vicinity
The first explosion is said to have
been caused by over 800 pounds of gun
cotton and the subsequent explosion
is alleged to have been caused by shells
and cartridges
Among the saved on board the City
of washington is a Mr.. Dressler (Gus-
tave c. Dressler of Maine) who has lost
both his eyes
The passengers of the City of Wash
ington gave up their state rooms to the
injured men.
the pantry of the City of Washington,
breaking the tableware of the steamer.
Lieutenant Commander Wainwright,
of the Maine, was half undressed at
9:45 D. m, and was smoking in his
cabin next to that of Captain Sigsbee.
it is said, when the explosion occurred,
which put out the electric lights. Vain
wright then lit a match and went to
Capt Sigsbee'S cabin. The captain, it
appears, had been thrown from his
chair but was uninjured. They both
went on deck and gave orders to flood
$500 pounds of gun cotton which was
on board. The order was carried out,
but the men who fulfilled it never re-
turned
Havana, however. was saved from a
still more terrible explosion.
Captain SigSbee went in his own
launch on board the Spanish cruiser Al
fonso XII to thank her captain and
| officers He afterwards went on board
the City of Washington, where Consul
General Lee, Dr.. w. T. Drummer, acting
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-17
CLASSIFYING THE WOUNDED.
They Will Be Divided Into "Slightly,'
painfully and "Seriously.''

Key West, Fla, Feb 1.-THE reports
favorable. Every possible care is being
bestowed upon them and both well and
injured are brighter and better after
men not connected with the Maine who
FOrsythe of the naval station here has
been on duty ever since the first news
of the disaster was received here and
the officers and men on the torpedo
boats Cushing and Ericsson have been
under a great strain, which no one who
has Travelled on these elongated collins
can appreciate.
Fortunately the threatened norther
did not develop, so the trips between
here and the TOrtugaS were not so bad.
But after a few accidents, the discovery
will be made that the Florida channel
between Key West and Florida is one
of the toughest and most dangerous
passages for small boats in the world.
Experienced men say it is worse than
the English channel, the Gulf stream
meeting the tide and wind and there is
always a treacherOus sea. These facts
account for the frequent delays of
boats in the so mile passage between
this port and Havana and opinion is
growing stronger here that torpedo
boats are not fit for outside cruising
A corrected list of those who arrived
here on the OliVette last night is being
made by the Marine hospital surgeons,
the aim being to classify them into
slightly painfully and Seriously
wounded.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-17
SEEN FROM THE WASHINGTON
Passengers on the Ward Liner De-
scribe the Maine Disaster.

Key West, Feb 17.-Joseph H. Mann
of New York, passenger on board
the City of Washington of the Ward
line which was nOOred near the Maine
on Tuesday night at the time of the dis
aster, in describing the catastrophe to-
day said: While we were cOnverSing
in the cabinet about twenty minutes
past on Tuesday a loud report startled
the company. They rushed to the port
holes and saw an immense fash shoot
up in the air with terrific report. De-
bris Of all kinds and a large number of
bodies were thrown upwards. 1t was at
first believed that the Maine was being
fired upon, but afterwards as the City
of Washington was struck by what
turned out to be falling debris and she
careened, it was thought she was being
fired upon. a second explosion took
place and following it we heard grOans
and cries of Help, help us!'
The boats of the City of Washington
and those of the Spanish cruiser AL
fonso XII were hurriedly launched and
went to the rescue. 1 went on one of
the boats of the City of Washington
and the scenes I witnessed were heart
rending beyond description. Two of the
small boats on board the City of Wash
ingtOn were stove in by debris from the
Maine. The battleship sank even with
the water in about three minutes after
the explosion. The City of Washington
was converted into a Veritable hospital.
Many of the rescued men were brought
on board almost nude and the passen-
gers gave them clothing, ETC.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-17
BELIEVE 1T WAS A TORPEDO.
Most of the Survivors of the Maine
Won't Keep Their Mouths
Shut, Either

Key West Fla =, Feb. 1.-THE officers
from the Maine here are at the hotels
or are quartered with army or navy
friends and the seamen and others have
been provided for at the barracks or
have been sent to the cruiser New
York. Regarding the explosion the Off
GERS of the Maine are reticent. They are
evidently under orders to keep quiet on
the subject but the men talk more free
ly, and they, including the petty officers
of the Maine, are almost unanimous in
insisting that the explosion was caused
by large torpedo planted before the
Maine arrived at Havana.
The naval men here say that would be
possible, but it is not likely. The an
chOrage for the Maine was designated
by a buoy and the location of the buoy
by the harbOr officials. 1t is added that
any official perfectly posted as to the
currents and tides might plant a tor
pedo at night so that, under certain
conditions of tide, it would be under the
forward part of the Maine as she swung
to her moOrings. Once planted, it is
further stated here, such a torpedo
could be exploded from the shore or
from a boat at any time decided upon
by those in the secret.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-17
WHO FIRED THAT SHOT
Wasn't This the One That Sped
the Torpedo Into the Maine.

New York, Feb. 1.-THE Worlds ca
bic describing the blowing up of the
Maine says:
Havana, Feb. 17.-Passengers on the
steamship City of Washington saw the
blowing up of the battleship Maine.
They heard a shot at 1925 last night.
It might have come from anywhere.
After a ten seconds interval they
felt the City of Washington jump and
saw a volcano of fire and showers of
boats, bodies, iron and guns.
The explosion raised them up and
then they plunged diagonaIly to the
bottom.
Then the Maine settled slowly.
The night was hideous with the cries
of men in agony.
God help US! God help US! Help!
Help!' was shrieked from hundreds of
throats.
It was very dark. After the first shot
the passengers of the City of Washing
ton had time to go to the portfolios be-
fore the great explosion occurred.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-17
ILLINOIS IS READY.
Governor Tanner Issues a Message
Offering Help to the President

Springfield, Ill, Feb. 17.-Governor
Tanner today called on the legislature
to authorize him to tender to the presi-
dent of the United States moral and
material support of Illinois," Ito pre-
vent or punish any attempt at hostile
invasion of our country" This he did
in a message to the senate and house.
In the senate the message came as
profound surprise. The debate on the
Berry police report was interrupted to
receive it. While it was being read by
the governors private secretary there
was the deepest silence in the senate;
and at its conclusion there was a burst
of applause from both sides.
Following is the governors message.
State of Illinois, Executive Department,
Springfield, ILL.,, Feb. II, 1898.
To the Honorable Senate.
The news of the calamity which has
oYertaken the United States battleship
Maine and its Inflated crew fills me
with grief and horror and I assume
that the general assembly viii by joint
resolution express the sympathy OF the
people of this state for the gallant dead
and wounded of our navy and for the
surviving relatives.
I am unwilling to believe that the
loss of the Maine was the result of In
tentiOn and trust that the official in
VestigatiOn ordered by our government
may demonstrate that it was due to ac-
cidental cause. In view of the uncer-
tainty which exists as to this point, IL
would seem that before the legislature
adjourn sine die, it should authorize the
executive to tender to the president of
the United States on behalf of the
state of Illinois, whatever moral and
financial support that may be necessary
in this emergency to maintain the hon
or of the American flag and to prevent
or punish any attempt, at hostile in
VasiOn of our common country.
(Signed) JOHN r. TANNER,
Governor
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-17
CROCODILE TEARS.
Sorrow and Regret Expressed by the
Madrid Press.

Madrid, Feb. 1.-THE United States min
lister, General WOodford, did not receive
news of the loss of the Maine from Wash
ington. His first intima ton of the news
came from the Spanish rear admiral who
called at the United States legation to ex-
press, in behalf of the Spanish govern
ment. regret for the disaster which had
befallen the American warship. The de-
tails then reached General WOOdfOrd in
the dispatches of the Associated Press.
The impartial published an extra edi-
ton, saying that the news had produced
a. deep impression in Madrid. The premier,
Senor Sagasta personally informed the
queen regent of the loss of the Maine.
The Epocha says: Whatever the re-
lations between Spain and the United
States, Christian feeling and humanity
compel us to regret the catastrophe. The
spectacle of so many lives suddenly
launched into eternity inspires compass
sion"
The Heraldo remarks: Although the
Americans try to represent US as people
devoid of virtues. must face this hOr-
rible fortune sincerely and express feel
ings of compassion"
The Heraldo adds: In the. face of
provocative Americans, We shall always
of men in misfortune, of whatever ma
tionality, our hearts are always full Of
NIT
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-17
THE CAPTAINS STORY.
Captain Sigsbee Was in the Cabin
When the Explosion Came


New York, Feb. IA dispatch to the
Herald from Havana says:
Captain Sigsbee choked down his
emotion when I asked him of the dis
aster.
There is very little that can tell
you" he replied. ''I was in the cabin at
the time. I had just finished a letter
to my family when that enormous
crash came. The ship lurched heavily
TO port, and knew in an instant what
it all meant-that it meant that my
ship had blown up.
'Al the cabin lights were put out
and as I groped my way out of the
apartment I met my orderly running
toward me. Reaching the deck 1 gave
orders to post sentries, keep silence
and to flood the magazines The mag
azines were already flooding them
selves. 1 saw then that the disaster
was complete; in fact, noticed a few
OF our men struggling in the water
only three boats were left of the
number we carried. These, the gig
barge and second whale boat were low
cred as quickly as we could get them in
the water. There was a big -hole knock
ed in the side of the barge and it is a
wonder that it did not sink with the
few men who had climbed into it"
What do you think caused the expIo-
siOn2" asked Captain Sigsbee.
You will have 20 excuse me from
answering that" he replied.
In such cases it is best not to think:
it is best to know. That requires in
VestigatiOn and time
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-17
Gov. Leedy Says He Will Have
the Kansas Militia
Modified in "a Hours After
the President
SENDS PROCLAMATION
To the Country Calling For the
National Guard.
Gov. Tanner of Illinois, Issues
a Proclamation.

eff there is positive proof that the
Maine was blown up by a torpedo"
said Governor Leedy today. war with
Spain in my opinion is certainly inevi-
table. The matter has come to a show
down, and I don't see how President
Mckinley can pursue his pusillanimOus
course any longer.
IF President Mckinley decides to de-
clare war against Spain he viii find
Kansas ready" continued the COVER
nor. If he Will give US p hours notice
we will have the entire militia of the
state ready to move at his orders. kan
sas has never been behind in matters
of this kind, and it won't be behind
now
Adjutant General Allen stated today
that the militia of the state comprised
1900 well drilled, well uniformed and
well armed men. He said that every
company could easily prepare to move
inside of "A hours after orders were is
sued.
Governor Leedy also stated that if
necessary he would be glad to go with
the troops and lead them personally.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-17
BEER MAKERS RALLY.
X. G. Brewers Will Fight the
Injunction Part of the
PrOhibitOry Law.

The Kansas City brewers are prepar-
ing TO make a fight on the injunction
feature of the prOhibitOry law and this
morning in the district court Eugene
Hagan gave notice of appeal in the case
against Henry Stephens and Walt
Richards. Mr. Stephens owns the
building in which Richards does busi-
ness.
Mr. Hagan made a formal demurrer
to the petition in the case and this was
promptly oVerruled by Judge Hazen.
This was what he wanted for it gives
him an opportunity to have the ques
tion settled in the appellate court.
The contention that will be made is
that an injunction cannot be issued un-
til the party who is selling liquor has
been convicted. It is upon this point
that the attorneys rely to have that
part of the law overthrOWn
and with the injunction out
of the way the whisky men will have
practically clear sailing
why do the brewers want to knock
out the prohibitOry law when they
claim they are satisfied with it?" was
asked of Mr.. Hagan.
They are not trying to knock out the
law It is simply the injunction feature
of it that is to be tested, that is all.
They have a right to make a test to
find whether or not it is valid law. ="
needing the warning of Sheriff Porter
Cook and have ordered the sale Of IL
ouor in their buildings stopped. But
Charles Jockheck and several other
owners will stand pat'and allow things
to take their course. This means that
they will rent their buildings to joint
lists and take the chances.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-17

Washington, Feb. 1.-THE Key West
bulletin regarding the finding of a hole
in the bottom of plate of the Maine
and referring to the work of a torpedo,
was sent to the White House by the As
sociated Press and was shown to Pres
ident Mckinley.
His only comment was, that it was
the first he had heard of it, The presi-
dent does not wish to make any state
ment concerning reports that come re-
garding the disaster, but he permitted
the fact to be known that the adninis-
tration had no advices tending to con-
firm the Key West report.
Washington, Feb. 1.-THE navy de
partment received a. dispatch this
morning from Admiral Sicard, in COM
mand of the North Atlantic squadron
giving the detail of the court of inquiry
to investigate the Maine disaster. 1t is
as follows:
Capt. Sampson, president of the court;
Capt. Chadwick, Lieut.. Com. Schroeder
and Lieut.. Com. Manix.
Capt. Sampson, the president of the
court, is commander of the battIeshfp
Iowa now at the TOrtugas. Can't Chad
wick is commander of the New York at
Key West. Lieut.. Com. Schroeder is
executive officer of the battleship Mas
SdCnuSGlIS, now at the 1OGIuSaS- Lieut.
Manix was formerly with the Maine as
executive officer before the detail of
Lieut.. Com. Wainwright, who relieved
him.
The Associated Press dispatch from
! Key West, alleging that divers had dis
covered a hole in the bottom of the
Maine was the first intelligence of any
character that had reached the White
House this morning from the scene of
the wreck. The president read the dis
patch with great interest, but had moth
ing to say beyond the remark that it
was the first news he had received of
the kind, and made no comment. Sena-
tors Burrows, Quay and Penrose were
early callers, but their business had no
| reference to the wreck of the Maine.
| They listened intently to the Key West
dispatch and realized its Importance as
bearing upon the cause of the disaster.
| but were not willing to hazard an opin-
| ion on it.
The wife of Capt. Sigsbee, who resides
in this city, has received a cable from
/ her husband, simply announcing that
/ he had escaped uninjured in the clothes
/ in which he left his cabin the time of
] the explosion; that he was we'll and
! very busy. His sOn-in-laW, Ensign Kit
tie, who is on duty at the navy depart
/ rnent says the message was to reas-
| sure his family, and as Capt. Sigsbee is
/ naturally exceedingly busy, no further
| private advices are expected from him
| until he has an opportunity to commu-
/ nicate by letter
New York, Feb 1.-THE Journal and
! Advertiser quotes Assistant Secretary
1 of the Navy Roosevelt as saying: 4
| am convinced that the destruction of
the Maine was not an accident"
New York. Feb. 1.-THE Evening
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-17
MORE SPANISH FUsTIAN.
The Assassins of Europe are Strong
on Highhown Language.

Madrid. Feb.1T.-El Liberal comment
ing today on the loss Of the Maine,
says:
..Such a catastrophe to humanity
claims indefeasible right and the ran
cors of politics are silenced. Every
great calamity brings home to the two
peoples divided though they may be by
animosity and rivalry, that they belong
to one and the same family. Our noble
hearted nation, seeing the victims of
the Maine, forbears to think of it's diff
ferences with the United States. To-
morrow it will return to the defense of
it's rights against all. But for today it
feels only sincere and loyal compassion
for the immense misfortune. Happy
indeed were the Spaniards who, by saw
ing the lives of the crew of the Maine
at the risk of their own, were thus en-
abled to prove the sentiments of all
Spaniards and the traditions of Spain.
I'VE do not know what may happen
tomorrow. We are prepared for any
event. But today let us pass the sword
which we have been forced to keep
drawn, to the left hand and let US
stretch out the right hand not to those
who insult US. but to those who weep."
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-17
CARING FOR THE WOUNDED.
20 Sailors From the Maine are in the
Military Hospital

New York, Feb. IA special cable
to the Evening World from Havana,
says: 49,.
Maine silently enduring the torture
caused by powder skinned faces ana
bodies, broken bones and mangled heSn
They are being. well cared for IN the
military hospital at San Ambrosio here.
The less severely injured men are yet
on the steamship City of Washington
THE severely wounded men will have
the best attention also from the men
and women from the American colony.
All the injured men show great grit.
You cannot hear a whimper from one
of the % swathed forms in San AM
brosio hospital nor from those any
where else.
''Out in the bay lies the wreck of the
once proud Maine. Her steel upper
deck forward has been completely lift
ed and turned over on her starboard
side. None of the big guns in the tur-
rets is visible. The Maine is slightly
listed to port and all forward OF. the
massive cranes for unloading snip s
boats has completely disappeared The
big tunnels lie fiat upon the twisted
and gnarled iron braces and pieces OF
steel deck. From the tunnels aft the
ship seems to be intact. She has set
tied until the water has covered the
top of her superstructure and the stern
searchlight and the rapid fire gun look
over the water just below them"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-17
BODIES WASHING ASHORE.
Thirteen Corpses Rescued From the
Sea-Some are Unidentified.

Havana, Feb. 1.-THE mutilated bod
les of 13 men have been washed ashore
at RegIa and Casablana, opposite IEa-
Vana.
Seven bodies were identified by Chap
lain Chadwick as those of Graham. Nc
Donald, Kaysand, Nero, Kinsman, Dirk
ing and Brown.
Two other bodies, which have not yet
been identified, have been taken to the
mOrgue and will be buried.
The Marquis De Estebana, mayor OF
Havana, will hear the ceremonies Tne
burial expenses will be paid by the mu-
nicipality. Gen. Solona will also assist
at the funeral, representing Capt. Gen.
Blanco. The bodies will be exposed IN
the city hall after 1 o'clock. The funer-
al ceremony will be impressive. Manuel
Santander, the bishop of Havana, mas
donated ground for the burials- High
mass for the repose of the souls OF the
dead sailors will be celebrated in the
Merced church under the auspices OF
the Carlists.
All the high officials and prominent
persons as we'll as the officers OF the
foreign ships will be invited to be pres
ent A monument will be erected py
subscriptions, headed by the American
newspaper correspondents.