Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1898-02-25

dence than they mad When they nrst ven
tured into the murky depths.
Operations were confined entirely to-
day to the forward part of the ship.
Twelve bodies had been recovered up to
3 o'clock. The divers also brought up
deck chairs and other articles that formed
a part Of the ships furniture.
As the bodies were brought TO the sur
face they were towed by a Spanish patrol
boat to the dock, where they were pre-
pared for burial ! spent a short time
this afternoon on board this barge in
company with Chaplain Chadwick.
The bodies presented 4 slckening
sight. Out OF twelve recovered today it
has been impossible so far to identify one.
Most OF them are Scared and burned
beyond recognition. Those bodies that
had not been burned had been in the
water so long that tho features were un-
recognizable, Eight of the bodies were
In such condition that they were all
placed IN one coffin. AS the bodies were
lowed alongside the barge, Chaplain
Chadwick peered anxiously over the side,
hoping that he might recognize some
familiar feature.
Captain Sigsbee, ut the time l was on
the barge with Chaplain Chadwick. was
on the lighthouse tender Mangreve, a
few yards away, Me was seated alone
on the deck, looking stern and sorrowful,
as fresh evidence OF the direful results OF
the explosion that destroyed his vessel
came before his eyes.
The bodies recovered from the wreck,
with those OF the men who died in the
hospital, now number l5s. Ofthese only
tlfly have been identified. tits possible
that marks on what is left OF the cloth.
ing may lead TO the Identification OF
fifteen mare.
Operations of the divers today did not
extend to that part Of the wreck where
the oflicars' quarters were. and the
bodies OF Lieut.. Friend w. jenkins and
Passed Assistant Engineer Darwin r.
Msrrett have not yet been recovered.
While the divers were at work tho
shores as usual wero lined with thrOngs,
striving to iollew all that was being
done at the wreck AID on the beats near
by. Craft OF all sorts swarmed In the
vicinity OF the operations, approaching
as closely as the patrol boats wodld per
nit them.
CAPT. sIGsBEE's TESTIMONY.
Before the naval court Of inquiry APP
polnteI to investigate the cause OF the
explosion which wrecked the warshiP
Captain Sigsbee today continued his
story OF the disaster. All the norni ng
was taken up In this examination, during
which time, | I'm able to say. facts OF
great importance bearing OH the blowing
up Of the Maine were brought out. Great
care is taken to keep secret all OF CAP
tain Sigsbee's testimony, and the same
care will be exercised when other i'm
portant witnesses appear before the
court OF inquiry.
No story of the wrecking OF the Maine
will, however, be given sIch cOnsidera-
ton by the board Of inquiry as that OF
Captain Sigshee. who, rs commander OF
the United States war vessel, his told
Just what steps were taken to protect the
battle ship.
Captain Sig.bee yesterliy give v!'u.
able Information H. to this. but todty. il
is understood, his testimony WAS OF even
greater importance, AMI thro ~ il
great light has been thrown upDI the
mystery OF the Maine disaster.
When all OF Capt. Sigsbce's testimony
is in the court OF inquiry will proceed
Immediately t. the statements Of other
officers Of the Maine. and then the work
OF taking testimony Of the wound II and
other survivors of the battle ship will be-
gin. This will probably consume con-
siderable time, as the stories OF many OF
the crew of the Mains will be long.
Il ose who were nearest the scene OF
the explosion will be examined minute
" ty The court. Not one OF these hrs as
vet told his story In detail, and when
these stories are told It is expected that
they will be very sensational. Great I'M
pertance is attached by the court to the
testimony OF these men.
SPANISH INVESTIGATION.
While the investigation in behalf Of
the United States is gsing on the Spanish
are not idle. Dispositions OF
officers Of the Spanish vessels in the
IIarbOr and of harbor officials as to the
Names disaster were today given before
Judge Peral OF the Spanish admiralty
court. In this way the Spanish arc work
ing to gather facts as to the Maine dis
aster hitherto unknown,
Before the court OF inquiry met on the
MangrOye today membe OF the court
paid an official visit to Admiral Man
terola. The court did not visit the mem
bers Of the autonomst government.
In honor OF the victims o. the Maine,
the military commander Of Guanebaco,
has ordered the suspension for three
DAYS of public festivities in the city. This
work OF respect is greatly appreciated by
the American colony in this city.
Rebels in the field huve not been IN
active during the excitement following
the destruction OF the Maine.
General Pando, in the Santiago dis
trict, has asked for reinforcements to
continue his campaign against CaliXto
G ia, and sixteen hundred regulars
haze been taken there recently,
bu, no details have reached the capital.
THE WOUNDED.
All the wounded but nine have been
sent to the United States. These, with
one or two exceptions, will be sent TO
KEY West tomorrow by the Olivette un'
less Sanitary Inspector Bruner raises
further objections. which is unlikely.
OF the nine patients now left AL are
doing well, with the exception OF Mack,
who is pretty bad, but will probably re-
cover.
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