Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-06

loss of so grand a ship ana so many
bravo men 20 know that her officers and
crew acted like heroes amid the horrible
scenes attending the disaster.
II the Maine was destroyed py mine
or torpedo, then, unless spain promptly
dlsavows the act, and tenders satisiac-
torv indemnity, both for the loss OF the
shin and of the men, immediate and over
wbelning war must be declared and
waeed against Spain, and Cuba must be
at once occupied by an American army,
and all the Spanish soldiers there made
prisoners OF war, and ali her ships on the
Cuban coast captured or sunk.
SENATOR MARION BUTLER.
The charge made by General Weyler
and re-echoed by some Tory Americans,
that the Maine was destroyed by an ac-
cIdent due to the Incidence, careiessness,
and want of discipline OF the ohicers ana
crew of that vessel is clearly untrue and
positively absurd II the officers of the
Maine were responsible for any careless
ness II was In not dredging the narpor
Immediately under the Maine 10 see
whether or rot Spanish officers had pur-
posely located the vessel over mine
formerly planted to blow her up. Inc
facts will soon be officially made known.
I feel sure that they will not only vindi-
cate the officers of the Maine from sucn
a charge, but will at the same time place
the responsibility for this horrible ana
most foul deed where 1t properly be-
longs, and then such action must prompt
ly be taken as becomes Americans.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN ]. GARD
NER.
II Is worse than foolish, 1t shows
viciousness, for General Weyler or any
body else 10 allege that the officers or
crew of the ship Maine were indoient
until we ascertain the cause OF the disas-
ter. The charge of Incidence assumes
ayoidable accident. Captain Sigsbee, the
lamented Lieutenant jenkins, the Marine
Anthony, and all the officers and men on
board the ship acted as disciplined, brave
American seamen would be expected
to act In an emergency. Their conduct
came I'D to the measure of the highest
just expectation; therefore, While we
mourn the lost, we are proud OF them ana
the living.
REPRESENTATIVE MELVILLE BULL.
/ am personally acquainted with Cap
tain Sigsbee and many officers OF the III
fated Maine, and the high opinion In
which l have always held them was
more than confirmed by the reports OF
their splendid conduct at the time Of,
and since, the explosion. I regard Cap
Gain Sigsbee as one of the brainiest, as
well as one of the most capable, officers
that ever commanded a vessel, and his
advice to the American people to suspend
Judgment as to the cause OF the explosion
until officially ascertained showed
depth of foresight so spontaneous ana
SO wise, and given alnder such narrowing
circumstances as to stamp him not only
as a great commander but as a diplomat
and man of superior judgment. His sub
ordinates who survived the terrible catas-
trophe showed in their conduct the in
fuence Of the example set them by their
brave commander, supplemented by their
own inherent courage and we'll disciplined
education.
The charge that these brave men were
guilty of Incidence, which caused the
explosion, is utterly unworthy OF mo-
ment's consideration.
Secretary Long and Asslstant-Secretary
Roosevelt deserve in my opinion, the
highest commentator that can be be-
slowed upon them for their mastery
conduct of affairs at home in connection
with the disaster. While all sorts OF
rumors and sensational stories have had
the effect OF working the nation up into
a high pitch Of excitement, and demands
have been made upon the administration
for radical and hasty retaliatory mea-
sures in advance OF the receipt or tacts
gentlemen, and the able officers under
them, have pursued dignifed, statesman
like. and conservative policy prompt
az tha circumstances would permit, yet
vigorous. sound, and business-like, when,
when all the facts are laid before inc
American people, cannot help but Impress
them with the wisdom Of the course
taken by the Navy Department
Whatever the results or the penoing
Investigation may show, j feel sure that
the verdict of the American people VIII
be that tho Navy Department, from It's
able head down to the humolest marine
is worthy of the most absolute confidence
and faith. and in any crisis can be de-
nended upon TO uphold the dignity ana
| honor of this great nation, either by the
| application of peaceful methods, or by
| the stern alternative OF war.
REPRESENTATIVE ALEXANDER M.
| DOCKERY.
The intrepid conduct Of Captain Sigsbet
| and other officers and seamen connected
| with the battleship Maine Is sufficient
| reputation Of any criticism upon them
| made by enemies of our country. The
| new navy IS q worthy successor OK the
old-time navy, and Will Vindlcate our
| proves upon the seas.
The admirable behavior OF captain
sigsbee shows him TO be an officer worthy
10 take rank with the most illustrious o.
| our naval heroes.
REPREsEN'TIVE WALTER REEVES
do not believe there is any founda
ton whatever for the allegation, from
whatsoever source 1t may come, that
there was Incidence or negligence on thu
| mart Of the officers and men OF the Maine
All information obtainable up to this dat
! indicates TO me that there was q
| snlendid bravery and devotion TO duty
both by the officers apd crew OF this un
| fortunate vessel.
REPRESEN'TIVE DAVID H. MERCER
Neither the American citizen, American
| sailor. or American soldier Is incident Of
cowardly. and General Weyler and al
other spaniards will find this out to thei
sorrow il a war takes place between THU
| country and Spain.
REPRESENTATIVE RUDOLF KLE-
BERG.
The herolsm OF Captain Sigsbee and the
| officers and men Of the Inflated battle
ship Maine, during and after her explo'
sion i'm Habana harbor. is both commend
able and inspiring, and it is gratifying &c
know that the GOODNESS and patriotism Of
this great naval chieftain and his men are
q characteristic OF the average American
| citizen. Nothing should be onore avoided
by those who would mould public opinion
I'm the present hour OF suspense thar
undue excitement and ill-considered actor
and utterance, and those In authority, az
we'll as those out OF authority. may wei
emulate at this supreme moment in oul
country's history the superb coolness anc
the splendid courage OF Captain Sigsbee
and his brave men. They have again
taught the human race the great lessor
that true courage and patriotism never
buster; but remain calm and serene
under all circumstances.
| A mTUIF TODn