Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1898-03-31

there, and that IL was the least useu
buoy in the harbor.
In describing the surroundings when
first moored to his buoy, Captain Sigs-
bee stated that the Spanish man -of-war
Aiphonso XII. was moossd In position
now occupied by the Fern, about ESQ
Yards to the northward and westward OF
the Maine. The German ship Gniesenau
was anchored at the berth now occu-
pied by the Spanish man-of-war Segas-
ne which Is about 400 yards about due
north from the Maine. He then located
the German man-of-war Charlotte.
which came into the harbor day or two
later, which was anchored to the south
ward of the Names berth, about four
or five yards
In describing the surroundings at the
time of the explosion Captain Sigspee
stated that the night was calm and still.
The Alphonso XII was at the same
berth. The small Spanish dispatch boat
Segaspe had come out the day before
and taken the berth occupied by the
German man-of-war Gniesenau, when
had left. The City of Washington was
anchored about 200 yards to the south
and east of the Names stern, slightly
ON the port quarter. The Maine coaled
ut Key West, taking on about loo tons,
the coal being regularly Inspected ana
taken from the government coal pile.
This coal was placed generally In the
forward bunkers. No report was received
from the chief engineer that any coai
had been too long in the bunkers ana thai
the fire alarms in the bunkers were SEN
sitive. In so far as the regulations re-
garding lnhammables and paints on
board. Captain Sigsbee testified that the
regulations were strictly carried out IN
regard to stowage and that the waste
also was subject to the same careful
disposition. AS to the situation of the
paint room, he fixed 1t, as in the eyes
of the ship" just below the berth deck.
the extreme forward compartment. As
for the disposition OF infiammables, they
were slowed in chests, according to reg
ulations, and when infiammables were
in excess OF chest capacity, they were
allowed to be kept in the bathroom of
the admirars cabin. Regarding the cleo
trio plant OF the Maine. Captain Sigsbee
stated that there was no serious
nor sudden flashing up of the
lights before the explosion. but sud
den and total eclipse. AS for regulations
affecting the taking of temperature of
the magazines and SO on, Captain Sigs-
bee said there were no special regula-
lions other than the usual regulations
required by the department. He ex-
ainined the temperature himself and
with the ordnance officer as to
the various temperatures and the con-
tents of the magazines, ana, according
to the opinion of this officer, as well as
Slgsbee. the temperatures were never
at the danger point.
Il do not .hink there was any laxity
in this direction" said the captain. in re-
ply to a question of Judge Advocate
Mark.
He had no recollection of any work go
ing on in the magazines or shell rooms
on the day OF the explosion. The keys
were called for in the usual way on the
Say i'm question and were properly re-
turned At the time of the disaster the
two after boilers in the after fireroom
we're in use because the hydraulic sys
tenn was somewhat leaky.
Speaking generally of his relations
With the Spanish authorities. Captain
Sigsbee stated that with the officials |
they were outwardly cordial. The |
members OF the autonomistic council of
he government. however, seemed to
nave brought to the attention of the
navy department the fact that he did not
visit them. and that fact brought some |
embarrassment 10 the government at |
Washington. He took the ground to the |
department that 1t was unknown ETH !
luette to call on the civil members OF |
the colonial government other than the |
governor. Without waiting for such an
0rder Captain Sigsbee made visit af-
forwards. and he states was pleasant
" received and his visit promptly re-
turned by certain members of the coun-
ILL.,
Later. party OF ladies and gentlemen
allied. and the president of the council
made a speech, which Captain Sigsbee
ould not understand, but which was in
erpreted To him briefly to which he re-
lied. MY reply" said Captain Sigs-
zee. was afterwards printed i'm at least
wo papers in Havana, but the terms
made me favor the autonomistic govern
lent in the island. 1 am informed that
5 unpopular among a large class OF
panish and Cuban residents. have no
means of Knowing whether my appar-
MT interference in the political concerns
Z the island had any relations to the
obstruction Of the Name"
When asked whether there was any
demonstration of animosity by people
noat, Captain Sigsbee said that there
as never on shore. as he was informed.
ut there was Sfioat. He then related
hat on the first Sunday after the
isi.es arrival ferry boat, crowded
enseiy with people. civil and military.
eturning from bull fight in Regla.
assed the Maine. and about 40 peopIe
n board INDUCED in yells. whistles and
erisive calls.
During the stay in Havana. Captain
igsbee took more than ordinary pre-
autions for the protection of the Maine
y placing sentries on the forecastle and
oop. quartermaster and signal bows on
Re bridge and on the poop A corporal
the guard was especially Instructed
look out for the port gangway and The