The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1898-03-25
COURTS REPORT READY.
The Findings Submitted to Adm.
Sicard and He Sends the Docu-
ment to Washington.
rHE SPANISH VIEW ABOUT THE REPORT.

No Finding of the Maine Com omission
Which May Suggest Spanish RESPONSE
bility Will BE Tolerated by Spain
Cuban Recognition Close-A synopsis In
KEY WEST, Fla, March 23.-The
United States court of inquiry into the
loss of the battleship Maine has at last
finished its laboriOus work of investi-
cation of the disaster and has sub
mitted its report to Rear Admiral
Sicard. The decision reached by the
court is still matter of surmise.
Perhaps some significance may be
attached and conclusions drawn from
a remark made by Adm. Sicard last
night, when he said to a correspondent:
''The case of the Maine is most pecu-
liar, perhaps the most peculiar which
has ever occurred in the history of the
world" From the general tone of his
remarks it might be inferred that the
court findings do not definitely solve
the mystery of the explosion. This is
further borne out by the admiraPs
statement that even after the report
had been sent to Washington the de-
partment may require further investi-
CATION. Lieutenant Commander Mark
left Key West this afternoon on his
way to Washington. taking with him
the report of the court on the disaster.
The Spani>h View About the Report.
New YORK, March 23.-''I am in a
position to inform you-and it is high
ly important just now in connection
with the political calculations of the
immediate future-that the Spanish
government will refuse to accept any
finding of the Maine commission which
may suggest Spanish responsibility"
says the Madrid correspondent of the
Herald. The Spanish ministerial view
is that the imputation which such a
finding would have, if admitted, would
forever be an irremovable blotch upon
SPANS reputation as civilized coun-
try. which she could not possibly
bear. If the report of the commission
throws blame upon Spain which
would carry with it call for indem-
nifty, the peninsular government will
forthwith make an appeal to the COM
bined European powers on the plea of
equity and common fairness to inter-
vene in favor of Spain against what
every Spaniard would esteem as the
most monstrous and iniquitious find
ing. 1t may be stated, however, that
the ministry still clings to the thought
that the commission cannot possibly
return a verdict other than that the
explosion was accidental.
Cuban Recognition Close.
WASHINGTON. March 23.-Recogni-
ton of independence of Cuba seems
close at hand. All that can stay it
now is a definite and sweeping propo-
sition from Spain granting independ-
ence in all but the shadow of author
ity. This proposition has been called
for. Spain must turn over Cuba, the
government, the custom houses and
all, to the Cubans. Minister Woodford
has been cabled to press the ques-
ton for an immediate answer. The
president had intended to delay the
decisive step until the Maine report
could be received, sent to congress and
temporarily disposed of. He much pre-
fers that the treatment of the Maine
incident shall be kept apart from his
action on the general Cuban question.
But the conference at the white house
yesterday have almost brought de.
cision to GO ahead without waiting for
the report. The president is thinking
most seriously of giving congress the
opportunity to vote Immediately on
the recognition of the independence OF
Cuba. A message may go to congress
any day recommending that Gu ban in.
dependence be recognized. If it 6,oes,
then Spain will have to decide
whether to treat it as hostile act and
to go to war.
A Synopsis in Washington.
CHICAGO. March "A dispatch to
the Chicago Tribune from Washing
ton says:
Late last evening Secretary Long admitted
that Geographic summary of the report of the
court of inquiry had been received. and he also
admitted that Adm. Sicard had received the
report last evening and would forward it to
WASHINGTON without delay With the tele-
graphic summary received as basis the state
department has already proceeded to notify
Minister Woodford officially OF the character
of the report and he in turn by this time has
probably communicated the news the
Spanish government. with an intimation that
it must be prepared to present a satisfactory
reply within few days.
VIII withhold the Report for n Time.
WASHINGTON, March %. After the
cabinet meeting to-day the following
statement was given out from an Off
cial source:
1t was understood at the cabinet meeting to-
day that the report of the court of inquiry
probably would be here Thursday or Friday:
that it is q very voluminouS document: that
probably it will not be given to the press and
congress before Monday; that the president