Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1898-04-01
MESSAGE 70 CONGRESS
THE DISASTER TO THE MAINE.
Testimony Taken Before the Board
OF Inquiry Accompanied the Re-
pOrt-SpaiM Notified That the War
in Cuba Must Cease-COncentra-
ton of United states Troops.

Washington March 2S.-The determine
ton was reached early this morning to
send in the testimony taken before the
board of inquiry to accompany the report.
The members of the foreign relations com
mittee of the senate made vigorous pro-
tests against the former arranged pro-
gram, saying it would be great deal of IL
farce to refer to that committee the find
ings Of the court and withhold the testi
mony. The committee desired the testi
mony at the earliest possible moment. 1t
was also pointed out that Withholding the
testimony would be construed by some
persons to mean an attempt was being
made to keep from congress and the peo-
pie all testimony regarded as sensational.
The Message.
To the Congress of the United States:
For some time prior to the visit of the
Maine to Havana harbor our consular rep
resentatives pointed out the advantages
to follow a visit of naval ships to Cuban
waters in accustoming the people to the
presence of our flag as a symbol of good
will, and of our ships in fulfillment of the
mission of protection to American inter
ests, even though no immediate need
therefor might exist.
Accordingly, on the 25th of January
last, after a conference with the Spanish
minister, in which the renewal of the Wis
its of our war vessels to Spanish waters
was discussed and accepted, the peninsular
authorities at Madrid and Havana were
advised of the purpose of this government
to resume friendly naval visits at Cuban
ports, and with that view the Maine
would forthwith call at the port of Ha-
vana.
Apparent Friendlinesx.
This announcement was received by the
Spanish government with appreciation of
the friendly character of the visit of the
Maine and with notification of the inten-
ton to return the courtesy by sending
Spanish ships to the principal ports of the
United States. Meanwhile the Maine en-
tered the port of Havana on the 25th of
January, her arrival being marked with
no special incident besides the exchange
of the customary salutes and ceremonial
visits.
The Maine continued in the harbor of Ha-
vana during the three weeks following her
arrival. No appreciate excitement at
tended her stay; on the contrary. a feeling
of relief and confidence followed the re-
sumption of the long interrupted friendly
intercourse. So noticeable was this imme-
date effect of her visit that our consul
general strongly urged that the presence
OF our ships in Cuban waters should be
kept up by retaining the Maine. at Ha-
vana, or. in the event of her recall, BY
sending another vessel there to take her
place.
The Fatal Night.
At 40 minutes past Q in the evening of
the 18th of February the Maine was de-
stroyed by an explosion, by which the ell
tire forward part Of the ship was utterly
wrecked. In this catastrophe two officers
and 26O of her crew persisted, those who
were not killed outright by her explosion
being penned between decks by the tangle
OF wrakage and drowned by the immedi-
ate sinking Of the hull.
Prompt assistance was rendered by the
neighboring vessels anchored in the har
Dor, aid being especially given by boats
Of the Spanish cruiser Alphonso Mi and
the Ward line steamer City of Washing
ton. which lay not far distant. The wound
ed were generously cared for by the au-
thorities of Havana, hospitals being freely
opened to them, while the earliest recov-
cred of the bodies were inferred bv the
municipality in the public cemetery in the
city. Tributes of grief and sympathy were
offered from all official quarters of the
island
Eject nm the Nation.
The appalling calamity fell upon the peo-
pie OF our country with crushing force and
for brief time intense excitement pre-
vailed. which in community less Just or
selfishly controlled, must have led to hasty
acts of blind resentment. This spirit how
ever. soon gave way to the calmer process.
es OF reason and resolve to investigate
the facts and await material proof before
forming a judgment as to the cause. re-
sponsibility, and, if the acts warranted.
the remedy due. This course necessarily
recommended itself from the outset to tn.
executive, for only in the light of dis.
passionately ascertained certainty could
it determine the nature and measure of its
full duty in the matter.
appointment of the Court.
The usual procedure was followed as in
eases of casualty or disaster to the nation.
al vessels of any maritime state. A naval
court of inquiry was at once organized.
composed Of officers well qualified by rank
and practical experience to discharge the
onerous duty imposed upon them.
Assisted by strong force of wreckers
and divers. the court proceeded to make
thorough investigation on the spot EN-.
Pioying every available means for an i'm.
partial and exact determination of the
cause OF the explosion. Its operations have
been conducted with the utmost deliben
ton and Judgment. and, while independ.
emily pursued. no source of information
was neglected, and the fullest opportunity