Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-03-08


Judge Advocate Mark asked him what he
knew about the explosion, replied: Sir,
was blowed up. ] was saved and Pm here.
That was all he could swear to"
One important fact has been learned,
however. 1t is this: Although the
members of the court have their indi-
vidual theories, they are by no means
prepared as body to give n decisive
verdict. The officer already quoted
said:
No Evidence of Inten tiOnalTIxpI Osion.
"If the court has yet heard any testimony
which would enable 1t to decide intelli-
gently that the Maine was blown up from
external causes, / am the most mistaken
man in the world. Before the coming Ha-
vana sessions are over 1t may secure such
evidence and possibly find the blowing up
was Intentional. 1t will learn from the
divers the actual condition of the ship after
the explosion, 1t has already learned
from the survivors most of the details of
the ships condition before the explosion.
With these causes thoroughly established,
the court will hear more expert theoretical
testimony, and then reach verdict"
This statement can be taken us more
worthy of reliance than that of the
Maine officer who said the other day
he believed the court was bound on ev-
idence already heard to find the cause
of the explosion external. Its conserva-
tism is also at variance with the opin-
ions of many other naval officers here,
especially those of the younger set, and
directly contrary to the belief of most
of the Maine survivors that their ship
was Intentionally blown up.
Tributes to the Dead.
Havana, March 5.-At Colon cemetery
Friday afternoon the graves of 161 who
persisted in the Maine disaster were deg.
GRATED with two large floral wreaths
and Il cross in the presence of score or
more of Americans, including Consul
General Lee, Capt. Sigsbee and Chap
lain Chadwick. Chaplain Chadwick Of
fered brief prayer and Mr.. George c.
Mages, of Chicago, made brief remarks,
in the course of which he said that
flowers were the only tributes possible
at present to the poor fellows who died
in the line of duty, but that some day
shrine would rise there to which
Americans visiting Cuba would come to
pay honor to the dead. Neither Consul
General Lee nor Capt. sigsbee spoke.
The American flag was spread for a
time over the grave, but eventually re-
moved and in its place was laid red,
white and blue ribbon, with the follow
Ing stamped in gold letters: "In Memory
of Our Dead American Heroes Ameri-
can Citizens Mourn Their Boys" The
carriages then returned to the city.
A ha fa1 To-, 10 10, - 81
brief memorial has been signed by all
the Americans and will be left as a
nucleus for the register of future Wis
itors:
The undersigned Americans have to-
day decorated the as yet unfinished graves
of the American sailors and marines who
persisted February 15 1898. in the destruc-
ton of the man-ofwar Maine.
May the modest first decoration day be-
come an annual demonstration in Havana
OF Americas remembrance of Americas
dead
Spain buying Warships.
London, March S. = Spain has pur-
chased two cruisers which the Arm
strongs have been building for Brazil,
the Amazonius and a sister ship, I'M
named, of 1000 tons each, 90 knots and
10 guns.
Spain is also negotiating for and will
probably secure two cruisers of sim
liar type which have been building in
France for Brazil.
The Amazonius is ready for launch
ing and her sister ship will soon be
ready.
The Spanish government is also en-
deavoring to secure guns and large sup
plies of ammunition in England and OF
the continent for immediate use.
The government of Spain seems to
have funds, for it is understood to be
paying large part of the purchase
money in cash, giving good security for
the balance, these being the only terms
upon which the Armstrong; would deal.
Some weeks ago Spain attempted to
purchase ships and supplies in Eng
land, on credit, from prominent firms
having close relations with the govern
ment, but, after inquiries, the firms re-
fused to give credit. Since then Spain
has raised funds from unknown
sources.
Diplomats in London express the be-
lief that French fnanciers are helping
the Spanish government.
1t is known that Spain is trying to
purchase three other ships which are
being built by the Armstrong;; but she
has not yet succeeded in making bar
gain, consequently there is still time If
the United States wishes to forestall
her.
Spanish Squadron for Cuba.
London, March 5.-A letter Just re-
ceived here from Madrid says it is def
nitely reported there that fresh Span
lsh squadron destined for Cuba, is being
at Cadiz. 1t consists Of four
ron clads, the Carlos " Pelayo, Alfonso
XIII. and another, several gunboats and
l transatlantic steamer. Active work
IS also proceeding upon the torpedo
BOAT destroyers Prosperina, Audaz and
Jsada, and upon the torpedo boats Ha-
'ana, Retamoso and Barcelo, which
'orm the second torpedo boat flotilla
which Spain is sending to Cuba.
The sinGerly Estate.
Philadelphia, March 5.-Letters of
administration in the estate of the late
William M. Singerly were granted by
the register of wills Friday to James
). Mccartney, the son-in-law of the de-
ceased. Mr.. Singerly died intestate. The
estate, according to the petition filed