davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17
CARING FOR THE DEAD.
The Remains Not Likely to BE
Brought Home.

The Navy Department has received many
inquiries from The relatives and friends of
the mea lost on the Maine asking whether
their bodies have been recovered and if
| they. will be brought home for burial.
The general reply is that it is not likely
that the remains of the dead will be
brought to this country. even if they are
recovered. 1t is said that the department
might under ordinary conditions bring the
body OF an officer a sailcr who died
aboard to ii port in the United States but
even then tnUr" is money to pay for
Their transportation to their homes. In The
present extraordinary instance there are
unusual reasons why this proceeding even
cannot be followed. The probability is that
most of the dead are more or less man
gled, and it is questionable if they could
be identified even ii recovered.
but probably the strongest reason against
bringing the bodies to the United States is
q SANITARY one, as il is regarded as ,.an-
gerous to bring bodies from a fever-in-
fected district like Havana. 1t is therefore
ilkeiy that all the bodies recovered will
be buried in the cemetery at Havana at
the expense of the government There
mas also been strong prejudice on sani-
tary grounds alone against the removal
10 another place of the remains of any
person VINO dies in a country where yell
low fever. cholera, smallpox or other in
fectious disease prevails
Letter From Capt. Sfgsbee.
The wife of Captain Sigsbee, who resides
IN this city, has received a cable from her
husband simply announcing that he had
escaped Cninjured in the clothes in which
ne left his cabin at the time of the explo-
sion; that he was well and very busy His
son-fn-law, Ensign Kittelle, who is on duty
at the Navy Department, SAYS that the
message was sent to reasSure his family
and, as Captain Sigsbee naturally is exceed
ingly busy, no further private advices are
expected from him until he has an oppor-
tunity to communicate by letter
Capt. De La Casa's Regrets.
The Spanish authorities still continue to
express ahhorrence and sympathy at the
disaster. Acting Secretary Meiklejohn to-
Cay received the following telegram:
SAN FRANCISCO. Cal, February IL
Please accept assurance. Cordial sympathy
for terrible calamity Maine
CSlgne0 Capt. c. De LA CASA,
Military Attache, Spanish Legation"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17
MIR. MITCHELL.s THEORY.
Some One Planted IA Torpedo Near the
Maine Enrly in the iEv ening.

Some One Planted Torpedo Near the
Maine Early in the Evening.
Representative Murray Mitchell of New
York, who was one of the Presidents visi-
tors today, has an interesting theory of
the Maine catastrophe. He says that in
eicatons point to the Maine having been
wrecked by a torpedo from underneath.
This torpedo said Representative Nit
chell to Star reporter, could have been
dropped a good while before the explosion
by any person sailing along in an insis-
nificant craft even a lugger. The passing
of the craft at or o'clock would not have
excited even notice. The persons in the
vessel, handling the torpedo, would have
found it easy to calculate the direction in
v hich the Maine would swing, and the dis
t&1ce from their knowledge of the tides
and winds. Any man with a knowledge
Of the sea and the tides could even locate
the anchor of the Maine from the move
ment of the vessel. The torpedo could have
been dropped overheard with an anchor
attached, after this calculation. In the
course of time the Maine would swing
around in the direction calculated upon
the torpedo would be touched and the ex-
plosion follow. OF course the torpedo would
fio at above the anchor to WHICH ii was at
tached and near enough to the surface to
be touched by the Maine"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17

few minutes, but had nothing to give out
He did not remain long enough. for d con-
ference of importance.
News from Havana was eagerly sought
for by the visitors by White House at
taches and corps of newspaper men.
Dead to Be Buried at Havana
Numerous inquiries are being received at
the Navy Department from the friends of
the seamen on the Maine. asking whether
the bodies of the drowned will be brought
to this coIntry for interment. The general
reply is that it is not likely the remains
will be shipped here. The department. it is
said. under ordinary conditions might bring
the body of an officer or sailor who dies
abroad to port Of the United States, but
even after it reaches here there is no
money available for transportation over
land to place of burial.
In the present extraordinary occasion
there are unusual reasons for not fetching
the dead bodies to the United States. The
proba biiity is that number of the bodies
are more or less MANNED and unrecogniza- =
BILE, and, besides, it is doubtful whether
any merchant steamer could be induced to
bring them here. The strongest reason
against shipping the bodies. however is
based on sanitary grounds. 1t is probable
said a naval officer today. that the bodies
of the men will be buried in the cemetery
at Havana at the expense of the govern
mCnt.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17
WOUNDED DOING WELL.
omcers on the Torpedo boats Ex-
perfcnce Rough Weather

KEY WEST. Fla. February 1.-THE re-
ports upon the Names wounded today are
favorable. Every possible care is being he
slowed upon them, and botn well ana IN
1ured are feeling better after a nights rest.
Now 1t Is the officers and men not con-
necfed with the Maine who show signs of
exhaustion. Commander Forsyth of the
laNal station here has been on duty ever
since the first news OF the disaster was re-
ceived here, and the officers and men on
the torpedo boats Cushing and Ericsson
nave been under a great strain. which I'D
one VINO has not Travelled on these .cion-
gated collins" can appreciate.
Fortunately, the threatened northcr did
not develop, so the trips between here and
The Tortugas were not SO had But after
a lew accidents, the discovery will be made
That the Florida channel between Key
N-st and Cuba is one Of the toughest and
most dangerous passages for small boats
In the world. Experienced men say 1t is
verse than the English channel. the gulf
stream meeting the tide and wind and
there is always q treacherous sea. These
fScts account for the frequent delays Of
the beats In the eigh:y-mile passages be-
tween this port and Havana. and opinion
ls growing stronger here that torpedo boats
are not hl for outside cruising
A corrected list OF those who arrived
here on the Oliyet,e last night is being
made up by the marine hospital surgeons,
the aim being to classify them into "slight-
ly, painfully" and seriously" wounded.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17
FEARS WE'RE NEEDLESS,
Three Neutrality-suspicious. for Whom
There Wns Apprehension

The Navy Department has been besieged
with inquiries today by the relatives and
friends Of those sailors and marines suppos-
ed to have been stationed on the wrecked
battle ship Maine. Among the complement
of men assigned to the Maine are several
Washingtonians, and 1t is to these that
most of the inquiries refer.
William l.. Gartrell, formerly of 1898 Sth
street northwest, was reported among the
missing, but his brother, Mr.. G. NJ Cart
rell, living at 126 G street, this morning
received a telegram from him, dated Key
West, stating Il am saved" Mr.. Gartrell
was fireman on the Maine He has been
seaman in the navy about six years.
At the home of Mr.. Joseph B. Much,
101S 7th street southeast, all was appre-
hension, as he was supposed to have been
one of the crew Of the sunken Ship His
mother, who is a widow. had not up to a
late hour heard anything from him. He
belonged on the Texas, hut wrote his
mother early in February that he expected
to be transferred to the Maine. press
dispatch to The Star says that the man
was not'transferred to the Maine.
Charles H. Newton Is another Washing
tenian who was on the Texas, and whose
friends feared he had been transferred to
the Maine. His family, living at 5O4 7th
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17

surgeon of those in hospitals. or who are
seriously hurt:
Patrick J. Foley, apprentice: probahly
fatal
Carl Christensen. nrst-class fireman
George Fox. landsman
Robert Hutchinson. landsman.
q. j. Dressler apprentice.
The last four will recover. No others ara
cohhned 10 bed in the marine or garrison
hospitals.
Ihefe were some curious escapes from
ueath when the Maine blew up. Three men
were doing punishment watch on the port
quarterback when the explosion occurred.
They all escaped unhurt
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17
CHOSEN FOR OFFICE,
Presidential Nominations Sent to the
Senate.

Presidential Nominations Sent to the
Senate.
The President today sent to the Senate
these nomina tions:
George H. Lyman of Massachusetts, to be
collector Of customs district of Boston and
Cbarlestown, Mass.
John 7. Williams of North Carolina, to
be consul at Sierre Leone. Africa.
To be assistant surgeons marine hospital
service: H. B. Parker of Delaware, j. F.
Anderson of Virginia, L. L. Lumsden OF
Virginia, NJ. NJ. Foster of Pennsylvania
and r. H. Won Ezdorf of the District OF
Columbia.
First Lieut.. L. Karmany, to be capt ain,
and Second Lieut. w. c. Dawson, 10 be
first lieutenant, all in the marine corps.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17
SUGGESTION TO sECARD.
Secretary Long Names List of Officers
10 InventiGute Disnster.

The Secretary of the Navy today tele-
grapEed to Admiral Sicard, commanding
the North Atlantic neet suggesting the
appointment of the following-named offi-
GERS as a board to investigate the cause Of
the accident to the Maine: Capt. William
+. Sampson, commanding the Iowa; Capt.
French L. Chadwick, commanding the New
York, and Lieut.. Commander Adolph Ma
rix, judge advocate
Acting under instructions from Washing
ton, these officers will proceed immedia tely
to Havana to make their investigation.
They will probably make the trip On a
mau-Of-War
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17
AT THE WHITE HausE.
A Different Atmosphere Frpm That of
Yesterday.

- 1AsAAAobVhcIG 1uaE OF
Yesterday.+
The air Of suppressed excitement at the
Wnlte House yesterday was not observ-
able today. No official news. was appar-
entiy received by the President for hours
a1ter he went to his office, and none was
gwen out, as was the case yesterday, when
lne informal cabinet session was in pro-
sress' ana wnen Secretary Long was re-
celVing dispatches from Havana.
ihe PRESIDENT went to his office before 10
O'CLOCK put there was no hurried passing,
nackward or forward, OF messengers bear
ing kilograms. The steady tramp of the
congressman and his oftiee-seeking con-
stltuent was all that was heard. The old
game OF office-hunting was again resumed
ihe Maine disaster has nd2Sy become an
incident. but business has to go on. Men
have to fill offices, and Others have to get
tneSe places for them. The President has
to listen to these men and keep this part
OF the government moving, as well as
others. r.
Secretary Long had not visited the White
reuse up to late hour in the afternoon.
postmaster General Gary was the only
cabinet official to see the President, and he
talked on department business. Judge Day,
assistant secretary OF state, ran IN for a
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17
DIR. HUBBELL'S VIEWS.
Inventor of High Power Guns Says
1t Was Torpedo.

1t Was Torpedo.
DR.. w. w. Hubbell the inventor of the
high-power steel guns, and an expert in ex-
plosives, says:
considering the facts-that it was in the
night time; that the crew and officers had
retired; that the explosion occurred nearest
the bow of the vessel; that she sank from
the explosive effects; that gun cotton was
stored near by or over the place Of rupture
and of explcsion-placing all these facts
together, it appears to me that a submarine
torpedo was exploded under the fore part
of the battleship Maine in Havana harbor
and that the concussion upward exploded
the gun cotton, the two together destroying
the vessel and the sleeping crew"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17
GENERAL CURRENCY BILL.
A Subcommittee Appointed to Draft
the Measure.

the Measure.
The House banking and currency commit
tee has finished the hearing accorded the
four members Of the committee who are
authors of currency measures. A subcom-
mittee, consisting of Messrs. James T. Nc
Cleary of Minnesota. chairman; George W.
Prince of Illinois and John Murray Mitchell
Of New York. was appointed to draft the
general currency measure to be pushed at
this session. and will begin it's labors. The
subcommittee will hold daily sessions till
the bni Is framed, and 1t is expected the
committee will be able to report to the
House in about a fortnight.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17
EVIDENCE OF A TORPEDO.
RumOr From Key West Discredite
at Navy Department.

at Navy Department.
A rumor from Key West this morning
says: The divers who have been working
about the bottom of the Names wreck
have discovered an eight-inch percussion
hole in plate.
Admiral Manterola has summoned Cap.
tain sigsbee to appear before Military
Judge Peral to make the necessary deposi-
tions. All proofs of the torpedo work Will
be removed.
Another mar-of-war is expected here to-
night
President McKinleys attention was call
ed to the Key West rumor early this
morning, having been sent to him by The
Star. The President read the dispatch with
deep interest. and said that it was the
MS news of that kind he had received
of course, he had nothing else to say
With him at the time was Senator QUAY
of Pennsylvania.
Senator Burrows visited the President Oh
business. When he heard of the telegram
ne SAID that while it might be of great i'm
portance, the Spanish government would
nave 10 De proven to be connected in some
way with the explosion before any action
could be taken by this country. IF 1
should go over to England" said Senator
Burrows, "and kill Queen Victoria or blow
up the House of Parliament the United
States government could not be accused of
committing the crime"
Dfscredited at Navy Department.,
The Navy Department absolutely dis
credits the story coming from Key West
that divers have found an cight-inch per-
cussion hole in the bottom of the Maine.
secretary Long says that there is no such
thing as percussion hole; that there is no
e-ght-inch torpedo, and there is no other
way IN which such a hole could be ac-
counted for. 1t is. of course, possible that
a shell exploding inside of the ship pierced
hole of that kind in the outer skin, but
that would be- readily revealed by the
character OF the angle, and whether OF
not the skin was bulged in or out around
the puncture. 1t is more likely If there is
any hole at all Of the kind that 1t is sim
ply the outlet of one eft:the numerous
pieces from the inside of the Maine.
Secretary Long positively denies that
Capt. Sigsbee has in any suRressed tele-
gram expressed the opinien that torpedo
caused the disaster, or that II came from
an external cause. The captain said on
the contrary. that he could, not venture to
express an opinion,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17

street southeast, heard nothing from him
today, and were greatly worried.
AS fast as the news is received at the
Navy Department affecting the members
of the crew, who were residents of Wash
irgton or whose families reside here, those
interested are lmmediately notified.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17
TERRIBLE FIRE DAMP EXPLOSION

Thfrty-Seven Bodies Taken Ont of m
Prussian C0llfery.
BOCHUM, Prussia, February ia terri
bic explosion of fire damp occurred in the
Vereinigte Carolinenglueck colliery at
Hamm early this morning.
Thirty-seven bodies have been recovered
In addition many miners have been seri-
ousiy injured. 1t is believed that fifty per-
sons have perished
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17
Ii you want to buy, sel'

II you Want 10 buy, set
or exchange anything,
lease property or rent
rooms, want a situation or
want help, it will pay YOU
to announce the fact in the
advertising columns of The
Star. They are closely
studied by more than three
times as many people as
read any other paper.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17
partment today that the men named are
still aboard the Detroit.
BLANCO EXPRESSES REGRET.
.1caIde of Havana Joins in COndOI-
ence Maine Disaster.

ence Maine Disaster.
captain General Blanco today cabled to
Senoi Du Bose, charge of the Spanish lesa-
ton. irving the formal action of the in
sllar government CT Cuba expressing to
he President of the United States pro-
found sorrow over the catastrophe to the
Maine and the resulting loss of life to
Americans. AT the same time the alca!de
or mayor of Havana. sent resolutions OF
the municipality expressing to the Presi-
G. ut the grief of the authorities ard the
people of Havana. senor Du Bose pre-
sented the dispatches to Assistant Secre-
tary Day, who laid them before President
Mckinley.
General Blancos dispatch was as fol
lows:
AT today's session Of the insular gov
eihmeht VI der my presidency it was re-
solved to express through your excelency
d respectful and feeling manifestation Of
coincidence to the President of the United
States for the terrible catastrophe which
resulted in the destruction of the cruiser
Maine, causing the death of a large num-
her of citizens and sailors of that nation
In accordance with this resolution, l re-
quest your excellency to pray the Pres-
cent of the United States to accept the
NOiiuoleHce winch / Selu, QeDlOrlng as l 90
that this hospitabe port should witness
such great misfortune for the American
rs,vy.
"(Signed) BLANCO"
The dispatch from the alcalde was as fol-
lows:
THE municipality has passed the follow
ing resolution:
1.-The catastrophe to the Maine has found
sad echo in every heart The city of
Havana offers to the American people the
expression of its grief and claims the sad
privilege of caring for the wounded and
giving burial to the dead. The munich
Iality requests you to express to the Pres-
dent of the United States the grief which is
felt through the city of Havana
'(Signed) MARQUIS ESTEBAR,
"Alcalde of Havana
The foregoing is all the information re-
oeived at the Spanish legation UP to noon
Senor Du Bose has heard nothing in re-
gard to the Madrid cable relative to the
Vlscaya. II was expected that this battle
ship would arrive in New York today or to-
morrow and would remain two or three
GAYS before proceeding to Havana.
The legation is also without information
concerning the reported note of Spain clos
ing the De LONE incident.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17
Personal Mention.

Pension Commissioner Evans is confined
to his home with malaria
Charles H. Magfnnis. special agent of
the general land office, has resigned to take
effect March 81,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17

Secretary Long So Advised by Both
Lee and Sigsbec.

Secretary Long said today about II
o'clock that he had not ordered another
warship to Havana, and had no intention
OF doing SC at present. Both Consul Cen
eral Lee and Capt. Sigsbee,'' said he, lad
vised against sending a warship there and
l see no reason for acting against their ad-
vice. We already have 2. number of small
vessels in the harbor of Havana, and no
more are needed far as 1 can perceive
1t may be deemed advisable to replace the
Maine in that port in the course of time
but see no reason for doing so at the
present time"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17
CHANGE THE SWORD HAND.
Madrid Newspaper Extends Sympathy
to SPnin's Friends.


MADRID, February 1.-THE disaster 10
the United States battle ship Maine is sin
cerely lamented by the press and public
here. and especially by the Spanish oni-
cials, whose regret is mingled with ap.re-
tensions lest the accident augment amart-
can hostility. The queen regent was yisi-
bly, affected, and displayed emotion and
pleasure at the friendly conduct of the
Spanish sailors and authorities at Havana
Gen. Stewart l.. Woodford, the United
States minister, is receiving private as well
as official expressions of sympathy and
the government is confident that 'the able
policy of President Mckinley and the good
serse of the majority of Americans will
maintain peace"
MADRID. February 17.-El Liberal COM
melting today on the loss OF the Maine.
says:
Such a catastrophe to humanity claims
In roefeasible rights and the rancours of pol
itics are silenced. Every great calamity
brings home to the two peoples, divided
though they be by animosity and rivalry,
that they belong to one and the same FAM
lily. Our noble-hearted nation, seeing the
victims of the Maine, forbears to think
of its differences with the United States
Tomorrow it will return to the defense Of
its rights against all. But, for today. it
feels only sincere and loyal compassion
for the immense misfortune. Happy in
deed were tie Spanards HLr. by saving
The lives OF the crew CT The Maine at the
risk CT their own. were thus enabled to
prove The sentiments of all Spaniaids ana
the traditions Of Spain.
In conclusion, FL Libera, remarks: I'VE
do not know what may happen tomorrow
We are prepared for any ovsnt. Eut, to-
Gay. lot Us pa.s the sword which we have
been forced to keep drawn TO the ieft hand
and let US Stretch out the right hand, not
10 these who insult us. but TO these who
Y-e-p."
Tie Impartial says: IN the p-ose-ice of
this frightful disaster We may associate
with out oxp1e ssicns CT .cere ard :seuuine
sorrcw warn, cuiogy for ihe crew CT the
Alfonso XII
ALL ENGLAND EXTENDS sYNPNTRY.
Newspapers Compliment ,hr President
His 'useryativc Cours,.
1QNTON. February 17.-Tte Pr'n-e and
Princess OF Wales have scn; he f-l,ow-
Ing message 10 the United States e-ahassy:
The Prince and Princess of Waes re-
quest tkc charge d'aaa,ros to ccn.ey 70
the President and to the Secretary of the
Navy the expression of their horror at the
terrible accident which has happened TO the
Maine. and their profound sympathy With
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-17
FIRE PRECEDED EXPLOSION.
One of Maine Survivors Awaxcncd by
Cry of the WATCH.

HAVANA, February l6-,Delayed in
tiansmission)-1here are twenty-nine of
the injured men Of the Maine quaricred at
the military hospital of San Ambrosio, and
DIR. Manos has given directions that they
be cared for in the best ward OF the hos
pital. Many physicians and assistants arc
in attendance upon them. under the super
vision Of DIR. Bernardo Nora. voluntarily
assisted by DR.. Charles Finlay. and 10y
Sister Mary WalterforC, Of the Royal
British Nurses Association.
The wounded men have been visited by
many ladies. Six of the wounded men.
Joseph Kane. Alfred johnson, Chs;r.es
Bergman, G. Fox. e. Ch.ist!ansea ARD os-
car Andersen, will be ::ii!e TO return 10
Key West today on board the Olive.,e.
Charles A. Smith. who is suffering from a
broken leg and burns about tie Jaw is a
very sick man, and II is feared he may
die. The other sufferers are comparatively
well.
Heard Cry Of Fire.
Thomas Waters, Martin Webster ana
Thomas Smith are at the military hospital
of Alohonzo XII. Webster says he was
sleeping below when he was awakened by
cries of fire. and shortly afterward there
was an explosion. Waters. who was on
duty in the engine room. was thrown six
feet into the air and fell an awning of
the Maine and thence rolled into the water,
from wheace he Was miraculously saved
Capt. Sigsbee, Lieut.. Holman, Paymaster
Ray, Surgeon Henneberger, Chaplain Chad
WICK, Engineer Newell, Cadets Holden and
Cluverius, Gunner's Mate Bullock and a
seaman named Anthony are stopping at the
Hotel Inglatraria.
The evening papers "wednesday. except
Ing La Discussion, printed leading editor
ials and sentimental declarations of SYM
pathy with the Maine survivors The flags
over all the public buildings and ships are
half-masted out Of respect for the dead