The age-herald., 1898-03-01
Opinion Given By An Officer of
 the Wrecked Ship, WHO WE : BEFORE BOARD
 &S Another $ Will Be Made to Ha- s Tana RarbOr TO GI JESUIT OF WORK OF DIVERS The WreCkage is Rapidly Sinking in the Mud-The Dead Heroes to
 Be Laid to Rest on
 American Soil.

Key West, Fla, Feb. 2S-The United States court inquiry into the loss of tho battleship Maine in the harbor of Havana on Feb. 15 began its session here this morn-. ing. Those officers and civilians here who believed the reports from Havana saying that the court had already decided that tho loss of the Maine was due to treachery have apparently changed their minds, for today the universal question is, What has the court found out?" while yesterday one heard all around, When will war be de- clared?"
 Brought face to face with the court men realize for the first time how unlikely it will be for the court to allow any inkling of it's conclusions to be known out of due season.
 Unusual hustle pervaded this little town from the early morning hours. The torpedo boat Cushing went over to the New York and brought to shore Captains Sampson and Chadwick and Lieutenant Commander Porter, Lieutenant Commander Mark, the judge advocate who is staying on the island with commandant Forsythe, was already at the federal building directing the prep aration of the United States district court for the session of the court of inquiry. A small crowd gathered outside, eagerly watching for developments.
 All Preparations Against Delay
 Long before the officers were ready to go to the court room the enlisted men saved from the ill-fated vessel were up and waiting in their temporary home in the barracks.
 It is not known whether any of them will be called but all preparations were made so that the court could not be de- layed In it's work.
 All the Maines dead that remain un- h.,..f .fr1 xxrf1 1zt1 were received to this effect from Wash ington. The Bache will bring here any bodies found hereafter. The collins have been ordered from Key West undertakers.
 The navy departments order Is said to have been issued under pressure of public sentiment against burying the remains of the sailors on Spanish soil. Admiral Si- card and his staff have charge of the fun eral arrangements.
 Blandin Before the Court
 Lieutenant Blandn was before the court for about an hour. The naval officers sat in General Locke's private chambers. No marines were on guard, but all the doors were closed.
 The officers of the Maine lounged around the big court room until summoned to give testimony. Those who were called witnesses before the luncheon recess at l o'clock were Lieutenants Blandifl, Hood, Jungen and Blow and Cadets Bron- son and Boyd. No enlisted men were ex- amined at the morning session. Lieuten- ant Commander Mark, who received the list of witnesses, said the inquiry was pro- gressing well.
 The United States steamer Detroit sail ed to the Tortugas today with provisions for the fleet.
 The court of inquiry reconvened at 2 D. m. Lieutenant Holman, who testified at Havana, was again called. Lieutenant of Marines Catlin gave his evidence quickly and was followed by Boatswain Larxin, Gunner Hill and Carpenter Helms. The two latter were on shore at he time of the explosion, and could tell little of val ue.
 At ten minutes past o'clock the court adjourned until tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock
 Waiting on Stenographers
 Judge Advocate Mark said; 'ThA stenographers have all they can transcribe in record form and there Is no use of our working longer today."s
 In reply to question as to what would be done with witness when no longer of service to the court, he said no decision has been reached on that point, but one would be shortly.
 Capt Sampson seemed satisfied with the days work, but said nothing could be given out.