davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31

Is now about six feet below the sur.
face of the water and about thirty feet
above its normal position. In the opinion
of the court this effect could have been
produced only by the explosion of a
mine situated under the bottom of the
ship at about frame IS, and somewhat
on h port side of the ship.
6. The court finds that the loss of the
Maine, on the occasion named, was not
In any-Hespeet due ia fault Or negli-
gence on the part of any of the off,
GERS or members of h crew of said
vessel.
Z. In the opinion of the court the
Maine was destroyed by the explosion
of a submarine mine. which caused the
partial explosion of two or more of her
forward magazines.
s. The court has been unable to OBJ
tain evidence fixing the responsibility
for the destruction of the Maine upon
any person or persons. The court, hav-
ing finished the inquiry it was ordered
to make, adjourned at IL a. m. to await
the action of the converting authority.
w. T. SAMPSON, Captain u. s. N,
President.
A. MARK, Lieut.. Com. U. s. N.
Judge Advocate.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31

the scene or the explosion. No danger
Gus stores OF any kind were slowed be-
low in any of the other storerooms.
The coal bunkers were inspected. OF
those bunkers adjoining the forward
magazines and he'll rooms -four were
empty. namely. B 3. B 4, B 5, 6. A Is
had been in use hat day and A 16 was
full of New River coal. This coal had
been carefully inspected before receiy-
ing it OIL board The bunker in which
1t vas slowed was accessible on three
sides at all times, and the fourth side
at this time pm account of bunkers 3 4
and B 6 being empty. This bunker, A
1s. had been inspected that day by the
engineer officer on duty. The fire.
alarms in the bunkers were in working
order, and there had never been a case
of spontaneous combustion on board
the Maine.
The two after boilers of the ship were
In use at h time of the disaster, but
for auxiliary purposes only, with a
comparatively low pressure of steam,
and being tended by a reliable watch.
These boilers could not have caused the
explosion of the ship. The four forward
boilers have since been found by the
divers and are In fair condition.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31

THE Mexico Weekly LEDGER this
week enters upon It's fortieth year,
and the management desires to thank
the people of Mexico, Audrain county
and Missouri for a liberal and contin-
ued patronage. We shall continue to
give all the news that's fit to print all
the time. We conscientiously try to
make each issue of the LEDGER better
than the n before. Wishing all of
our patrons and the rest of mankind
prosperity, we shall continue to en-
deavor to merit the cordial patronage
and cooperation of the people. The
LEDGER is published for the people
now on earth.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31
This Nations Demand on Spain.
NOW AWAITING THE RESULT OF
THE NEGOTIATIONS IN PRO-
GRESs AT MADRID.
Another Spanish Fleet Has Sailed
West-The Resolutions Submitted
to Queen iegent-Awaiting j.,
Reply From Spain.
Special Dispatch 20 the Ledger.
WASHINGTON, D. O., March 80

Special Dispatch 20 the Ledger.
WASHINGTON, D. O., March 30.-The
situation at Washington to-day Is one
of awaiting the result of important
negotiations il progress at Madrid for
the solution o, the Cuban problem.
The Senate Foreign Relations Com
mittee will hold up the resolutions
pending spain's reply, which will be
made after a consultation with the
Queen Regent, which will be probably
tomorrow.
Mr.. Bailey, of Texas, introduced q
resolution in the House recognizing
the independence of Cuba and tried to
force it through, as a matter of priv
ilege, but failed. Republicans are not
caring to have their thunder stolen.
Another Spanish feet has sailed
west.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31
TEXT OF THE REPORT.
Findings and Conclusions of the Naval
Board of Inquiry.

Findings and Conclusions of the Naval
Board of Inquiry.
The following is the full ext Of the
report of the court of inquiry:
u. S. S. Iowa, First Rate.-Key West,
Fla, Monday, March q, 1898.-After
full and mature consideration of all
the testimony before it, the court finds
as follows:
1. That the United States battleship
Maine arrived in the harbor of Havana,
Cuba, on the 25th day of January, 1898,
and was taken to buoy No. 4, in from
five and a a to six athoms Of water,
by the regular government pilot. The
United States consul general at Ha-
vana had notified the authorities at
that place the previous evening of the
intended arrival of the Maine.
2. The state of discipline on board the
Maine was excellent, and all orders and
regulations in regard to the care n
safety of the ship were strictly carried
out. All ammunition was slowed away
in accordance with instructions, m
proper care was taken whenever am
munition was handled. Nothing was
slowed in any of the magazines or shell
rooms which was not permitted to be
slowed there.
Magazines Always Locked.
The magazines and shell rooms were
always locked after having been
opened, and after the destruction of the
Maine the keys were found in their
proper place in the captains cabin. ey-
erything having been reported secure
that evening at 8 O'Clock.
The temperatures of the magazines
and shell rooms were taken daily and
reported. The only magazine which
had an undue amount of heat was the
after 10-inch magazine and that did not
explode at the time the Maine was de-
stroyed. The torpedo war heads were
all slowed in the after part of the ship,
under the ward room, and neither
caused nor participated In the destruc-
tion of the Maine. The dry u cotton
! primers and detonators were slowed In
the cabin aft and remote from the
| scene of the explosion. The waste was
carefully looked after on obard the
Maine to obviate danger. Special or
ders in regard to this had been given
by the commanding officer. Varnishes,
| dryers, alcohol and other combustibles
of this nature were slowed On or above
the Maine deck and could not have had
| anything to do with the destruction OF
the Maine. 7 @tzs@ ~
The medical stores were slowed ait
| under the ward room, and remote from
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31
The Night of the Explosion,

On the night Of the destruction Of the
Maine everything had been reported Sc
cure for the night at s p. n. by reliable
persons, through the proper authorities,
to the commanding officer. At the time
the Maine was destroyed the ship was
quiet, and, therefore, least liable to ac-
cident caused by movements from those
on board.
CURED at $40 p. m. on the 18th day of
February, 1898, in the harbor of Hav-
ana, Cuba, being at the time moored in
the same buoy to which she had been
taken upon her arrival. There were
two explosions of a distinctly different
character, with a very short but dis
tinct interval between them, and the
forward part of the ship vas lifted to a
marked degree at the time of the first
explosion.
The first explosion was more in the
nature Of a report, like hat of a gun;
While the second explosion was more
open, prolonged, and Of greater volume.
This second explosion was. in the opin-
ion of the court, caused by the partial
explosion of two or more of the for
ward magazines of the Maine.
Condition of the Wreck.
4. The evidence bearing on this, being
principally obtained from divers, did
not enable the court to form a definite
| conclusion as to the condition of the
ASSh - - kAAch
the after part Of the ship was practical
iy intact, and sank in that condition a
| very few minutes after h destruction
of the forward part.
The following facts in regard to the
forward part of the ship are, however,
established by the testimony:
That portion of the side of the pro-
tective deck, which extends from about
frame 80 to about frame Al, was blown
up aft. and over to port. The main deck
from about frame 80 to about frame Al,
| was blown up aft, and slightly over to
| starboard, folding the forward part of
the middle superstructure over and on
top Of the after part. This was, in the
| opinion of the court, caused by the par
tial explosion of two or more Of the
forward magazines of the Maine.
Thirty-Four Feet Dat of Position.
8. At frame II, the outer shell Of the
| ship, from a point eleven n one-half
| feet from the middle line of the ship,
| and six feet above the keel when
in its normal position, ha been forced
| IN SO as to be now about four feet
| above the surface of the water; there
| fore about thirty-four feet above where
it would be had the ship sunk unin-
| jured. hi outside bottom plating Is
| bent into q reversed v shape, the after
| wing of which bou fifteen feet broad
| and thirty-two feet in length from
| frame II to frame 25l is doubled back
| upon itself against the continuation of
| the same plating extending forward.
At frame Is the vertical keel is broken
in two, and the fiat keel bent into an
| angle similar to the angle formed by
the outside bottom plating. This break
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31

The conclusions of the court are:
That the loss of the Maine was not in
any respect due to fault or negli-
gence On the part of any of the officers
or members of her crew.
That the ship was destroyed by the
explosion of a submarine mine, which
caused the partial explosion of two or
more of her forward magazines; and,
That no evidence has been obtainable
fixing the responsibility for the de-
struction of the Maine upon any person
or persons.
I have directed thai the finding of
the court of inquiry n the views Of
this government thereon be communi-
Gated to the government of her majes-
ty, the queen, n I do not permit my
self to doubt that h sense of justice
of the Spanish nation will dictate a
curse of action suggested by honor
and the friendly relations of the two
governments.
It was the duty of the executive
to advise the congress Of the result,
and in the meantime deliberate consid-
Grafton is invoked.
T. XII IEv
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31
SOME OF THE TESTIMONY
Upon Which the Naval Board of Inquiry
Reached Conclusions.

Reached Conclusions.
The following are portions of the tes-
timony:
Ensign w. V. N. Poweison was called
the third day of the court. He testified
that he had been present o. the Maine
every day from the arrival of the boat
Fern and during a great deal of the
diving.
In reply to a question to tell the court
all about the condition of the wreck, he
said the forward part of the shipforward
of the after smokestack had been to all
appearances completely destroyed. The
coming tower lay in a position opposite
the door leading to the. superstructure
aft and to starboard, inclined at about
10 degrees to the vertical with the top
of the coming tower in board. Contin-
uing, he described with close detail the
condition under the main deck on the
port side. The fixtures were completely
wrecked, while fixtures in the same po-
sition on the starboard side were in
some cases almost intact. The port
bulkhead between the main and berth
decks at the coming tower support had
been blown aft or both sides, but a
great deal more on the port than on the
starboard side. The fire room hatch i'm
mediately abaft of the coming tower
had been blown in three directions
aft, to starboard, and to port. The pro-
tective deck under the coming tower
was Dent IN Two QlrectlOnS,
the plates on the %starboard side being
ben up and on the starboard side bent
down.
Rent Up to the ~Starboard.
In reply to an inquiry as to whether
he meant with reference to their orig
inal positions Ensign Powelson replied
affirmatively. The beam supporting
the protective deck a few inches abaft
of the armored tube to port of the mid
ship line was bent up to starboard OF
the midship line. Just forward OF the
coming tower, underneath the main
deck two beams met at right angles,
one beam was broken and pushed from
port to ~starboard. A grating was
found on the poop awning, just for
ward of the after searchlight.
A piece of the side plating, Just abaft
of the starboard turret, was visible.
This plate was bent outward and then
the forward end bent upward and fold
ed backward upon itself. This plate
was sheared from the rest of the plat
ing below the water line. This plating
below the water line has been pushed
out to starboard-"
The armored gratings Of the engine
room hatch were blown of. A compo-
sition strainer was picked up from the
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31

Miss Bessie Gailaher, OF Perry, came
up Saturday to take charge Of her
school at Washington school house, 8
miles south of Mexico, which begins
this week. Miss Bessie is highly
thought of by the people wherever
she has taught.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31
Champ Clark's Et, Louis Speech.
wa abingdon Daily Times.

Champ Clark, of Missouri, n Of
the most entertaining speakers In the
House, has just returned from st.
Louis, where he went to deliver an
address before the knights OF st.
Patrick on the 18th OF March. It Il
needless to say that Mr.. Clark acquit-
ted himself with honor, for hia repu-
tation as q public speaker 10 second 70
none with sny man from the Western
section Of the country, and, - . mat
ter of fact, there are few In the House
tor day who can compare with him IN
of-hAnd debate and wit and repartee.
Mr.. Clark brings back with him A. .
souvenir OF the occasion . heavy gold
Maltese croSu, upon which b enameled
the shamrock and harp symb0sical OF
the organisation of the true sons Of
Erin. mr.. t,IArk II proud OF this tes-
timouia1 AMI has worn IL for severa
days @here'sverybody whoapproaches
can zee Il.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31

THE Board of Trustees of Westmin-
ster College at a meeting in Mexico
this week endorsed the election of
John j. Rice as chairman of the facul-
ty of that institution and transacted
other routine business. The election
OF DR.. Rice to this place not only
meets the approval of the board, but
also of the Alumni and other friends
of the institution.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31
Fusion on the State Ticket.

The st. Louis Republic says: A few
Of the many candidates for Railroad
and Warehouse Commissioner are
being heard from on the proposition
Of the Populists to give them this
office on the Democratic state ticket
the terms of fusion. AS was an
ticipated, these candidates r unable
to see the wisdom of such q trade,
however much they may favor it 30
far as other candidates are concerned.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31
Stock Sales.

The Skinner correspondent of the
Sturgeon (Mo.) Leader says:
Thomas and Ernest Berry and Ma
rion Barnes bought 40 two-year-old
cattle at the Bybee sale last Tuesday
week. The price paid was Az cents.
O. Moore bought IS head of good
sheep from Uncle Buck Baker last
week for $50.
John F. Baker purchased a good
load of 1,325-pound cattle of Chas.
Sims last week at $3.50 per hundred.
W. FL. Mallory bought two loads of
hne calves in Kansas City recently at
s4.75 per hundred. Mr.. Mallory has
them on his farm just north of here.
James Yeager recently purchased IA
tons of hay from John Mcdowell at
S5 per tor.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31
Executors Notice.

Notice IL hereby given that letters
testamentory upon the estate OF. John
Murphy, deceased, with will annexed,
were granted the u~nderslgned by the
frobate Court Of Audrain County,
missouri, bearing date March 0, 1898.
All persons having claims against
saio estate are requested to exhibit
them for allowance to the execu-
tor within one year after Gate OF
granting letters, or they may be pre-.
cfuded from any benefit of such estate,
and II such claims be not exhibited
within two years from the date they
Will be forever barred.
JOHN MURPHY,
6i.4t- Executor.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31

THE Meadville (Pa.) Star says that
a young lawyer in that town recently
'sspent two days and two nights over
one case, and at the end of that time
couldn't tell which side he was on"
1t must have been a case of cham
paign; beer wouldn't have lasted 80
InuU
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31
Popul,st for Railroad Commissioner

Deputy Labor Commissioner Sam
Boyden is reported to be a candidate
for Railroad and Warehouse Commits
sioner, subject to the nominating con-
vention of the Populists. The an
rounced programme of the Popuiists
is to demand the office of Railroad
and Warehouse Commissioner from
the Democrats as the terms of fusion
on the State ticket, and should this be
carried out, and Mr.. Boyden receive
the populist nomination. he would be
certain Of a very good Office for six
years to Gone.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31

THE Presbyterians Of Mexico will
be able to build a new church this
summer if all the members of the con
gregation will line up and take an in
terest in the matter.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31
For Rent.

For Rent.
One hundred and sixty acre farm,
two miles east Of Benton City; not
cropped in 1897, but a heavy crop of
grass and weeds well plowed under
Sept. LIST, 1897. Good dwelling-house
and out buildings, now vacant.
HOPKINS & RICKETTS,,
4S-tf Mexico, Mo.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31
DEMAND HAS BEEN MADE.

President has asked Spain for the
independence of Cuba, and instructed
Minister Woodford to insist upon an
immediate answer.
Sagasta suggested an armistice, and
was met with a counter proposition
for permission to feed the Cubans,
temporary home rule during the ces-
sation OF hostilities and self-govern-
ment as the basis OF settlement.
Spain asked for a definition of the
word "self-gcvernment," and was told
that independence was meant.
Country has not long to wait for in
~tervention, or the end of the Cuban
war is the alternative.
Secretary Alger gives out a state
ment to the effect that the members
of the cabinet unanimously indorse
the Presidents policy.
WAR RESOLUTIONS.
The Cuban question took a startling
turn in the Senate yesterday when
Senators Frye, Foraker, Rawlins and
| Allen introduced resolutions looking
to war with Spain and the liberation
| of Cuba.
Senator Frye's resolution called on
the President to take steps to force
the independent OF Cuba.
Senator Foraker's measure recog-
nized the Independence of the island,
and provided for armed Intervention
by the United States.
Senator Aliens resolution was a
recognition of the republic of Cuba
and an extension of relief to the re-
concentradoB.
Senator Rawlins' resolution was a
blunt declaration OF a
Representatives Marsh and Hart
man introduced in the Heuse resolu-
lions declaring war.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31

HARDIN COLLEGE sent S26 to the
suffering Cubans last week. Hardin
College can always be counted upon
doing the right thing at the right time.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31
e. II. Garter Co.,
Opp. Ringo Hotel, Mexico, No.
A TEXAS WONDER.

A1dlA AAO6
One small bottle of Halls GreatDis-
covery cures all kidney and bladder
troubles, removes gravel, dia-
betes, seminal emission, weak and
lame back, rheumatism and all irreg-
ularities Of the kidneys and bladder
in both men and women. Regulates
bladder trouble in children. II not
sold by your druggist, will be sent by
mail on receipt of 81. One small bot
tie is two months treatment, and viii
cure any case above mentioned.
E. w. HALL,
Sole manufacturer, p. o. Box 21s,
Waco, Texas.
Waco, Texas, July ~, 1S97.-We,
the undersigned, of Waco, have used
Halls Great Discovery for kidney
and bladder trouble, and can cheer
fully recommend 1t.
Jno. 81. Harrison. A. 8. Foster.
Sam J. Lakeland. K. 8. Frey.
Payne Dixon. j. p. BAIL.
J. W. Cothrell. j. W. Baugh.
Bill Harris (ex-Sheriff.)
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31

U. S. Flagship, New York, March %,
1898, off Key West, Fla.-The proceed
ings and findings of the court of in
Quiry in the above case are approved.
NJ. SICARD,
Rear Admiral. Commander-in-Chie of
the u. S. Naval force IN the North
Atlantic Station.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31
Notice of Sale Under Deed Of Trust.

Notice Oh 0ale under Deed OF Trust,
WHEREAS, the Mexico Creamery Company. 4
corporation organized under the laws OF the
2sate o, missouri and having no seal, on the 18th
recorded in book Is, page aBs, ir the Recorderss
once OF Audrain County, Missouri, Conveyed IN
the Undersigned trustee the following iands. viz,
Begin at the northwest corner OF survey No.
lsoz OF Audraln County, Missouri, Surveyors
records, and run thence along the center Of the
public road north 20 degrees. west 1851 feet.
tnence nortn 10 degrees, wese along center o{
roao 10y rect Tor o point OF beginning. thence
east iIs Feet thonce north So feet, thence west
1905 feet 10 the center of road, thence south h
degrees, east 90 feet TO the point OF becinning
oelng y OF an acre In the north halt Of The south.
east quarter OF section q In Township affv-ooe
"a range nine west, all In Audrnin county.
State OF Missouri. For a further description
veyors records. Also, all separators, nnachln-
eIyS Doiers, engines, churns, yats, cream cans
hno mix cans, scales, weighing capa tankr
oei.s, puleys, churns, bottles and cases. bucEef2
sna measuring rules and fixtures and furniture
snd connections and findings In or belonging 10
said creamery situated on above described tr.rf
VI IAha, Wnicn said deed was given 20 secure the'
Pdymsnt OF q certain promissory note therein
aescriped; and, whereas, the interest on esJd
note Is nov past due and unpaid and the taxes On
s tsa IAN, lana arc que and unpaid; and whereas, on
que, power ts conferred upon the underxicned
trustee berefn 70 sell said property Al p1hlIc
venoue; now, therefore, in Compliance WITH fha
terms Of said deed Of trust and BY virtue or the
power therein given, ! VIII, at the east front door
drain County, Missouri, expose said iands tor
sale on Friday, the 18th day OF April, iss5. be-
tween the hours OF 10 q. m. and ! D. m. OF said
DAY, 20 the highest bidder, for cash in hand
70 sa1isfy said note, Interest, taxes and cost4.
IDS. rrpstaa-
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31

SPAIN is said to mistake American
patience for cowardice. If she acts
upon that basis she will never recover
from her surprise.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31
Harrison Brick Company.

Harrison Brick Company.
The stockholders in the Harrison
Brick Company are Is follows:
J. A. GIandon, president; w. e.
B~lattner, Wellsvilie, treasurer; Fred.
Bhttner, Wal1svfIle; A. ID. Harrison,
". K. Potts, Charles EekhaFt, of st.
Louis; a. s.. Houston, Wood Trimbie,
Alb. Harrison, Auxyasse, and George
Robertson.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31

NEXT Saturday will be Stallion Day
In Mexico. Every fine horse in the
county should be here.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31

ARBoR Day in Missouri is set for
April 8. Plant trees in your pubic
school ward on that day.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31
Attention.

Anyone wanting the Langstroth or
the Dovetailed Tor lock corner) hives
or bee-keeper's supplies will do well
to call on or address
p. p. COLLIER,
Syst. North Mexico, No.
Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-03-31
Stock Shipments.
The following stock shipments have
haen mazda fropn fhio poipt.

DcoH w 'S0HH sHI1 POIHts
On the 2srd: A. B. Kidwell, n hogs
to East st. Louis.
On the 9th: w. Il. Coons, 1 horse
&c Salina, Kas.
On the 9th: Browning Bros, 90
hogs to East st. Lotus.
On the 2Sth: F. r. Buekr,a, 1t
mules and 4 horses to East ST. Louis.
On the 30th; G. w. Westerwejt, 2
horses to Ohenoa, Mo.