Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-05
No DATE FOR REPORT.
impossible Yet Even 10 Approximate
One.


WASHINGTON. March At was de-
valoped this morning through the tele-
graphic correspondence between Secre-
tary Long and Admiral Sicard. that the
court of inquiry is unable to fix even an
approximate date for the conclusion Of
IT'S Investigation into the disaster Of the
Maine.
Sharing the general anxiety for some
information on this point. Secretary
Long to-day, AZ the instance Of the Cabi-
net. sent q telegram 10 Admiral Sicard,
asking him when it was expected that
the report of the court would be made,
and late tonight the following reply was
received:
Key West. March 4.-Secretary Of the
Navy.-Have talked with the presd INT
of The court Of inquiry, and agree with
him that it is not yet possible to fix
date for the finding. as SO much depends
uTon the progress of the divers and
wIeckers. and the results they obtain.
Every effort is being made TO advance
the inquiry. The court returns to Ha-
l.ua by the Mangrove this evening.
having about finished the examination
a. Key West. (SigneD, "SICARD."
Admiral Sicard's message is regarded
as officially disposing Of reports that the
court has yet obtained positive or con-
elusive information bearing upon the OBJ
j.at Of the investigation. 1t is taken to
mean that upon the testimony or the
discoveries Of the divers will depend the
finding. the examination of the officers
and the crew Of the ship having been in
sufficient 10 enable the court 10 even
form an idea as 10 what lines may be
opened up from the investigation of the
wreck itself
While the telegram was naturally
somewhat Of a disappointment, in leaving
the termination of the inquiry as much
in doubt as ever. It was welcomed as
practically setting at rest the reports as
20 the result OF the investigation up 10
date
II IS stated that the board i'm all prob
ability will not return 10 Key West, the
department having intlmated that II was
its desire that the examination OF the
officers and men should be conclu1ed AT
This sitting. as they are needed tor re-
assignment 10 ships.
II b. probable that the Olympia nag
ship at the Asiastic squadron ana ue
peerless queen OF the cruisers VIII COME
home 10 San Francisco. The NaVlSddoh
Bureau has this movement uhder con
s'ruction. and. in view OF the tact lhat
the snip has been three years away
f0m a navy-yard, engaged In nara
cruising service even II there were ho
other reason, IL is probable that the or
der Will be given. .-,.
The torpedo boat Winslow. at Norfolk'
has completed her repairs, and VIII JOIN
tta hotlla al Key West as soon as the
Pala on the coast blows Itself out anu
makes the run down safe.
SPANISH PURCHASE OF SHIPS
Naval officials are deeply interested In
The reports Of the purchase OF warsaips
D. Spain, and make the reports OF these
transactions the text for complaints OF
the inability OF our Navy Department
70 DO likewise.
However as 20 the report from Lon
don to-day Of the purchase OF the AmaZo-
MUS by Spain. II Is said at the de-
partment that this vessel sailed for Brazli
several months ago, and has beeh
delivered 20 the Brazilian Government.
Her sister ship Is near completion IN the
Armstrong yards They are useful
cruisers. copies OF the Barossa, row OF
the Brazilian navy, and their strong
point Is their great radius OF acton-e.VU
niles-which would enable them 10 cross
lhe Atlantic and recross II. without re-
aeWing their supply OF coal. The other
Two ships building for Brazil in France, |
which are also reported 10 be ABOUT 10