The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-17
Though 1t is Believed They Have
Reached n Conclusion that the
Explosion Was External.
INQUIRY TO BE RESUMED
PROBABLY on ONE or THE WAR
SHIPS OF THE SQUADRON.
Dispatch Boat Fern to Relieve the
Cruiser montgomery ut Key West
Captain SIMPSONS Hint.

KEY WEST, Fla March 16.-The United
States lighthouse tender Mangrove arrived
here this morning from Havana having on
board the members of the United States
naval cotlrt of inquiry appointed to inquire
into the loss of the battle ship Maine. Cap
tain Sampson was taken on board the Iowa
and Captain Chadwick and Lieutenant
Commanders Potter and Mark went on
board the New York. Nothing definite is
known regarding the programme of the
members of the court Commander Mark
came ashore later and had a consultation
with Reap Admiral Sicard.
The arrival of the court of inquiry was
not unexpected, but the extreme mystery
which has surrounded the behavior of its
members during the day is. in strong con-
trast with their former conduct at Key
West. The most definite statement obtain
able was from member of the court, who,
after stipulating that his name should be
suppressed said: II do not know whether
we will hold a session, but I suppose We
will"
The only marine development which fol-
lowed the courts arrival was the release
of the leave orders of seven of the Names
officers, a matter which had been lying
here at the pleasure of the court for more
than week. The other officers will re-
main here, although the only apparent
reason for their attendance is that they
may testify further. One of them said to
the correspondent: Those of US who are
to be left behind probably are wanted to
testify to the minute condition of various
parts of the Maine previous to the explo-
sion For instance, sworn evidence to the
exact location of some particular angle iron
technically correct. Personally am fully
convinced that the court of inquiry has
come to definite conclusion regarding the
explosion
Unless the unexpected happens. it is safe
to say that the court will reconvene to-
morrow morning and hear testimony. But
all the Maine officers expect to get away
by Saturday. The general impression is
that the evidence thus far received was
carefully gone over to-day and the points
requiring additional testimony were marked
out Capt. Sampson and Judge Advocate
Mark had long consultations with Admiral
Sicard, after which the officers from whom
further testimony was deemed unnecessary
were given their leave orders. Captain
Sampson and Judge Advocate Mark
lunched together on the Iowa, which lies
six miles off. They cid not return to land.
No session of the court was held on shore,
but it is understood that a consultation
took place among the officers of the court
and that Rear Admiral Sicard's wishes
were communicated to those who had not
talked with the fleet commander person
ally
Among naval officers and others it is
generally believed that the court of inquiry
has come to the definite conclusion that the
explosion was external and that the court
is now only busted over minor technical de-
tails. This. however, is only opinion and
of no further Importance; for. with the ex-
ception of the members of the, court Rear
Admiral Sicard and Commander West, no
one here has any real cue to the final de-
cison One of the officials of the Maine
said to the correspondent: II believe the
Maine was blown up from the outside. but
judging FROM the questions asked by mem
bers of the court when previously here,
am utterly unable to ascertain whether they
have even countenanced such a solution of
the disaster. I have talked with fellow
officers and basing their opinions on the
character of the questions asked, they too,
were bound to confess that they were just
as much in the dark
Amid cheers from their fellow-survivors
and friends. the following officers of the
Maine left tonight .on the Plant steamer
Olivette, via Tampa, for the destinations in
dictated after their respective names: Lieut.
G. F. w. Holman, New York Lieut. John
j. Blondin, Baltimore; First Lieutenant of
Marines Albertus w. Catlin, Newburg
Lieut. George Blow, Chicago; Cadet Wash
ington. Goldsboro. N. c.: Cadet Crenshaw,
Greenville; Ala, and Boatswain Larkin,
Philadelphia. All expressed the keenest
pleasure at starting for their homes after
the terrible experience of the explosion and
the wearisome delay that has followed it,
With the exception of Lieutenant of Ma
rines Catlin they are ordered to their homes
to await orders. Lieutenant Catlin is to re-
port by telegraph to Washington.
The steamer Comal, of the Mallory line,
arrived to-day from New York with am
munition for the fleet and relief provisions
for the reconcentrados. Tomorrow the De-
troit viii take ammunition and orders to
the fleet, and the Fern will take provisions
to Matanzas and Sagua la Grande
Contrary to expectations the Fern sailed
this morning for Havana. Admiral Sicard
says: With the Montgomery at Havana.
we must have some boat to run errands .
Some other vessel, likely enough the Nash
vile. will carry provisions TO Cuba
Two unidentified bodies from the Maine
we're brought tonight by the oliyette Es-
sorted by a squad of blue jackets the cof-
Inns were borne through the silent streets
% an undertaking establishment, and they
Will he inferred tomorrow
Senior Caesar Martinez Caddrano, special
commissioner Of the aufnrou,fst Marty 10