The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-02-25

British bark IN the harbor and the sup
erintendent Of the West INDIAN Oil
Works. across the bay at Ragla, both Of
whom witnessed the explosion.
Mr. Rolf the British engineer OF the
floating dock Ga the harbor. wrote a let
ter 10 the court. but II Is said. did not
add anything material TO what was
known. At the afternoon session the
divers were examined more fully than be-
fore. Their testimony is taken from day
10 day. The court expects now to finish
here to-day and to sail on the Mangrove
for Key West, where the other officers
and men will be examined.
The wrecking tug Right Arm did not
90 north. as was expected yesterday She
Is now mOOred beside the poop OF the
wreck and will save the smaller portions
as far as possible in advance OF tho ar-
rival OF other tugs with better facilities
for heavy work.
Chaplain Chadwick reports that all the
wounded are doing Wei except Frederick
Holzer OF New York. who may die at any
moment.
NOTHING GIVEN OUT.
Neither the officers Of the court Of in
Quiry nor the witnesses will give the
slightest indication OF the testimony or
the conclusions deducible from il. and
all say that the men employed on the
wreck have been warned 10 observe an
equally strict reticence. This course IS
regarded as eminently wise by the Amer
lean AMI all intelligent Spanish officials
as there is no telling what passions might
be aroused or what evil results might be
brought about by talking freely on OFF,
cial matters in the present state Of public
feeling in Havana.
Thus far Americans are treated with
the utmost courtesy and kindness and it
seems the special care OF the residents
OF Havana 20 show friendliness.
Consul-General Lee says there Is no
truth IN The report that he had asked
Captain General Blanco to dismiss from
Cuba certain newspaper men for sending
sensational stories 70 the United states.
On the contrary General Lee has never
interferred with the American newspaper
men in any way
To-day the principal streets ana build
ings are gaily decorated with flags and
bunting in honor of the Spanish soldiers,
2O2s infantrymen under the command of
Jose Amador who arrived this morning
by the steamer Montevideo from Barcelo-
ma.
General Solana, the second chief OF
STAFF, to-day returned on board the
Mangrove the visit OF the court OF in
curry acting as the representative Of the
governOr-general Admiral Aianterola re-
turned the visit paid 10 him by the court.
Inc Thursday reception OF General Bian-
co was resumed this evening
THE SECRET PASSAGES.
In connection with the claim made by
the Cubans that there are mine galleries
under the harbor OF Havana. leading
from subterranean passages, and known
to have existed FOR years, between Fort
Cabanas. MORO Castle and this port. the
Spaniards explain that for over a CEN
fury subterranean passage about two
miles long and eight feet at its narrow
est diameter capable OF giving passage
10 a column of troops. has existed from
the navy yard TO Castillo Del Principe
The Spaniards also assert the existence
OF this passage was not known to the
present authorities or those who hnye
been In power for many years past. The
entrances and exits. 1t Is added. have