The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-05
DIFFICULT mo REcovER.
Work of Taking Bodies from the
Wreck May BE Abandoned.


ST. LOUIS, March "A special to the
Globe-Democrat from Havana says: The
work Of recovering the bodies of the men
who lost their lives in the Maine disaster
viii, in all probability. be abandoned. This
decision was practically reached this after
noon, when, after a number OF Intellectual
attempts TO reach Them the divers reported
tfiat the giving of further attention to this
phase Of their work was iinpracticable The
remains of the unfortunates now in the
wreck are believed to be in such a state
that TO touch them wocld be to cause them
TO fall to pieces. It has been determined,
then, that the better plan would be to allow
them to remain until in the course of the
work of raising the Names keel they are
brought to view, when such portions of
them as can be recovered will be placed in
Dramatically sealed caskets and taken to
Key West for burial.
There is another and vital reason for this
action upon the part of the divers and
others interested in the work upon the
wreck. The handling of the dismefnbered
and bloated bodies would be attended with
the greatest danger, not only to the divers,
but to the general public. The bringing to
the surface of the remains in any great
number would mean most serious menace
to the health of Havana, which at the best
is probable that the unfortunates. who are
supposed to number half hundred, will be
allowed to occupy the grave which treach-
cry undoubtedly prepared for them, the
bottom of Havana bay.
The discovery of evidences of treachery
about the hull of the Maine. which / have
heretofore cabled in full have not been de-
MED upon the part of any one who is sup
posed to have means at command to know
the truth of the report; There is con-
tinued manifestation of anger upon the
part of the Spaniards that such sentiments
should be expressed, but thus far they have
fefrained from indulging In any open at
tempts at bulldozng Americana.
There are all manner of stories afloat,
many OF them being so wild that no at
tempts arS made to run down the source
from which they emanated. 1t is certain
however, that the reports which have been
circulated, and which have not been denied
by either Captain Sigsbee or Consul Gem
eral Lee, that the divers under Powelson
found a hole IN the hull of the Maine which
had driven the plates upward, are founded
upon fact The theory that float mine was
The method adopted by the conspirators has
gained ground That ii was towed by a
boat is suggested, but the opinion is also
expressed that ii was discharged from the
shore after having been towed to the
Names buoy and placed beneath the bows
Of che vessel upon the port side.
There will continue to be the greatest dis
pleasure openly manifested upon the part
10 hear the evidence of the Spanish divers
convenes and the finding is announced
which, it is generally understood, will be
accident. That there will be an attempt to
nulIify the effects of the finding of the
United States board by such action is ac-
Scepted by every one who knows and under
stands the Spanish character. The Span
3artis do not vet show any desire TO send
divers down about the wreck, and are play
ing for time. They will in all probability
await the American verdict.