The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-03-24

WASHINGTON. March ss.-The navy
department has arranged for the practical
withdrawal of all its naval officers at Ha-
vana. and the abandonment of the wreck
o: tie IL. lated Maine.
Secretary Long said today that Capt. Sigs-
bee would come to Washington as soon as
convenient. but Yet nothing has been
done In regard 10 his future duty.
Although not finally settled. II Is more
than probable that the Fern will also re-
turn 10 the United States as soon AZ It 10
determined that nothing more is 10 be GAIN
ed by her presence at Havana. In .he
event of the abandonment of the wreck, it
is more than likely that the navy depart-
ment will arrange for its complete destruc-
tion BY the use of dynamite or ,orpedoes.
The Cuimination Near ut Hand.
The feeling was universal throughout Of
fetal circles today that the elimination OF
the Spanish crisis was near at hand. With
the report sof the Maine court of inquiry
u
House the center OF long and earnest con-
ferences between the president and tho
party leaders OF congress. and with the
exceptional activity towards emergency
preparations in the war and navy depart-
ments. there was abundance OF evidence
tina, definite resslts regarding the Maine
disaster and the Cuban question in general
w..s about 10 be reached.
Among the presidents callers were SEN
ators Cockrell, Turpie and Foraker, Gen.
Daniel Slckies. former United States min
lister 10 Madrid. and Representative Will
liam Alden Smith. of Michigan. who has
recently returned from a trip 10 Cuba.
The call OF Messrs. cockreli and Turpe
WAS regarded as particularly significant, as
they are representative Democrats in the
senate, and their visit followed that of
Senator German yesterday. 1t was gener-
ally understood that in the present emer-
gency the president desires patriotic unity.
without reference to party. Secretaries
Long and Aiger also conferred with the
president during the day. Secretary Isoag
would reach Washington tomorrow night.
IT. however. IL did not come before s
o'clock Thursday evening. Mr.. Long said
he probably would not receive ii until FRI
day morning. when |; would be laid be-
fore the president Immediately. The Sec
retary did no; think the president would
give the document any consideration at
a late hour. IT was more probable. he
thought, II Lieut.. Mark arrived AT late
hour. that he would take the report 10 Z
hotel for the night
There has been no change in the plans
OF sending the report TO congress early
next week probably Monday. acoompa-
nied by message from the president. II
is definitely settled. however. that the
message ard the papers accompanying IL
will relate exclusively 10 the Maine dis
aster. II will not take up the fearful con-
dit.on of affairs In Cuba, shown by the
reports OF United States consuls. these
being reserved for subsequent action and
a later message TO congress.
Monitors Put Into service.
Secretary Long determined today To or
der the doubie-turretea monitors Puritan
and Terror to Key West, where they VIII
reinforce the squadron in those waters.
He also determined 10 bring into service
the eight singie-turreied monitors a; she
League Island navy yard Philadelphia.
two OF whirh will he sent 10 Boston. two
to New York. and four held in reserve az
Philadelphia. The Puritan and Terror take
the place OF fhe battieships Msssaehu-
setts and Texas. recently Withdrawn fram
the squadron at Key West. l. vas stated
at The navy department that this move
was In accordance with a programme pre-
viously agreed uron. although this pro-
gramme has not been announced hereto
fore. The Puritan by many experts ss re-
sartie(l 80 the most formidable lighting
machine fin the navy.
Secretary Long had an extremely busy
morning Mr.. Roosevelt and the various
bureau chiefs were with the secretary for
some time. perfecs.ng the plans for the
speedy completion az the old monitors.
The bureau Of engineering can put In the
three ns~ boilers with little delay. The
ordnance bureau hss iitsfe 20 do on shA
mentors. owing 70 the good condition OF
their guns armament. etc. The quota Of
yswdss Tor iasis I-iasA gXas y siEsa<s