The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-02-19
CAUSEOF THE EXPLOSION
APPROPRIATION OF 100000 FOR
RECOVERING REMAINS.
THE BODIES TO BE BROUGHT HOME
Mr.. Mason, in the Midst Of a Fiery Talk,
Said That the Government Was Trying
to Conceal the True Situation
From the Pennle,
From the People.

From the People.
Washington, u. c.. Feb. 1S.-A debate
decided im it's sensations was unex-
pectedly precipitated in the Senate today
over the consideration of the resolution
of Mr.. Allen (Neb.), directing the Com
mittee on Naval Affairs to investigate
the disaster to the battleship Maine.
An arrangement had been made for the
adoption of the resolution. with n minor
amendment, without debate. Mr.. Ma
son. however. proposed Il substitute pro
yiding for an investigation to bc con-
Quoted by a Joint committee of the two
branches &C Congress. Upon this the
Illinois Senator, disregarding an appeal
not to force discussion at this time of
so melancholy an affair, delivered
speech in which he said that the people
demanded the truth concerning the eX-
ploson and declared that they would
not be satisfied with the investigation to
be conducted by the officers of the
Navy. who would virtually try their own
case and would cover up any blame that
He fiercely denounced the policy of the
government in dealing with the Cuban
question. into which he went at length.
and declared that the United States had
adopted the policy of Spain in putting
everything off until tomorrow.
Sharp replies to Mr.. Mason's charges
were made by Mr.. Wolcott. Colorado,
and Mr.. Lodge. (Massachuset.,sl The
,1t.tt xt~bt tula inf fn1 Il
cussi0n finally went TO the calendar.
Soon after the Senate met Mr.. Hale.
iMaine), introduced the following rcs0-
luton:
That the Secretary Of the Navy be.
and he is hereby authorized to engage
the services of Il wrecking company or
companies having proper facilities for
the prompt and efficient performance
of submarine work, for the purpose Of
recovering the remains of the officers
and men lost on the United States
steamer Maine. and of saving the vessel
or such parts thereof ana 50 much of
| her stores guns, material, equipment.
fittings and appurtenances as may be
practicable: and for this purpose the
| sum of $200,000 or so much thereof as
| may be necessary is hereby appropriated
MIR. HALES RESOLUTION.
The resolution was prepared at the
Navy Department and introduced at the
request of Secretary Long who in for
warding it to Mr.. Hale, also sent IL let
| ter explaining its purpose. He says in
| this letter that it is deemed proper and
| important that STEPS should be taken
| Immediately to recover the remains of
| the officers and men lost on the Occa-
| sion Of this most deplOrable catastrophe:
| to raise the vessel, or to save such
| parts of her armament and equipment
| as may be practicable"
| Mr.. Mason hoped that provision would
be made for the transportation of the
| bodies to the United States, and for
| their burial in this country. TO that
| end he proposed an amendment to the
| resolution as follows. After the word
thereof and before the word "and"
| insert the following:
| And for the transportation and burial
of the remains Of the officers and men
so far as possible"
| The amendment as agreed to and the
resolution as amended was passed.
| The resolution offered yesterday by
Mr.. Allen, (Nebraskal, directing the
| Committee on Naval Affairs to take an
immediate investigation of the disaster
to the Maine was laid before the SEN
ate.
Mr.. Mason, Qllinois), proposed an
amendment striking out all after the
word 'resolved" and inserting the fol-
lowing:
by the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives cOncurring. that Joint COM
mittec Of five consisting of three MEM
bers Of the House of Representatives
and two members of the Senate be ap-
pointed to investigate the disaster to the
battlc.ship Maine
Mr. Hale expressed the hope that Mr..
Mason would not press his substitute.
| The disaster. he said. was even now
being thoroughly investigated by the
executive department of the government,
| and that as soon as tangible results
were reached the facts would be com
municated to Congress.
Mr.. Hale urged Mr.. Mason 10 with
| draw his substitute as it would tend
only to embarrass the executive depart-
men.
MIR. MASON'S PYROTECHNICS.
Mr.. Mason followed Mr. Hale in a
speech replete with sensational and
pyrotechnic utterances. He said. in be-
ginning, that he had no disposition to in
flame situation alreary so exciting, but
he felt that his substitute was fully
justified by the feelings and desires of
! the people. Il understand" said he,