The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-01-25
WAR SHIP FOR CUBA.


Foraker was particularly pleased to hear
the news. He said he wished the Texas and
other vessels OF the squadron would be or
dered to follow the Maine Senator Cullom
said: Il am glad to hear it. | hope the
Mains will be followed by other vessels
Senator Teller said he would like to see the
harbor of Havana filled with American
ships.
Chairman BouteIle. of the House commit
tee on naval affairs, said that If the
Maine had gone to Havana it was an en-
tirely natural movement. The sending of
our ships to the ports of the world implied
no offense. That is what they are for said
Mr.. Boutelle and he added: This is essen
TALLY true in time of peace and according
to the view of Spain, there is no war, and
the United States has not thus far recog-
nized condition of war as existing
Representative Meyer, of Louisiana, of
the naval committee. expressed satisfaction
at the sending of the Maine to Havana.
When foreign war ships come to New Or
leans said Mr.. Meyer, it is regarded as
mark of respect. and Spain cannot possibly
at Havana.
Senator Turpie said; 81 am very glad of
it. 1t is good news
Senator Daniel: II am glad to hear it.
IT ought to have been done two years ago"
Representative Cummings. of New York,
said: THE Maine ought to have been sent
to Havana two years ago. 1t would have
saved the life of many American citi-
zen, put stop to the butcheries of Weyler,
and forced Spain to troop in the ranks of
civilization But better late than never
Representative Grosvenor, Of Ohio, said
he construed this action to mean that there
was apprehension of another outbreak at
Havana, and that it would be directed
against our people. He said he could not
think the sending of the Maine due to
any strain between the United States and
Spain, but rather to meet the anticipated
emergency of an outbreak
There was qualification expressed among
the members Of the House committee on
foreign affairs Mr. Smith said: 1T suits
me in every way. My people are in favor
of Cuban liberty"
Mr. Heatwole said: 81 think it is emf
nently proper that United States ship
should be at Havana. l see no reason why
Mr.. Pearson: THAT is right. l hope other
ships will follow, so that no harm may come
to American citizens"
WHAT CUBANS SAY.
Senior Quesada, secretary of the Cuban
Junto. and Senior Albertini, of the Cuban
staff in Washington were about the Capt.
tol during the day comforting with men,
bers concerning the Cuban status. Mr..
Quesada said: THE sending of the Maine
to Cuba, whatever be the official version.
is in our opinion, proof that things are in
such condition in the few Spanish strong
holds that anarchy reigns and that Ameri-
can citizens and property, unable to find
protection at the hands of the impotent
Spanish government, have now the protec-
ton of their own vessels 1t is a declara-
ton to the world that the United States
are not afraid of the Spanish rabble which
Seems 10 cOntfOi the spanish officials. The
attitude of the Spanish papers and officials
has been that the presence of an American
war ship in Havana means Intervention;
undoubtedly they Will now say that it is
the most natural thing for any nation TO
send its vessels to the ports of a friendly
power and Mr.. De LONE Will declare that
his government is delighted. But we shall
soon hear from General Weyler's suhordi-
mates in Cuba and from Spain that is if
the cannon of the Maine do not bring to the
Spanish minds the conviction that prudence
in this case is the better part OF Valor'
Senior Albertini says the sending of the
Maine Will justify itself by future events.
From his acquaintance with Spanish meth
DDS he says there is greater reason for ap-
he declares that as soon as spain finds
that .ubd is lost carnival of slaughter
will be iraugurated with the guns of MORO
Castle and the Cabannas trained On the city
of Havana.
The Maine. which has been selected to
make the visit to Havana for the protection
of American interests, is a battle snip of the
best ships in the new navy. She was built
at the Brooklyn navy yard and is 31S feet
long. 81 feet broad 2l.6 mean draught and
6.6S2 tons displacement. She has two ten
inch vertical turrets, and two military
masts, and her motive power is furnished
by twin screw vertical triple expansion
English engines, having a maximum horse
power of 92s3 capable of making speed
of 1T45 knots She carries four ten-inch and
six four-inch breech-loading guns In her
main battery. and seven six-pounder and
eight one-pounder rapid firing guns and
four Gatlings In her second battery.
While administration officials miss OPP
portunty of declaring their confidence In
the promise OF the maintenance of peace. 1t