The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-02-28
FROM HAVANA.
Proctor Says He Is There to See the
Country.

Havana, February 26.-In an interview
with Senator Proctor this morning, the
correspondent of the Associated Press
asked: "Win you please tell me the OBJ
jeot of your mission here?''
10 this Mr.. Proctor replied: II have
no mission; if l had any official duty l
would not have been week getting here.
anu not in any sense a representative Of
President Mckinley, nor have anything
to do with the court of inquiry. Iashall
call on Captain General Blanco and the
naval officers of the United States as a
private citizen. This trip is no new idea.
Mr.. Parker and I take two or three trips
every year, hunting and fishing in the
far north or as far south as Florida
wish you would deny positively that am
here on official business.
Mr.. Proctor further said he should
take much interest in observing Cuba as
a A,rivate citizen. He was apparently in
hiah good humor and chuckled over the
idea that he came as commissioner from
Presi dent Mckinley.
Up to O'Clock this afternoon only one
dead ody had been found today. Seaman
Holzera's condition is about the same as
at last eeport He is very low.
The co, 1rt of inquiry was in session
again totlay but did nothing, simply
waiting to see if any new Developments
resulted from the work of the divers. A
strong windl hindered the divers in their
operations, but the new divers and ap-
paratus broul ght by the Mascotte are now
on board the tug Right Arm and will be
ut to work AL soon as possible.
Captain Sampson expects that the
Mangrove, with the court of inquiry on
board, will sail this evening unless new
discoveries are made to detain her. Cap
tain Sigsbee and the other officers of the
Maine who are here. will probably re-
main until the Mangrove's return.
This morning Senator Proctor took
breakfast with Consul General Lee and
afterwards walked and drove about ttte
city.
The wreck of the Maine sinks percepEi-
h1v every day into the mud of the harb hr.
The court of inquiry this afternoon. re.
examined Capt. Sigsbee Surgeon He nne-
berger. two divers, and Consular Clerk
Drain. They then verified the testi anony
by the stenographer's notes and made
preparations for their departure at -about
O'Clock.
Senator Proctor, with his frie1ad, Mr..
Parker. and Consul General Lees visited
the wreck in launch. Capt sampson,
lust before the court left, said be had no
idea when the court would RETURN here.
1t is reported from Spani sh sources
that Capt. Sigsbee and the her officers
of the Maine who are here W Ill be called
before the admiralty court in Havana
next Monday to give testimony regarding
the loss OF the Maine. This is the usual
course. it is said, and has besen expected.
The divers will continue the work on the
wreck next week under Capt Sigsbee.
Seaman Frederick HoIzer,, after most
sturdy fight for life, died this afternoon.
A fatal termination has been feared from
the first, as the man was terribly injured.
Three bodies have been recovered today.
One has been identified as John w.
Johnson.
Senator Proctor visited Miss Clara Bar
ton this afternoon. Senator Proctor con-
templates O run, into the country, prob
ably visiting Maatanzas and other prin-
cipal cities.