New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-25
BOTH COUNTRIES OBJECTED.
NEITHER WASHINGTON NOR MADRID wANTEi

NEITHER WASHINGTON NOR MADRID WANTED
DYNAMITE USED on THE MAINE WRECK.
Havana. March 24.-Regarding the use Of
dynamite by the contracting wreckers at work
on the Maine. Captain Sigsbee said to the Asso-
cated Press correspondent to-day:
More has been made out OF the matter than
was warranted by the facts, which simply
these: The contractors asked my permission to
use dynamite in small quantities and also asked
leave to use dynamite tape. blow off pro-
tuberances. angles, etc. where the wreckage Is
so entangled that it is very difficult to hoist.
There never was any intention TO the ex-
plosive In large enough quantities to destroy
the wreck. | submitted the request Of the con-
tractors to Consul General Lee for him to ask
permission from the Spanish authorities. and
also asked for orders from the United States
Navy Department. Both and also the
Spanish authorities refused the necessary per-
mission That is all there 10 the matter"
On the same subject. Consul-General Lee said:
II transmitted Captain Sigsbees request made
on the part Of the contractors, TO Captain-Gen-
eral Banco. and | received a reply that the
matter too important to be settled without
reference to Madrid. General Blanco also init
mated that the United States Court Of Inquiry
having sat in judgment on the disaster to the
Maine. 1t would be unwise to destroy by the
use OF dynamite the wreck upon which judg-
ment was formed Last evening | had word
from Captain Sigsbec that the United States
Navy Department forbade the Of dynamite
on about the wreck The papers here to-day
say Madrid has sustained General Blancos pro-
hibition against the use of dynamite on the
wreck
The result will. naturally. he slower work in
removing the debris. and also. 1t Is possible
more hosting apparatus may be needed It is
probable tho wreckers wished most to use dynu-
mite dynamite tape. to get the top off thu
turret so that the ten-inch guns could be hoisted
ont"
In regard 10 going away Captain Sigsbee
said:
Il have never expressed a desire about the
matter until recently received a personal
letter asking my wishes. and what I thought
best We have been here two months instead u
two weeks as at first intended. and the cli-
mate is beginning to tell on all OF US While
the Court was in session our business was to bo
here. II seer1s now II Wainwright would be
enough to take charge Of the wreck especially
since all the work is now mere routine work OF
salvage. while the chaplain might remain to
identify the bodies when recovered II possible
Besides after April we would all he subject to
the rigid quarantine laws. For myself | would
like to get to Key West and write up my report
of the disaster. As yet have not written a line
While the Court in session did not want
in any way to anticipate its report. l have no
idea what that report is. or whether / am found
guilty or not"
This last remark made with a smile.
Orders for the return home were received
this afternoon by Captain Sigsbee and the other
officers OF the Maine now here and all will go
North except Lieutonant-C Commander Vain
wright Chaplain John 7. Chadwick Will go
with the officers Lieutenant Commander Vain
wright. who will remain in charge Of the wreck
Ing operations. Will have his quarters as now.
on the Fern. Commander Cowes commanding
Captain Sigsbee and his brother officers expect
10 leave Havana for the North by the Plant
Line steamer Olivette on Saturday.
The correspondent read the naval orders bull
letin of the Associated Press to the officers on
the Ferns quarterback this evening Deep
interest is felt and much enthusiasm expressed
among them and among the correspondents on
shore over the orders affecting Captain Samp-
son and Captain Evans. while every one ex-
presses the hope that Captain Slgsbee will re-
ole. i,,no mt INN md