The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1898-02-17

Uncle Sans big cruiser, the Maine,
blew up at quarter before 10 o'clock
In the harbor at Havana, Tuesday
night. The cause of the awful disas-
ter, which sent two hundred and fifty
three human lives into eternity, is
sllrouded IN mystery. Secretary Long
has issued a statement, saying that no
definite word could be given at pres
ent, and urges that judgment be sus-
pended for the present.
Despite the reticence of their chief,
many naval officials express grave
doubts as to the explosion having
been due to an accident. They as
sert that ships magazines are always
well guarded. Various theories, such
as spontaneous combustion, explosion
of boiler, ETC., are advanced, but do
not seem entirely satisfactory.
The explosion is said by most of the
survivors to have occurred under or in
the bow, where the crews quarters
were located.
The Spanish authorities in Madrid,
Havana and Washington, expressed
the greatest horror at the occurrence.
They believe the explosion was purely
accidental.
Great excitement prevailed in Wash
ington. Senators and Representatives
advised calmness, but say war is in.
evitable if it is found the Spanish are
responsible for the disaster.
The President has decided against
sending another warship to Havana
for the present. -
London papers declare that there
is ground for suspicion of the un-
toward event.
Secretary Long made the following
statement:
81 am at this time not inclined to
make positive statement. The
Navy Department has made accessible
to the public all the advices of definite
portent which have come from Ha-
vana. The department sincerely
sympathises with those who have been
the victims of this disaster.
IL am not in position to advance
theories in regard to causes. Capt
Sigsbee's admonition that public opin-
ion be withheld until there can be an
investigation, is a wise and just meas
uTe.
"I am inclined to regard the disas-
as an accident or due to accidental
causes, and in this view am sustain
ed by Captain O'Neil, the chief of
ordnance"
President Mckinley holds a con-
:servative view. He will not send
another vessel to Havana to protec.
American interests at present. He
expressed great sorrow at the loss of
life.
The undercurrent of feeling to the
effect that the Maine was DESTROYED
by some overt act is probably inhu-
enced by the fact that the department
officials are we'll aware of the hostility
felt by the Spaniards because the
Maine was sent to Havana to protect
American citizens. The destruction of
the vessel is not believed to be due to
the eonnivanoe of high Spanish
officials. But the great majority of the
Spanish in Havana will unquestiona-
bly, be glad the Maine is destroyed,
providing their Government is not
held responsible.
The fact that the accident is one
unprecedented in our navy, and the
fact that it took place SO soon after
the ship was inspected, and at night,
while all was quiet, are suspicious cir
cumstances, which, in connection with
the resentment among the Spaniards,
lead to inference here that the destruc-
ton was not an accident.
Our Government is losing no time
in getting the navy in perfect shape
for service, if there should be any
need. II an examination of the hull
of the Maine should show an explo-