New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-05
THE END NOT YET IN SIGHT.
MAINE COURT UNABLE TO FIX DATE
FOR IT'S REPORT

OFFICERS GREATLY INTERESTED IN
THE REPORTED PURCHASES OF
wARsIIIPs BY sPAIN-THE
OLYMPIA LIKELY TO
BE ORDERED
HOME
Washington March At was learned this ar
ternoon through teegraphc correspondence De-
tween Secretary Long and Admiral Sicard tna'
the Maine Court of Inquiry is unable to fix even
an approximate date for the conclusion OF lts
investigation into the disaster.
Sharing the general anxiety for some informa-
ton on this point. Secretary Long to-day AZ
the instance of the Cabinet sent telegram 10
Admiral Sicard, asking him when 1t was ex-
pected that the report Of the Court would be
made and the following reply was received:
Key West Fla. March T.
Secretary Of the Navy. Washington. d. c.
Have talked with the president OF the Court
of Inquiry and agree with him that 1t Is not
yet possible to fix date for the finding, as so
much depends upon the progress OF the divers
and wreckers. and the results they OBTAIN
Every effort is being made TO advance the IN
Quiry The Court returns to Havana by the
Mangrove this evening, having about finished
the examination at Key West. SlCAhD.
MORE REPORTS DISPOSED OF.
Admiral sicard's message is regarded officially
dsposing OF the reports that the Court has
obtained positive conclusive information
bearing the object OF the investigation. II Is
taken to mean that the testimony or dis
coveres Of the divers will depend the finding
the examination Of the officers and crew OF the
ship having been insufficient to enable the Court
even to form idea TO what lines may he
opened up from the investigation OF the wreck
itself.
While the telegram was naturally something
OF disappointment In leaving the termination
OF the inquiry as much in doubt ever, IT was
welcomed as practically setting at rest the re-
ports as to the results of the investigation up to
date. 1t is said that the Court In all probability
will not return to Key West. the Department
having intirrated that it its desire that the
examination Of the officers and men should be
concluded at this sitting. they are needed for
reassignment 10 ships.
THE OLYMPIA MAY BE CALLED HOME
It is probable that the Olympia. the flagship
OF the Asiatic squadron and the queen OF the
cruisers will come home 70 San Francisco.
The Navigation Bureau has this movement un-
der consideration. and in view Of the fact that
the shin has been three years away from a navy
ward engaged in hard cruising service, even II
there were no other reason. 1t Is probable that
the order will be given. The Olympia is pro-
tected cruiser Of extraordinary speed and en-
durance. with battery strong enough to over
power almost anything short OF a batte-ship'
and speed enough to run away from that or
anything else she does not care to fight.
The torpedo-boat Winslow. at Norfolk. has
completed her repairs, and will Join the fotilla
at Key West as soon as the gale on the coast
blows itself out and makes the run down safe.
SPANS REPORTED PURCHASES OF SHIPS
Naval officials are deeply interested in the re-
ports Of the purchase Of warships by Spain. and
make the reports of these transactions the tex.
| for complaints of the inability OF the Navy De-
partment TO do likewise However, as to the
! repor, from London to-day of the purchase OF
| the Amazonas by Spain. 1t is said at the De-
! partment that this vessel sailed for Brazil sew
| eral months ago, and has been delivered to the
| Brazilian Government. Her sister ship Is near
/ completion in the Armstrong yard. They are
useful cruisers copies OF the Barossa, now OF the
/ Brazilian Navy and their strong point Is their
great radius of action 5000 miles-which would
enable them to cross the Atlantic and recross
without renewing their coal supply.
The other two ships building for Brazil IN
/ France which are also reported 10 be about 70
/ pass into Spanish possession, are presumed 70
be the Deadoro and the Floriona, which are
building at Toulon These are small. but power
fuI battle-ships. Their tonnage Is only 3l62
but they carry four 1O-inch rifles in turrets, in
addition to two 6-inch ard four 4I-inch guns
and good secondary battery. Their coal en-
/ durance however is small. and their forte would
seem to be coast defence operations or cruising
! near a base Of supplies.
COMMENT AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT
The London reports also caused comments
at the State Department. In some quar-
ters the feeling was expressed that pending the
erdine OF Court Of Inquiry on case having
the international phases Of the Maine expo-
sion the obligations Of neutrality were as strong
l., ir,nosed on Great Britain and Brazil in
time u war The precedents apply only to a
condition OF war and not 10 conditions which
may eventually lead TO war In the Geneva
avard however unfriendly acts by Great Brit
ain prior TO the breaking out OF the rebellion
constituted part OF the cause which heavy
damages were awarded against her But. as a
general rule foreign Cover lments are free &c
sell warships either directly or through their
citizens UP TO the actual date Of hostilities
or-IET DAY AT THE WAR DEPARTMENT.
Matters were quiet at least externally. in the
War Department to-day. There was strong
irdisposition to discuss the proposition to re-
sume possession Of Dry Tortugas. but the oific-
ials did not hesitate to declare that only nor
NAL movements were going on. So 1t was un
known officially that the troops at Salt Lake
are being reviewed and IT was said that IL this
were So IL could be nothing more than the
usual periodical inspections required by th'
| regulations As for the reported orders to in
! spection officers at Bethlehem to be ready fol
| a ouick start II was said that Captain McNut'
| and Lieutenant Benet who have been in
| srcction duty for several years past. are not q
! be disturbed. and have no orders such as are
! reporied from Bethlehem.
A SUGGESTION FROM MADRID.
ANNEXATION OF CUBA TO THE UNITED STATE: