The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-02-18
DIsAsrER STILL A MYSTERY.
The Alleged Telegram fcom >igsbee Eels-
tive to Floating torpedo Denied.

The Alleged Telegram fcom Sigsbee Eela-
tive to Floating torpedo Denied.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1.-THE govern
ment has settled back into waiting at
utude in respect TO the terrible marine
disaster In Havana harbor
Inc great shock caused by the news
mas gwen way GA caimer ana more
JuoiciaI state OF mind. and realizing from
the events OF the DAY that the court of
inquiry is the sole dependence in the
search for the cause OF the Names loss,
the naval officials are now resigned TO
await the results of inquiry by court
ordered to-day by the Navy Department.
Inere was little new TO add 10 the sum
OF information as TO the disaster curing
the forenoon No telegrams came ana
an that could be CLEANED was a denial
of some absurd story or other that had
crept into print or become current gossip.
THE DEAD AND WOUNDED.
Tne news of the day all came in the
late afternoon IN the shape OF captain
slgsbee's report of the funeral OF his
dead sailors and General Lee s graphic
story OF the terrible struggle for life in
the dark hull OF the Maine.
The officials al the Navy Department
devoted the day to the effort 10 correct
the nSlS OF lAt l4fAiE anu AhN 0'e'Nf ~
answering frantic telegraphic appeals
from relatives OF men on the battleship
and last but not least. in meeting with
unwavering courtesy and patience the de-
mands upon them by press representa-
tlves.
From the list OF survivors Capt. Dick
ina has arranged as well as could be
from this distance, the names or the
dead The wounded sailors in the HaV-
ana HOSPITALS, also on the Spanish hag-
shin and elsewhere, when not in condi-
ton TO be brought back to Key west.
will be carefully looked after by MISS
Clara Barton who has been given carte
tlanche to buy any and everything ne
cessary-food. clothing. delcacies and 10
employ nurses and physicians.
The wounded able TO get across 10 Key
West will be taken care Of in the Marine
Hospital there The sound Survivors
will be quartered In the spare army bar
racks there.
RAISING THE MAINE.
As for the Maine herself, notwithstand-
ing discouraeng reports from Lieutenant
Hood as 10 her condition, the Navy De-
partment will make an effort to raise
her: while this is required by every
credstablc sentiment they say that they
are bound 10 remove the hull from the
small harbor In any case and it may be
as easy or easier TO raise her as II would
be to destroy the hull and machinery
slowly by the use of divers and dyna-
mite. IL Is believed that this work can
best be done by private wrecking cor
porations and negotiations are already
afoot for placing the contract bastd on
work by the day, al an estimated cost
OF 100000.
Al the Navy Department specific de-
Mai was given 10 the report cmanating
from Maor4d that torpeao hotIla IVES
about 10 leave Key West for Cuta. IL
was stated that only two tori, Go boats.
the Cushing and the Ericsson are at
XIV West. These have not been or
dered and will not De ordered, according
to present plans &c cuba.
n was asserted that no present purpose
existed OF 3. nding any warship theie
senor DuBosc. the Spanish charge d
anaires mao received no nsructoos up
to eP. NJ. as TO going 10 New York and
stopping the Spanish ship Nizcaya ftod.
entering the port, and reports 10 "'s
effect were discrediied.
QUIET IN WASHINGTON.
The si~ OF suppressed excitement which
characterized the movem' nj Of the "m-
nloves and visitors at the White House
xes.erday was not noticeable tod y
rhere wera comparatively few visitors
during the morning hours and FOR con-
siderahls tine IN the middle OF the cay
the white House bore an almost de-
serted appearance. Only hmtso
number of members OF ongress CAIRO
during the morning and the interviews
were hriCg
Postmaster General Gary was ne only
member Of the cabinet who called and
his business related entirely to depart
mental matters
Assistant secretary Day saw the Pres
saent Tor = few minutes but he hac noth-
ing OF importance 70 Communicate eA-
cent that ne carried q the White House
oftcial information OF the clcs!as o. 'Ac
DeLoms letter incident.
So far as could be learned the ONLY In