The age-herald., 1898-03-27
CABLE MESSAGES
 HAVE PASSED But Their Contents is Closely Guarded By Officials. TORPEDO BOATS ARE COMING In Mid Ocean and Department gnorant of Their Whereabouts Day Will NotSay
 Whether Spain's Reply Has
 Been Received.
 
TORPEDO BOATS ARE COMING

Washington, March 26.-Such cable com- munications may have passed between Washington and Madrid In regard to the report of the board of inquiry were closely guarded by the officials. It was known, however, that Minister Woodford had been cabled to notify the Spanish government as to the results found by the court, particu- larly that the explosion was external and that the responsibility for the external ex- ternal explosion had not been definitely fixed
 This cablegram, it can now be stated, was sent from Washington Thursday night. The fact that 1t was dispatched before the arrival of Commander Mark, bearing the full text of the report and the evidence, appears on its face to involve contradiction. It can be stated only that the cablegram was sent to Minister Woodford, directing him to give this notification to the Span- ish government on Thursday night.
 It is believed that the dispatch went no further than directing the results to be made known to the Spanish government with 8 view of leaving the responsibility with Spain of making such response as seems appropriate on such an occasion.
 Spain Takes no Action
 Up to tonight no action on the part of the Spanish government had been officially fieommunicated to Washingto It is not doubted that the Spanish ministry and Minister Woodford had conferred on the subject, but that any formal or final course of action had been determined upon is not E probable. Besides the Maine event, the Spanish cabinet is today on the eve of a fierce political conflict which terminates tomorrow in elections for the cortes, so that this may cause some slight delay. 4 Sir Julian PauncefOte the British ambas- sador, spent some time with Judge Day during the afternoon, but it is understood to have no relation with the Cuban ques- ton. It is undoubtedly true, however that the British ambassador had learned officially the essential conclusion reached by the court of inquiry and that the Brit ish; government is apprised of the facts. An official dn high standing, referring to Sir Julians call stated that the Maine report was one more factor towards inducing Flu ropean governments, particularly Great Britain to take cognizance of the dreadful condition prevailing in Cuba and to look at least with sympathy, if not with more practical means, to an intervention which would put an end to such suffering. Secretary Long tonight specifically stat ed that the question of action to intercept the Spanish torpedo flotilla had not been taken up today. As the fotlla is push ing slowly ahead in mid ocean afar from means of communication it will likely not be heard from for some time and officials are at a loss to know it's whereabouts. Asked as to a report of the receipt of a reply from Minister Woodford. Secretary Long said the reply had not come to his knowledge.
 Late tonight Assistant Secretary Day re- fused either to affirm or deny report that Minister Woodford's response to the ca bIegram advising him of the findings of the Maine court of inquiry was already In the administrators hands.