The age-herald., 1898-03-05
NO DATE FIXED.
Board of inquiry Cannot Tell When Its Work
 Will Re Done.
 By Associated Press.

Washington, March At was developed this afternoon through the telegraphic cor respondence between Secretary Long and Admiral Sicard that the court of inquiry is unable to fix even an approximate date for the conclusion of it's investigation into the disaster to the Maine
 Sharing the general anxiety for some in- formation on this point. Secretary Long today at the instance of the cabinet, sert a telegram to Admiral sicard asking when 1t was expected the report of the court would be made, and late tonight the fol- lowing reply was received:
 Have talked with the president of the court of inquiry and agree with him that 1t is not yet possible to date for the find- ing, as so much depends upon the progress of the divers and the wreckers and the re- suits they obtain. Every effort is being made to advance the inquiry. The court returns to Havana by the Mangrove this evening, having about finished the xamina- tion at Key West.
 No Positive Evidence
 Admiral sicard's message Is regarded of- ficially as disposing of the reports that conclusive information bearing upon the object of the investigation. It is taken to mean that upon the testimony or discov- cries of the divers will depend the finding. the exalllualiOn OI lue OlucerS ana crew of the ship having been insufficient to en- able the court to even form an idea as to what lines may be opened up from the investigation of the wreck,itself
 While the telegram was naturally some what of a disappointment In leaving the termination of the inquiry as much In doubt as ever. it was welcomed as practically setting at rest the reports as to the re- suits of the Invest1gatioD up to date It Is stated that the board will in all probability not return to Key West, the department having irtimated that 1t was it's desire that the examination of the officers and men should be concluded at this sitting, as they are needed for re-assienment to ships.
 It is probable that the Olympia. the flag ship of the As3atic squadron, and the Peer less. queen of the cruisers, will come homo to San Francisco. The navigation bureau has this movement under consideration, and in view of the fact that the ship has been three years away from navy yard engaged in hard crufsing service. even if there were no other reasons, 1t is probable that the order will be given.
 Another Torpedo Boat
 The torpedo boat winslow, at Norfolk, has completed her repairs and will join the dotil1a at Key West as soon a the gale on the coast blows itself out and makes the run down safe.
 Naval oficials are deeply interested in the reports Of the purchase Of Wars1n1ps by Spain and make the reports of ta1ese frans- uotdons the text for complaints of the tr,- ability Of our navy department to do like wiae However. ns to the report from Lon- don toIdbg' of the purchase of the Asnazona1 by Gpatn, 1t b said at the deperlnlent that tlaio vessei called for Brazil several months aeo and ha9 been delivered to the BraHilian gopernmeKt Her dstef shdp Q near com pletion in the Armstrong yards. They are usefui cripsers copies of the Bsrossa now point is their great radius Of actior- eco 1niles- s-4which would enable chem to cross tho Af1a1f1e and recronp without rene1Rlng &helr cod ouppIy. Tho other two eh1pe