Evening star., 1898-02-26
Discussing the Official Denial of Du
Bose.
why THE STATEMENT Was MADE
Secretary Long Gives Up His Pro-
posed Vacation.
THE FEELING IN CONGRESS


by representatives OF the Spanish govern
ment to the effect that there were no mines
or torpedoes of any kind in Havana harbor
1t must be said that this statement ex-
actly agrees with the inquiries that have
Teen under way for many months by
agents of our government. for far. it is
said. they have been unable to find the
slightest evidence of the existence of any
plan of defense in the harbor by means of
mines or torpedoes, much less to locate
them. as has been reported in some quar-
ters. OF course. the effect of this state
ment if it is to be accepted as conclusive
on that point is 10 almost negative the
suppostion that the disaster resulted from
other than accidental causes, as the al
most unanimous testimony of ordnance ex-
perts here based on the history of torpedo
work is to the effect that single tor
pedo of any known type could have caused
the terrific wreck of the Maine
In the pursuit of details. some of the ord
nance officers. acting upon the theory that
the large t0-inck magazine forward was
rot exploded. have been looking into the
contents of the smaller and adjoining 6-
inch magazine. They find that allowing
for the amount of powder that was prob
ably consumed in practice drills by the
Maine before she arrived in Havana har-
Dor, there was certainly no less than 5000
pounds of powder in this magazine, an
amount sufficient TO have caused enormous
destruction had it been exploded at one
time.
COL Haywood commandant of the ma
rines, acting under orders from the Navy
Department, is preparing TO send all the
marines at Key West. survivors of the
Maine, who are able to travel, to New
York. where they will be placed on the
ceiving ship Vermont there to be held for
further assignment. They will go by steam
er to New York. The sailors at Key West
will be disposed of iE similar fashion.
Secretary Long to Remain in Charge.
Secretary Long enjoyed sound sleep
last night. the first he has had for some
time. and in consequence he felt so much
refreshed this morning that he decided to
abandon his proposed absence from the
Navy Department and continue at his
duties. So he early at his desk, and in
consultation with Assistant Secretary
Roosevelt and Captain Crcwnfnshield chief
of the navigation bureau. AS to the out
look, he said he thought things were look
ing much better. He said the public ought
not to be under any misapprehension with
regard to naval movements; that far
they had mostly been the ordinary DISPOSE
tions which are made from time to time
for instance, the shipping of guns to New
York, he said, is to supply the Chicago
and other vessels which are under recon-
struction there, and they would go in any
event The gun factory at Washington he
explained, is where they made, and
they are sent to various points as the occa-
sion requires. So. too. the call for more
men, he added, is simply the revival of the
recommendation in his annual report.
This statement by the Secretary was evil
deEtly made to allay the impression caused
by the reports of heavy shipments of guns
from the Washington navy yard and other
warike measures. The movements of some
OF the warships, such the Detroit and
Marblehead, toward Key West had al
ready been shown to have been in accord
ance with orders not only made but pub
hshed in the newspapers as WELL before
the Maine disaster. that the Secretary's
explanation on this point is only confirma-
tory of the statements of the subordinate
officials of the Navy Department.
Movement of Vessels
The telegraph brought news this morn
ing of the arrival at Key West of the two
vessels named. the Detroit coming from
Mobile where she was sent to participate
In the Mardi Gras festivities and the Mar
blehead from New Orleans where she went
Tor similar purpose. The Detroit is 60
ing up to the naval station at Pensacola
10 take on coal. and both vessels will re-
main attached to the North Atlantic souad
Ion-
II is again stated at the Navy Depart
nent that the Montgomery which has been
ordered 10 drop down to Key West from
tampa, where she landed Captain Crown
iisheiu' mas not as yet received any orders
to proceed TO Havana and it H. not decid-
Ell yet when the orders will issue. if at all
Reason for the Du Bose Statement.
The government authorities were ,od,v
placed in possession of the information re
cei'ed by Seror Du Bose, charge daffaires
ci the Spanish legation. to the effect that
ho mines exist inside or outside of Havana
naroor. Mr. Du Bosc's statement tn tho
Associated Press last night was made NOT
as matter OF opinion or personal conyic-
ton on the part Of Senior Du Bose but as a
conclusion of fact ascertained from those
whose official position makes them familiar
with every circumstance connected with
Havana harbor. Until this information was
IN the possession of the charge d'affaires he
had no personal knowledge of the facts II
was suggested to him early yesterday that
IN many quarters positive statements were
Delhs made that mines existed within Ha-
vana harbor and in the vicinity of the
Maii-e Under such circumstances he was
asked for direct statement bearing ON this
point, with a view TO clearing up any mis-
apprehension that might exist
In view Of the request. he set on foot an
inquiry by cable which gave him the in
formation, which up to that time he had
not possessed The inquiry was distasteful
to the charge and to the Spanish authori-
ties as they deeply resent even the impu-
tation that the catastrophe to the Maine
could be due to mines or other external
Influences. But for the purpose Of giving
The one essential statement of fact in the
knowledge OF those having the only direct
information on the subject the official
statement was made by Mr.. Du Bose 1t Is
not however, statement of the Spanish
government. for the government has not
felt called upon to repeI insinuations which
from Its standpoint. grossly reflect upon its
honor. The purpose of Mr.. Du Bose 1t is