Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-02-24
WASHINGTON QUIET.
No important News Received at the
Capital About the Maine Wreck
THE MAINE COURT OF INQUIRY
Rve Of tho Battleshlp's Omcers examined
Tuesday Indemnity for the Wreck
The War Department Will
Refuse Information.

WARRINGTON, Feb. 23.-All the gov
ernment departments were closed In
Washington yesterday save the navy
department, where a few OF the otii'
cisls assembled to receive any DIS
patches that might arrive and to close
The contract with the wreckers for the
recovery Of the effects on the Maine
and the vessel herself, II that be prac-
ticable. The signing Of the wrecking
contract was the most important event
Of the day, and, this concluded the
officials closed up shop and went home
to enjoy respite from the rush OF inc
past week Capt. Sigsbee was heard
from in a dispatch which indicates
that close attention will be given TO
the coal bunkers by the naval court OF
INQUIRY. Washington officials unques-
tionably have been for some time pre-
pairing for any emergency that may
arise. but appearances at the depart
ment yesterday would indicate that
any necessary orders already have
been given, and that the situation was
not one calling for immediate activity
st Washington.
The naval officers assert that the re-
mort TO the effect that the movements
Of the south Atlantic squadron, now
under way, are with view to the
early assembling Of the vessels near
Havana Is without foundation. This
movement, they say, is in direct ac-
cordance with the plan outlined in De-
cenber last by Capt. Chester, OF the
Cincinnati, in command OF the squad
ron and approved by the department.
In explanation of the order given
Monday TO the Norfolk navy yard
officials to have the Terror in condi-
ton for service, Secretary Long said
this order had been given to replace
the Maine, it being deemed desirable
that the armored feet should not fall
below q certain number There was
very little work to be done on the
Terror, and As hours should suffice to
finish 1t. The Terror Is our most
powerful double-turreted monitor, and,
although not as effective as a scaboat
q q battleship In the smooth waters
Of the harbor she would probably be
able to hold her own against almost
any craft, Criticisms lately passed
upon the state Of the army and our
Notifications have caused increased
activity in military matters, and ia
some extent this Is responsible for re-
ports arriving from various quarters Of
movements at army posts.
MAINE COURT OF INQUIRY.
HAVANA, Feb. 2S.-The Maine cour
Of inquiry opened at 1890 yesterda,
and took q recess at 1880 Lieut. hol
man, navigator and ordnance officer 9
the Maine, was examined at the morn
inr session. The court met for tn
afternoon session at $780, and Lieuten
ant Commander Wainwright, executive
officer OF the Maine, was called to tn
stand. Lieut. Wainwright has beef
In immediate charge Of the wrecl
since the explosion. Four divers wer
1t work, two in the fore part OF tn
ship and the others aft. Nearly al
the possible salvage has now bee
made from the cabin aft. The effort
TO reach the ward and messrooms ar
frustrated by some unknown obstacle
The work Of securing the bodies unde
the hatch has been most difficult in tn
dark, but 1t Is hoped that the electrl
lights will be of great assistance. Th
bodies are much mutilated and al
partially burned.
On the Mangrove, the sessions of tn
court were held in the captains cubil
The proceedings were very quiet, Il
one but the witnesses and the shor
hand reporter being admitted. 1T
arrangement is that the stenograph'
shall write out his notes day by da
and the court will adjourn from tin
TO time to give him the opportunity.
INDEMNITY FOR THE WRECK.
CHICAGO, Feb. 90. The journal hi
the following special from Washin
ton: Should 1t be proven that Il
Maine was destroyed by an outside 9
plosion with the knowledge OF Spa
ish officials, President Mckinley WI
demand an indemnity of from $500
900 to SID, 1000, 900. This statement W
made yesterday by an officer OF q
navy department who Is thorough
conversant with the present Spani
situation, at was decided ut a co
ference Of the president and sever
cabinet officers to-day" he continue
shat the Spanish government W
bound to protect the vessels OF frien
" nation in one of its harbors, a
that II the Maine was destroyed by
submarine mine or torpedo, wheth
with the knowledge of officials or NJ
that government must be responsib
The value of the vessel is estimated
B5,OOO,OOO The rest is to be paid
relatives Of officers and men who ],
their lives by the destruction Of t
vessel.
VAR DEPARTMENT SECRETS
WASHINGTON, Feb s3--"Acting ,
der the positive orders of the secreta
Of war; said Assistant Secreta
Meiklejohn, mo information whate'
concerning the military forces Of
United States and Spain will be
vulged by the war department 7
rule, which applies to maps, plans a