The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-03-04
WHO PLOTTERS WE'RE.
Wreck of Maine Will Not Be
Removed by U. s.

New York, March "A Tribune dis
patch from Havana says:
The leading facts OF the Maine disas-
ter are now in the possession of the ma
val board The divers have continued
their work during the absence of the
board at Key West. They have discOv-
cred nothing to change the evidences
first gathered, which showed apparent
ly that the explosion was external.
Their examination this week has ex-
tended alongside the plates. and they
have penetrated forward well into the
bow.
Capt Sampson and his associates
were especially anxious to await fur
ther work by the divers to determine
whether or not mistakes had been made
in any particular. Nothing has been
found to indicate a mistake On the
contrary, the more thoroughly the hull
is examined. the more convincing ap-
pear the original evidences of the expIo-
sion from without. How long the board
VIII take TO formulate It's conclusions
on this point can better be Judged in
Washington instead of Havana.
Notwithstanding the permission given
by the United States government for
spanish divers to examine the wreck
the investigation by the Spanish au-
thOrities of the condition of the ship as
At lies in the water, proceeds slowly.
They seemed to be in no hurry to learn
the facts about the hull. magazines and
other matters, which were first to en-
gage the attention of the naval board
The government has, however, taken
considerable testimony of persons Who
were in the harbor on the night of the
explosion It gives much weight to
the testimony of those who say they
saw the flames issuing from the Maine
q G r.a1~e Z
plosion.
The understanding in Havana is that
the naval board will be emphatic in ex-
onerating Capt. Sigsbee and the officers
of the Maine from the implication of
negligence, lack of discipline or resDOn-
sibility for the disaster. It has been al
most forgotten that until the board re-
ports on the subject. Capt Sigsbee is
nOminally under a clOud-that is. the
inquiry must determine whether or not
the commander of the Maine is in any
way responsible for her loss. The secre-
cy with which the investigation has
been conducted has not prevented the
testimony on the subject from becoming
known.
The board will be able to go further
and show not only that there was no
accident which could have been pre-
vented, but also no basis for the theor-
les of accident from an unknown cause
How far it will go in the assertion of
positive proof that the Maine was blown
up, is for the present a speculative
question. The prevalent impression is
that the board has evidence of the
deed, without the means of finding out
who committed it.
It is incumbent on the Spanish gov
ernment to find that out
The denial credited to Senor Du Bose
In Washington that mines exist in Ha-
Vana harbOr, does not receive the
weight that would be given to an Off
ciaI declaration from Capt Gen. Blan-
co or Premier Sagasta on the subject
II .EHH HHsnfr II 1rnTwar al
purpose to combat the findings of the
naval board, but not aggressiveIy. The
Spanish attitude seems to be that an
accident was probable and that the
United States is not justified in making
demand for reparation, when the proof
of foul play is not positive. The as
sumption will be that the two govern
ments, after taking evidence. We're un-
able to agree in their conclusions. How
ever. there has been nothing in the ma
ture of a joint investigation.
From the present outlook Madrid and
Washington are the places where the
consequences of the Maine explosion
viii be determined; little more than is
already known can be learned here. The
wreck promises to remain in the harbOr
for an indefinite period. The wrecking
companies will be able to raise the
guns of the Maine. The hull is an asset
OF no value to any government.
The temper of the Spanish classes to
the United States finds some exhibition
at present, but not in the form of hos
tile demonstration. 1t is rather in the
shape of fervent protests and actions
of loyalty to the mother country The
arrival of the waTship Vizcaya has
caused an OutpOuring of the loyal spirit
though it was not exactly spontaneous
for the demonstration was arranged in
advance. Apparently a large proportion
of the pOpulace are gratified to see the
Nizcaya anchored not far from the
Maine.
They believe that, with the other war
ships which are to come and with the
torpedo 1Otilla, Havana and the ports
of Cuba are safe from an American
feet.
New York, March 4-Considera BILE
hurry characterizes the work in the
navy yard of getting the despatch boat
Dolphin into normal condition. She has