Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-03-03
War SPIRIT WANING
Sentiment Regarding the Maine Dis
aster Becoming Much Gamer.
The INVESTIGATION CRITICISED.
The Watsrvlist Arsensi Working Night and
Day-rhs Court Of Inquiry Leaves
Havana and Goes to Key
West, Fla.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2S. -Sentiment re-
garding the Maine DISASTERS much be.
calmed to-day in Washington, The
chances Of war are regarded as more
remote than at any previous time since
the tragedy. Opinion is gradually but
overwhelmingly turning in support Of
the attitude OF the administration.
That not a single prominent. man in
either party any longer holds to the
theory that the ship was blown
up with the knowledge Of the
Spanish authorities, the statement
Of the Spanish charge d'affaires
contradicting the reports that
Havana harbor was planted with sub
marine mines and the corroborative
statements of American naval experts,
have contributed largely to tranquilize
the war spirit Still, the impression
largely prevails that the vessel was
destroyed from the outside. although
certain well informed circles hold with
equal tenacity to the accident theory.
The policy Of the administration, in
case the disaster is found due to de.
sign by Spanish fanatic, will be to
demand an indemnity, which it is
thought Spain will obligate herself to
pay without much haggling, and thus
the matter will be disposed Of forever.
This is only forecast Of official ac-
ton. as outlined by the president
and secretary Of state. Unforeseen
accidents may suddenly change
this programme and make differ.
ent policy necessary. So far as any
one here is able to foresee at
this writing, the chances for war are
rapidly waning, while the best senti.
ment here praises the administration
for its GOODNESS and courageous stand
thus far, in the face of profound ex-
citement and popular clamor. Mr..
Long stated that the department was
to-day in possession OF no more infor-
nation on the cause of the disaster
than it was Immediately after the oc.
currence, and that no evidence had
been received up to the present time
showing that the disaster was caused
by design.
THE TNVEgTTQ kTInN NpITTnIgFn
HAVANA, Feb. 2S-Many Americans
and some Spaniards here insist that
the Maine disaster has thus far been
superficial and barren of vital results.
They claim that though nearly two
weeks have passed, no knowledge has
been gained as to the condition Of the
forward part Of the hull, or as to
whether the six or ten.inch ammuni-
ton magazines forward to the star
board exploded. Those who hold
these views demand that the hull for
ward should be raised without further
loss of time and before it has sunk
too deep in 40 feet of soft mud. On
the other hand, however, good judges
say that all criticism in this vein is
made without a knowledge Of the
facts and that no one save the mem
bers Of the court Of inquiry and their
superiors are aware of all the testi-
mony developed or of what submarine
plans have been made Those also
urge that there is no use trying to
raise the hull until the wreckage, ar.
NOR, superstructure, engines, decks,
guns and masts have been taken out.
To do this will take time and the ap-
paratus for the work can only be found
in the north.
The Spaniards know that Senator
Proctor is close friend of President
Mckinley, and, despite his disclaimer
Of political mission, they continue to
attach considerable Importance to his
visit to Cuba at this juncture. Some
think that he has been sent here by
the president to make report on the
situation, as Mr.. Blount was sent to
Hawaii by President Cleve land.
ACTIVITY AT THE wATERvLIET ARSENAL.
ALBANY, N. Y, Feb. rs. The great
est activity known since the late re-
bellion is now witnessed at the Water
vliet arsenal and the entire force is
working night and day. On Friday
night an order was received for the
immediate shipment of two carloads
of 1s-inch projectiles for Fort
Hamilton with the greatest pos
sible haste. The projectiles were
boxed for shipment and Satur-
day afternoon they were dispatched
to Fort Hamilton. Orders have also
been received for the shipment Of all
projectiles now on hand to the several
forts about New York and to forward
all completed guns as speedily as pos
sible to the proving grounds at Sandy
Hook. Such an order has not been re-
ceived at Watervliet since the close Of
the war. 1t is expected that at least
six carloads Of projectiles will be
shipped the present week.
COURT OF INQUIRY AT KEY WEST.
KEY WEST, Fla, Feb. 2s.-The light
house tender Mangrove, bearing the
members Of the court of inquiry, ar
rived from Havana yesterday morning.
The court resumed its sessions in the
United States district court room In
the federal building to-day, and will
probably return to Havana on Wednes-
day. The most important witness to
be examined here is Lieut. Blandin,
the officer Of the deck when the ex-
plosion on the Maine occurred. The
toet;monv NJ the other survivors will