The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-02-24

It is Also Said That Two Boilers in the
 After Boiler Space Were All of the Eight
 Boilers of the Maine Under Steam at
 Time of Explosion-Interviews With
 Divers Untrue.
 Washington, Feb. 23.--The arrival of mall in Washington from Key West bringing several private letters from naval officers lately attached to the Maine caused a wave of excitement to run over the departments and the cap ital for there were all sorts of rumors as to the contents of these letters, very few of which rumors in point of fact had any sound basis. The only feature so far as could be discovered of real importance as throwing any light on the cause of the explosion contained in the letters was the statement that the two after boilers in the after boiler space were all of the eight boilers of the Maine that were under steam at the time of the explosion. This fact had negative value for it disposed at once of the theory that an exploding boiler had caused the wreck. The ex- perts say that by no possibility could the after boilers explosion have wreck ed the forepart of the Maine and leave the afterpart almost unharmed
 Much interest was shown In the dis patch received shortly before 8 o'clock from Admiral Sicard giving the recom- mendations of Captain Sampson of the court of inquiry as to the raising of the wreck. Various interpretations were put on the expression Forward half completely destroyed.'' This was re- garded by many as partial confirma- tion of the theory that the forward magazine had exploded, as that is one of the. most important portions of the forward half of the ship. At the same time it was held by some naval author ities that the destruction of the for ward half of the ship did not necessa- rily mean that the forward magazine had exploded as this might be still in tact, although a part of the general wreckage. In the absence of an explo- sion of the forward magazine there was | a disposition not to accept implied statements as to it's destruction. Captain Sampson'S recommendation that a contract be made with the most l substantial wrecking company to save all possible was in direct line with others received. The contract contains provisions binding the wreckers to use hni mi ncf off orfe, tr IL. work so that the department feels that everything has been done to carry out the views expressed by Captain Samp- son.
 Evidently the president of the court of inquiry is fearful of the effect upon the public of i'll judged attempts to ac- count for the destruction of the Maine | for this afternoon he telegraphed Sec retary Long, doubtless having in mind certain publications. as follows: Ha- vana, Feb. 23.-Any reported interview with divers untrue. Every precautior has been taken. Officers present al all times.
 | A private letter received here to-da,
 says that most of the officers wer,
 ashore when the explosion occurred | some Sollcltude was expressed at tn,
 navy department over the report O.
 Admiral Sicards health. It was said | however, that there was no occasion
 for relieving him now that the flaeshil
 New York is not to leave Key West
 and even if she should Captain Taylol
 or Captain Camp can assume charg, | of the squadron while the admira takes the two weeks leave to recuper
 ate from his malarial fever, which h,
 was about to enjoy when he voluntaril, returned to his place. A formal orde
 was made out this afternoon directin, Lieutenant Commander Wainwright t,
 take station at Havana and look afte
 the governments interest while tn
 work of raising the Maine progressed | It has been arranged that he shall b.
 subsisted on board one of the wreckin, l steamers.