New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-02-19
A REPORT FROM CAPTAIN sIGsBEE

A REPORT FROM CAPTAIN SIGSBEE.
n1yR1A1. OF THE DEAD AND CARE OF THE WOUND
ED IN HAvANA-BoDIEs CANNOT BE
SENT HOME.
washington Feb 1S-The first notice to reach
the Navy Department this morning from the
scene OF the great naval disaster at Havana
was a belated telegram Of last nights date from
CAPTAIN Sigsbee. reading as follows:
Nineteen Of the Names dead were puried
this afternoon with great ecclesiastical, naval
and military ceremony. and With all OF the re-
sources Of Havana brought into requisition. The
Spanish Government. under express directors
of General Banco. the Bishop OF Havana. Gen
eraI Parade and Admiral Manterola. and the
Mayor Of Havana. took complete charge o, all
ARRANGEMENTS The bodies were first laid in
state in the building Of the city government OF
Havana where they were covered with floral
and other emblems suitable to the occasion,
which were presented by officials and other per-
sons of Havana Of all shades OF political opinion
They were escorted TO the cemetery by represen-
tatfves Of all tho military and civil organza-
lions and foreign consular officers. and through
q vast concourse OF people spreading over the
route General Leo. myself and officers ana
men now here, together with Lleutenant-Com-
mander Cowles and members Of the FERNS crew.
Ground for the burial Of all the Names dead
has been presented by General Banco and the
Bishop Of Havana in the beautiful cemetery Of
Havana
1.-The utmost sympathy and respect has been
shown. I am informed by the authorities that
this is the second instance OF such demon
stratim having been shown to foreign officers
in the history Of Havana 1t is inconcevable
pc{r hay heen
made to me personally. great number Of
people have expressed sympathy for the Maine
and for the United States Government and
people.
THE remainder OF the dead must. perforce, be
buried with brief ceremony. which will be con-
Quoted by ourselves. but the care and prepara-
ton Of the remains will be with the Spanish au-
thorities About forty in addition to those
buried have come ashore to-day. Very few are
now recognizable. Even in the case OF some of
those who are hurt. but alive. recognition was
difficult. I have not for a moment lost sight OF
the grief OF the families and friends OF the mem
bers Of the Names crew. but beg the Depart
ment to explain to them that 1t Is impracticable,
in fact impossible. to send bodies home Facili-
ties are lacking. and embamng is necessary TO
secure shipment even under the most favorable
circumstances Embalmrnent is only imperfect
ly done here Will wire all cases OF tdentihca~
ton.
II maintain organization among my small
force here but it can be we'll understood that
the execution Of the work with which are
charged Is one OF much detail and difficult OF
execution. 1t is believed that all OF the Depart
ment's kilograms have reached me. l am deeply
grateful for the helpful sentiments and drec-
lions telegraphed by the President and the De-
partment. I have the earnest help Of all the
officers Of the Maine now here. which was to be
expected under all circumstances. previous
telegram sent to-day gives the names Of those
buried by the Spanish authorities. The flags
Of all vessels, naval and merchant. in Havana
Harbor have been at half-mast yesterday and
to-day. Shall send Mangrove back to Key West
tomorrow with eight wounded. VIII wire
names later. DR.. Cendening. Of the Army. will
remain with the wounded. Assistant Surgeon
Speare also came with the Mangrove, but will
be detained here on board the Fern TO accom-
pany others Of the wounded when they are ready
to be removed.
"Wl put some divers at work tomorrow
Divers requested of Admiral Sicard will be here
on Saturday morning by the Olivet.e Recov-
cry of Names battery impracticabe except by
regular wreck outfit. SIGSBEE."