The record-union., 1898-02-26
Navy Department Not Stirred by Sen
sationaI Newspaper Reports.
Senior Debosie, Spanish Charge d'kffalres
at Washington, Denies That a Sub
marine Mine Exists Inside
Havana Harbor.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.-In spite Of
the stress that came from unofficial
sources in Havana as to sensational de-
yelopments in connection with the work
on the Names hull, the Administration
remains firm in its statement that there
is no credible evidence one way OF Inc
other as to the cause of the disaster,
and holds to its purpose 10 await the
conclusion of the investigation now
making by the court of inquiry. This
position was emphasized at to-day 5
Cabinet meeting. People who looked for
some startling announcement We're dis
appointed as the members, without res-
ervation. frankly admitted that the
subject o. the loss of the Maine had
been discussed, but said the Govern
ment nad received no information from
Havana since yesterday, and had no
intention of changing its policy until
aithere was something of substance 10
warrant it. The Spanish Legation was
equally in the dark as to any such dis
coveries reported, as was shown by
message from Captain-General Blanco-
Secretary Long has been under
heavy an6 almost constant strain ever
since he was awakened in the middle
of the night week ago last Tue ;day
by the news of the loss of the Maine,
and now that matters are. al least for
the present. being in a quieter state. he
has withdrawn from the Navy Depart
ment ard gone away for a few days
rest. leaving Assistant Secretary Roose-
Welt to manage the department The
latter has been thoroughly advised at
every step of the Secretary's policy of
treatment of the Maine affair, so that
there IS not likely to be any change in
that respect caused by the temporary
assumption of the duties Of Secretary
by Mr.. Roosevelt
Just before the department closed he
had word of the sailing of the cruiser
Montgomery from Tampa for Key
West. Up to that time the vessel had
been wen no orders, so that the date
of her departure for Havana, if she IS
to go at all, is conjectural. The snip
Went to Tampa instead Of Key West on
her return from San Domingo. IN or
der to facilitate the speedy return 10
his duties in Washington of Captain
Crowinshieid, the Chief of the Naviga-
ton Bureau. who saved a full day 5s
the movement
The Castine, the second of the United
States warships on the South Atlantic
Station, arrived to-day at Barbados.
where she Joined the Cincinnati 1t may
be that the Castine may go to Mar
Unique tc be docked. as he is in need
of cleaning after her trip
Since so much depends upon the re
port Of the court Of inquiry, il may
be interesting TO note that so far SER
retary Icng himself does not know
when to expect this important docu,
ment. having heard nothing from any
of the members on this point. He rather
expected the court, which has complete
power to work or its own lines. would
wind up its work at Havana before
leaving, so as to avoid the necessity
for return trip.
One n,cmber of the Cabinet had a
more definite opinion on the subject,
expecting the receipt OF the report from
the court about the middle of mex.
week.
There is reason TO believe that IN the
meantime. and to prepare for the recep-
tion of report that would show tie
disaster TO be other than the result or
an accident. some of the officials of The
administration have been looking up
the subject Of indemnities. so as to lay
the foundation of a case. in the event
IL should be decided TO resort TO that
method OF settlement.
There are a large number of prere-
dents which will aid the authorities in
shaping their action in this direction
when the facts are fully established.
While hone of the cases show the fear
full loss of life sustained by the Maine