The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-02
COURT OF INQUIRY SILENT
NONE OF THE TESTIMONY so FAR
TAKEN PERMITTED TO LEAK.
VIII Probably Return to Havana To-
Day and Continue the Investlga-
tiOn at Scene of Wreck.

over, and nothing new is known regarding
the cause of the sinking of the battle ship
Maine outside the members of the court.
Some who confidently declared a week ago
that the court had already found that the
vessel was Intentionally blown up have mod
flied this conviction, and, for the most part,
admit that such reports must have been
based largely on speculation. Even naval
officers are apparently as much in the dark
as tho civilians as to what the courts opin-
ion is at the present moment. Excellent
progress has been made in the eXamina-
tions and the court will probably finish its
work here tomorrow, when it's members
will be taken back to Havana on the Man.
grove. Interest in the proceedings tagged
somewhat to-day owing to the utter futility
of all attempts to crafty the general curi-
osity.
The correspondent of the Associated Press
placed before one Of the members of the
court letter signed "Maquinista" (ma-
chinists) giving alleged details of the filing
of the Names torpedo holes with dynamite
cartridges and their subsequent explosion
by electric wires. The member of the court
in question said that neither the letter nor
its developments had been officially befor&
the court. The Cubans here are constantL7
receiving mysterious missives from Havana
purporting 10 reveal the method by which
the Maine was sent TO destruction. but as
there are as many suggestions or theories
as there are letters little reliance can bs
placed on any.
The report that remnants of a submarine
mine alleged to have been raised by the
United States naval divers at Havana with
the electrical wires in which they had been
entangled, were brought here on Sunday by
the Mangrove, and are now in the ware
house Of the Lighthouse Department. is de-
MED in high official quarters.
The second days session here of
the court of inquiry began in tho
United States District courthouse short
ly after To- o'clock this morning.
Most of the officers who were exam
ined yesterday had been informed they
might be recalled, and the lieutenants and
cadets of the lost war ship were all on
hand, but it was said later that~they will
not be re-examined until the court returns
from it's second visit to Havana Groups
of enlisted men also gathered about the
courtroom door, awaiting their turn to be-
examined.
A good part of the time of the court to-
day was devoted to verifying the testimony
previously given, the stenographers reading
the official transcripts of the evidence and
the witnesses confirming their correctness.
Apparently but few vital questions were
asked, the morning being seemingly devot-
ed to routine work. Following the custom
at previous sessions, all the witnesses wera
sworn not to reveal any part of the pro-
ceedings. The court adjourned for lunch at
1910 p. m, after examining four engineers
officers and eight enlisted men of the
Maine. The engineers were Passed Assistant
Engineer Morris Assistant Engineer Bow
ers, Cadets (engineer divison) Washingtors
ard Crenshaw.
The afternoon session began at O'Clock
and an adjournment was taken about
until 10 tomorrow morning. The whole
number of enlisted men examined curK
the day was ten.
A high naval official said to-day: per.
baps the court of inquiry will return to
Havana on board the cruiser Marblenead
the Nashville, instead of the coast sur
vey boat Bache. The Marblehead would
be specially suitable. She has a remarks
ably strong electric-ight plant"
The coast-survey steamer Bache will re-
turn here from Havana tomorrow night
or Thursday morning, bringing ali the
Maine g unburied dead and the wounded
men who have been in hospitals at Havana.
The wounded will be left at the Tortugas
for about five days quarantine, and four
wounded men who were left at the Tortu-
gas on Saturday last will be brought ON
here. Captain Sigsbee reported last nighe
that only one unidentified body was readv
for shipment, but it is expected that several
more will be recovered from the wreck be-.
fore the Bache is ready to SAIL Funeral
services over the remains will probabIy -
held Thursday and the interment will take
place in the City Cemetery. Admiral sicard
has requested DR.. Malloney, the mayor OF
Key West, 70 prevent a local demonstra-
tion when the funeral occurs. He has asked
that In the event Of parade being formed
by the residents only American flags shali
be displayed. Mayor Malloney has pram-
ised to carry out Admiral Sicard's wishes
as far as possible, but doubts whether the
strong Cuban and anti-Spanish sentimenA
can be suppressed All of the funeral ar.
rangements will be under the direction az
Commander McCalla, of the Marbleheaa
AS now planned, small details of marines
viii be landed from the vessels here and -
the Tortugas, and the artillery at the bar
RACKS VIII JOIN In paying the last honors
Ihe general situation here remains th@
same. The fleet has not moved thorots
there are signs of activity which give rts-
to rumor that an important naval sta,
is contemplated. Admiral Sicard w.
questioned on this point this afternoor
merely reiterated his remark of yesterday,
There is no movement to-day The Sims
have steam up always and they can =
anywhere
The tughoat Merritt passed here ~ snn.
set with = large scow in tow and Ono