The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-18

of the forward magazines was 30 degrees
and il is said that no high explosives were
stored there, which would seem TO make the
mystery more dense. Fears are expressed
here that the divers win not be able to
throw light on the cause of the disaster
since the forward part of the Maine is prac-
tically in atoms Why the main magazine,
which was filed with high explosives and
easily effected by concussion, did not go
up is another mystery and a mercy as well,
| since had the after magazine exploded no
one on board could have escaped death.
There were some curious escapes from
death when the Maine blew up Three men
were doing punishment watch on the port
quarterback when the explosion occurred.
They all escaped unhurt One man was
sleeping in a yawl hanging from the davits.
The boat was blown to pieces and the man
was thrown into the water. but he was
rescued unnurt. Some time elapsed before
he could be convinced that the whole affair
was not a dream.
Commander Wynn, retired, of the United
States navy, who is living here, has been
interchangeable in caring for the wounded,
and his daughter and niece have written
number of letters for the wounded men.
The story that a torpedo may have been
concealed in the coal furnished to the Maine
is secuted here, but an inspection OF fuel
coal for the war ships will be made here
after. In this connection, it is advisable
to discount the stories in circulation at Ha-
Vana and here regarding the Maine having
been blown up by torpedo placed under
the ship. The Maine reached Havana unan-
nounced. and, therefore, it would have been
difficult, If not impossible, to have placed
moored
A lieutenant from the Maine, whose name
IL withheld at his request, was questioned
to-day regarding the dispatch from Havana
saving that q diver had discovered hole
apparently made by a torpedo in the hull
of the Maine. He said why not make the
hole 800 or 5000 feet. One story is as likely
as the other" In short, the cause OF the
explosion is completely shrouded in mys-
terry, and the demolition of the battle ship
Is so complete that it is probable that the
secret of the disaster will never be known
1t Is believed here that censorship at t1d-
Vana will now be made more strict than
ever, and that postal supervision Will be
demanded as military necessity. No boats
except torpedo boats and the cruiser New
York here or near here are suitable to send
to Havana A strong wind prevails, and
there is rough water in the gulf and Florida
channel.
The American and Cuban ladies here are
busy preparing delicacieS for the wounded
and supplying the hospital with flowers
Every one from the bootblacks TO the
wealthy cigar manufacturers, are animated
by sympathy and are anxious to do any
thing in their power to relieve the wounded
The officers from the Maine who are here
have received instruction to remain Where
they are and to-aWait orders. Many We're
paid to-day and provided themselves with
clothing. Patrick j. Foley, in the hospital
here, who was thought to be fatally hurt,
has revived and late tonight DR.. Dudley,
who is in charge, says he Will be up IN a
week or so. Foley had two fingers OF MS
left hand taken off. The rest of the wound
ed are doing well.
The coast survey steamer A. d. Bache ar
command of Lieutenant Commander Barnet.
Early this morning she will leave for the
cruiser New York, taking divers and such
Wrecking gear as is Obtainable.