The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-03-08
HAVANESE PUFFED Up
Spanish Sympathizers Now
Think Spain Invincible.
WAS IT MINE OR TORPEDO
More Evidence of Foul Play
Main Turret Blown Clear.

New York, March IA dispatch to the
| Tribune from Havana says: The arrival
of the Spanish warship Almilante Oquen-
| do, while the Spanish population was still
rejoicing over the coming of the Vizcaya,
| ton Of Spain's naval prowess. The tend
| ency is 10 cause a feeling that war with
the United States would not be so serious
! for Spain. The idea may seem ridiculous
| in the States, yet the existence Of this
belief among a large element of the pop
ulation of Havana should not be ignored.
These Spanish warships encourage the
notion that the result of the Maine inquiry
is a subject Of indifference TO the Span
ish government.
Not many days will be needed for Cap
tain Sampson and his associates to con-
clude the investigation. The wrecking
companies are making progress in clear
ing a way through the superstructure.
During the absence of the board the navy
department divers have been able to ex-
tend their examination of the plates Of the
hull. They found these plates twisted
as from an outside explosion. Everything
previously learned regarding the forward
magazine being intact, and the existence
of large quantities of unexploded am
munition has been confirmed and
strengthened. Without going into minu-
tiae, it may be said the navy department
divers have secured much technical evil
dence from the condition of the hull and
keel and interior of the wreck that the
Maine explosion was due to foul play.
AS to whether by torpedo or a subma-
rine mine doubts may be left. Not much
proof can be gathered by the naval board
concerning the persons who were in the
conspiracy. The Spanish authorities are
in better position to determine that mat
ter.
The Spanish divers have been working
very slowly. They have been giving more
attention to the coal bunkers, apparently,
than to other portions of the wreck. They
have made nothing more than a superficial
examination Of the hull. 1t seems to be
understood that the Spanish admiralty
board in its official investigation is finding
little evidence to give plausible support
to the theory of accident. This distinction
from positive proof of an external explo-
sion it may not be able to ignore. There
is clearly less confidence in official cir
cles than during the period when the dec
laration Of accident was made by General
Blanco. The Spanish inquiry proceeds
in leisurely fashion. 1t may be long time
before a conclusion is reached. This will
be no reason for a long delay by the naval
board.
ONE TURRET BLOWN LOOSE.
New York March 1.-THE starboard tur-
ret of the Maine is found to have been
blown clear Of the ship, says the Havana
correspondent of the Herald. The turret
now lies upturned on its side and sunk
regarded as one more proof of the tre-
mendous force of the explosion exerted
in the direction from port TO starboard.
George Helms. the ships carpenter, has
has made a careful inspection of the
wreck He was detailed to this duty be-
cause of his perfect familiarity with all
portions of the vessel. Though Helms
has not made an official report or ap-
peared before the board of inquiry since
a week ago, It is understood that he has
privately confirmed the statements of En-
sign Powellson in reference to the pres
ent position of the Names bottom plates
and the shattered condition of the ships
keel. Naval Inspector Hoover is aboard
the Mangrove with the court of inquiry
and his views will be also consulted on
the points involving the structural evil
dence.
THE COURTS STAY IN HAVANA.
Havana. March Only surnnises can
be made as to how long the United States
court of inquiry into the loss of the Maine
will remain here, but 1t does not seem
likely that the courts stay here will be
much longer protracted. Its members pro-
fess ignorance as TO the time Of their de-
parture for the United States.
AS previously cabled, the coast survey
steamer Bache. on her return from Key
West, will take the Ferns place here
near the wreck of the Maine as head
quarters of the officers. The Fern is to
go north to take on board supplies for the
reconcentradoes, taking these supplies d.
rect to Matanzas and Sagua Ia Grande.
Technically. the Fern is a war vessel, be-
cause she mounts one gun. a six-pounder
which is used for S2luting.