Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-02
THE COURT OF INQUIRY.
Nothing New observation-disclosures I'm
Proceedings FIagging.


KEY WEST, March 1.-The second days
session of the court of inquiry is over
and nothing new is known regarding the
fate of the Maine-at all events, outside
the members of the court. Some, who con-
fidently declared a conviction that the
court had already found that the vessel
was Intentionally blown up have modified
this conviction, and for the most part ad-
nit that such reports must have been
based largely on speculation. Even naval
officers are apparently as much in the
dark as civilians as to what the court S
opinion is at the present moment.
Excellent progress has been made in the
examinations, and the court will probably
finish its work here tomorrow, when its
members will be taken back to Habana
on the Mangrove.
Interest in the proceedings tagged some
what to-day, owing to the utter futility
of all attempts to crafty the general
curiosity.
The correspondent of the Associated
Press placed before one of the members
OF the court the letter signed "Maquinis-
ta" (MachinisO. giving alleged details OF
the filling of the Names torpedo-holes
with dynamite cartridges, and their sub
sequent explosion by an electric wire. The
member of the court In question said that
neither the letter nor its developments
had been officially before the couri.
The Cubans here are constantly re-
ceiving mysterious mIssives from Habana.
purporting to reveal the method by which
the Maine was sent to destruction, but as
there are as many suggestions or theo-
ries as there are letters. little reliance can
be placed upon any of them
Most of the morning session OF the court
was devoted to verifying testimony pre-
viously given.
Four engineer officers and ten enlisted
men of the Maine were examined.
The engineers examined We're Passed.
Assistant Engineer Morris. Assistant-En-
gineer Bowers Cadet engineer division)
Washington, and Cadet Crenshaw.
The afternoon session of the court be-
gan at o'clock, and an adjournment was
taken about until 10 tomorrow morn
ing.
FUNERAL OF MAINE DEAD.
Admiral Sicard has requested DIR. Ma
loney. the Mayor OF Key West, to pre-
vent a local demonstration when the
funeral of the Names dead occurs. He
has asked that in the event of parade
being formed by the residents. only
American flags be displayed.
Mayor Maloney has promised to carry
out Admiral Sicard's wishes, as far as
possible, but doubts whether the strong
Cuban and anti-Spanish sentiment can
be suppressed -,
All of the funeral arrangements will
be under the direction of Commander
McCalla. of the Marblehead. As now
MANNED. small details of marines will be
landed from the vessels here and at Tor
tueas and the artillery at the barracks
will ioin in paying the last honors. The
services will probably be held Thursday
rrho interment will take place in the City
Cemetery.
rrbe general situation here remains the
soroa The fleet has not moved, thouSn
there are signs of activity, wh'ch give
rise 70 a rumor that an important naval
step is contemplated.
Admiral Sicard, when questioned on
this point this evening, merely reitera'eu
his remark of yesterday: Ihere - nv
movement to-day. The ships nave steam
mo always, and they can go ahywnere.
The tugboat Merritt passed mere d. SUI
set. with a large scow IN 'o"' s anu g.
wrecking apparatus ohe 10
Habana. ,,,Nr
mi, oort that remnants of sub
-, nine alleged to have been raised
liiai - fIniteT states naval divers at Ha-
NTH the electrical wires In which
,,aaw had been en:angled were brought
tn nars sunday by the Mangrove, and are
-, a., tba warehouse OF the Llght-House
1om nena ri rtment, is denied in high ofhciai
quarters. MT, so,d today. "Per-
a. " tha court of inquiry may return u
,T,so naps on hoard the cruiser Marblehead'
=. ~, hoard the Nashville. instead OF the
,oa - 81 survey boat Bache. Ihe Marp,
,ead would be specially suitable. sne ne"
remarkably strong eiectrc-Hsh' p'a"''