Evening star., 1898-02-16

''Of course the catastrophe Is q terrible one
and excites suspicious, but there is no in
dication Of anything but an accident Judg-
ment should be suspended until full in
vestigation is made
The Secretary said that he did not think
any war vessels would be sent to Havana
to replace the Maine at this time, as none
arc needed.
Secretary Cages View.
Secretary Gage left the cabinet session
much earlier than the others. He said that
there was no reason for excitement.
"All the information received" he said.
bears out the theory that the explosion
was an accident" The Secretary thought
that a thorough examination would be
made as to the cause Of the accident
Excitement Mt the Navy Department.
Not since the wreck OF the American fleet
at Samoa has so much excitement been ex-
tibited at the Navy Department as was
shown today. At the opening Of the doors
the corridors began to fill with newspaper
men, naval and army officers, and many
curious outsiders. The beautiful model OF
the battle ship Maine standing before the
door Of Secretary Long was surrounded by
crowds commenting on every feature of
the vessel. At intervals telegraph messen-
gers appeared bearing messages from the
main telegraph offices, for the single oper-
ator stationed at the department was taxed
beyond the ability of one person. Upon the
delivery of each message there would be a
rush to the Secretary's room to learn the
latest news.
Up to the time Secretary Long went over
to the White House the news was free
ard promptly given out as it cams. After
that the messages were sent direct to him
at the White House, and the crowd was
obliged to wait for knowledge of their con-
tents until they had besn returned to the
department. The navigation bureau was
besieged with inquiries fBom the friends
Of the ships company. begging for infor-
nation as to the mortality
All that the officials were able to do was
to cause to be prepared copies of the mus
ter rolls of the men, and as soon as these
could be prepared, a work of some diff
Guilty, owing to the frequent changes in
the ships company frcm time to time, the
lists were given to the press.
Spanish Officers Are Anxious
Secretary Long received the following tel
egram this morning:
Capt. Sigsbee remains aboard City of
Washington. Al least 275 of crew blown to
atoms. Only two officers unacrounted for
Explosion forward; to all Indications the
magazine, but cannot tell until investiga-
ton. Sentry on poop reports that there
were no boats in the vicinity when explo-
sion occurred Capt Sgsbee one of the
last to leave his vessel The blow has been
great, but all hands are cool as can be ex-
pected, Marine officer and three all that
seem to be saved from hts command of
forty. All Spanish officers are very anxious
about the feeling they confidently expect
to be generated in United States as result
of sensational journalism. and would like to
have popular opinion held under control
until Sigsbee makes official report. There
is no excitement in, streets y nothing but a
feeling of deep sympathy and horror at
what has occurred. Return now e a.m.) to
Sigsbee and will try and send you more
details. GEO. BROWNSON. REA'
Mr.. Rea is a well-known newspaper cor
RESPONDENT .'