The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-02-18
COMMENT IN SPAIN.


such catastrophe claims indefensible
rights and the rancours of politics are sill
enced. Every great calamity brings home
to the two peoples, divided though they
pc by luminosity and rivalry, that they
belong to one family. Our noble hearted
nation, seeing the victims of the Maine,
forbears to think of its differences with
the United States.
tomorrow 1t will return TO the defence
of its rights against all. But, for to-
day, it feels only sincere and loyal COM
passion for the immense misfortune.
Happy indeed, were the Spaniards who,
BY saving the lives of the crew of the
Maine at the risk of their own, were thus
enabled to provo the sentiments of all
Spaniards and the traditions of Spain. "
In conclusion, FL Liberal says:
fWe do not know what may happen
tomorrow, we are prepared for any event,
but today, let us PASS the sword which
we have been forced to keep drawn, to
the left hand, and let as stretch out the
right hand, not to those who insult US,
bat to those who weep.
The Impartial says:
''In the presence of this frightful dis
aster, g may associate our expressions
of sincere and genuine sorrow with warm
eulogy for the crew of the Alfonso XII. :"
The disaster to the Maine is sincerely
lamented by the press and public here
anu especially NY tlO C,ebuiSA OlllCldlB,
whose regret is mingled with apprehension
lest the accident has augmented Ameri-
can hostility.
The Queen Regent was visibly affected
and displayed emotion, and was pleased
with the friendly conduct of the Spanish
sailors and authorities at Havana.
General Stewart Il. Woodford, the Unit
cd States minister is receiving private as
we'll as official expressions of sympathy,
ON trnv AIlt iS CnnfiCRnf that
the able policy of President Mckinley
and the good sense of the majority of
Americans will maintain peace. !"
PRAISE FOR AMERICAN OFFICERS
London, February 17.-As the details
of the loss of the Maine are published,
there are renewed remarks of sympathy
here. They are not only in the newspa-
pers, but are to be heard on all Sides
The provincial morning newspapers
make comments similar in tone to those
of the London morning papers. while
the London afternoon papers again de-.
vote much space TO the disaster. The
Pail Mall Gazette alluding to the bravery
of the American officers says:
capt. Sigsbee for one, behaved with a
splendid contempt of danger, worthy
of the best traditions of the American
or any navy
Based chiefly on two kilograms appear
ing this morning in the Daily Chronicle,
and the Morning Post, there is much dis
cussion of the treachery theory today.
A dispatch to the Chronicle from Wash
ington said that Mr.. Roosevelt, and other
bureau chiefs, as well as Congress, are
absolutely certain that treachery was the
cause of the disaster, while dispatch to
the Morning Post from New York. says
President Mckinley has long been sus-
picious of some atrocious foul play, and
is reported to have confident reports In
his possession, which, II published, would
cause immediate war.
Tho ST. James Gazette says the con-
duct of President Mckinley in the de
LONE incident shows he is not seeking q
quarrel and is unwilling to allow his
hand to be forced by the flrebrands.. of the
Senate"
Continuing, the st. James Gazette,
remarks:
"Yet the President of the United
States, though very powerful, may be
driven on against his will.
Other newspaper comment on the dlsas-
ter are on the same lines
EMPEROR WILLIAMS SYMPATHY
Berlin, February 17-Immediately af-
ter the news of the disaster to the Maine
was communicated to Emperor William,
he cabled direct to President Mckinley
6XDT6SS1L2 HIS IlO6u uCetI uiOiU PoohJ
at the loss of the Maine, and so many
brave officers and men.
The German ambassador at Washing
ton was also instructed to convey to Pre-
sident Mckinley his majesty's sincere
coincidence.
At the subscription ball last evening,
Emperor William expressed to the Unit
ed States ambassador, Mr.. Andrew ..
White: "My sincere regrets and sympathy
at the loss OF the Maine and l hope it will
not be so bad as the first news indicates. !"
Admiral Knorr, the commander-in-
chief of the German navy, called today at
the United States embassy and expressed
the German navy's sympathy. Admiral
Won Tarpitz, the secretary of the navy,
sent an officer on the same errand.
PRINCE AND PRINCESS SYMPATHY
London, February 17.-The Prince and
Princess of Wales have sent the following
message to the United States am bassy:
1.-THE Prince and Princess of Wales re-
Quest the charge d'affairs to convey to the
President and to the secretary of the
Navy the expression of their horror at the
terrible accident which has happened to
the Maine and their profound sympathy
with them and with the whole American
nation at the occurrence.
QUEEN EXPRESSED SORROW.
Madrid, February 1.-THE Queen Re-
GENT presided today at cabinet meeting
The subject chiefly discussed was the loss
of the battleshlp Maine. The minister
for foreign affairs, Senior Gullon, read a
despatch on the subject from Washington,
and the Queen Regent expressed sorrow
at the catastrophe.
The Spanish warship Viscaya will, it
is stated, receive her final instruction by
ssSemiphore, before she enters New
York harbor. There is much comment
here over the alleged dispatch of a Unit
ed States torpedo fotilla to Havana for
Key West.
BLANCO WANTS PUBLIC FUNERAL
Washington, February 17.--The follow
ing message was received at the Navy
Department. at 8.25 p. IN. from Captain
Sigsbee ut Havana:
Secretary Long, Washington:
Gen. Blanco called on me personally at
the hotel last night, and also the mayor
of the city. They have requested me to
permit the government here to give q
public burial for the dead already found
in order that public sympathy may be ex-
pressed thereby and due honor shown the
dead. Ground for the burial mas been
secured. Is 1t assumed that am expected
by the department to bury the dead here !?