The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-26
EXCITEMENT AT KEY WEST.
The MangrOVe Ordered to Havana
Talk with Admiral Sicard.

Talk with Admiral Sicard.
KEY WEST, Fla, March 25.-The Asso-
ciated Press bulletin stating that the court
of inquiry had found the Maine was blown
up by submarine mine created intense ex-
element here. 1t was read by eager crowds,
which included Rear Admiral Sicard, elder
ly captains and young cadets. AS frequent
ly stated in these dispatches. most of the
naval officers at Key West have held to the
opinion shared by ali the officers of the
Maine, that the war ship was blown up by
external means. The minority, who, previ-
Gus to to-day, had expressed the conviction
that the court would be unable to determine
the cause, was hard to find. All were glad
to know that the Names fate s. not due
to the negligence of her own officers In
tense eagerneSs for further details is man
ifested on all sides. Countless opinions are
offered as to the possibility of war and ar
bitration. Until late hour tonight dis
cussion was rampant on ship and land as to
the outcome.
The most significant development that fol-
lowed the announcement of the court S re-
port-a development known to but few-was
the sudden sailing OF the hghthouse tender
Mangrove for Havana. The Mangrove was
lying quietly at the dock, loading buoys,
when orders came about o'clock this aft
ernoon for her to proceed with all haste to
Havana, and to take on board all the Amer
lean officials in that city with the excep-
ton of Consul General Lee. 1t is feared
mere lNdI the knOWleuSe Oh the court > re-
port has excited Havana population and
brought the anti-American sentiment to
climax.
officers of high rank here are still reti-
cent Rear Admiral Sicard however, said:
THE court of inquiry brought in findings
according to what its members believed.
Nothing could have made them do other
wise. If they had been able to fix the re-
sponsiniity, feel sure they would not have
The attention of Rear Admiral Sicard was
drawn to the fact that Spain had officially
denied fhat a f harbor was mined tn
1 should certainly have mined it. The
water there is especially suitable TO such
method of defense. SPANS denial had moth
ing to do with the court of inquiry. [
should not believe a statement that Havana
harbor was not mined. The court has not
that more work may be required of II, but
this is not probable. The court of inquiry
Is composed Of splendid men, | am greatly
much excitement will be caused by the an
nouncement of the verdict, as | am under
impression that SO per cent. of our own peo-
pie were already convinced that the Maine
was blown up externally and / scarcely
think their ideas would have changed even
If the court had reported otherwise.
When the possibility of arbitration and
the ensuing entangement We're suggested to
him, Rear Admiral Sitard said: The Maine
case is nothing IN comparison with the Ala
bama claims. Then we were opposed to a
powerful commercial rival, but now we are
dealing with Spain"
The command of the feet has not vet been
transferred from Rear Admiral sicard to
Captain Sampson, as the necessary order
from Washington has not arrived. Captain
Sampson came ashore this morning. and
had a long conference with Admiral sicard.
Mrs. Jenkins has telegraphed to have the
body of Lieutenant Jenkins, which was re-
covered yesterday from the wreck of the
Maine. sent direct 10 Pittsburg. 1t is ex-
pected to arrive here tomorrow night on
the steamer Olivette, though it will not be
taken ashore here, but will go right through
to Pittsburg, via Tampa.
WASHINGTON, March 25.--At the White
House it was said that official advices here
did not bear out the suggestion of pend
ing crisis in Havana and that there were
no dispatches from General Lee of a dis
queting nature. AS to the movement of
the Mangrove 1t was said that her depart
ure was merely in line with orders issued
several days ago to go to Havana and re-
turn with the remaining officers of the
Maine now there.
The officials here refuse to say why thes
Mangrove left so suddenly for Havana but
it can be stated positively that the object
of her visit is to bring the American off,
Gals here. Whether conditions on her ar
rival at Havana viii Justify a fulfillment
of the mission or whether her orders may
then be changed is matter of surmise