Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-03-11
TRouBLEAT SANTIAGO:
OVER TREASURE SAFE OF SPAN
ISL TORPEDO BOAT
(By Telegraph to Virginlan-Pilot)

Santiago de Cuba, March 10-The
rivalry over the possession of q safe
belonging TO the sunken Spanish tor
pedo gunboat Furor almost caused
second naval battle yesterday. Con-
doya, the agent OF the Ward Line, with
his Cuban partners has been engaged
for several months i'll wrecking the
warshps, and has performed considefa-
bio work In dynanlltlng the Juror,
which work was difficult on account Of
the depth of the water, twelve fathoms.
Recently he located a safe supposed to
contain $4,000 in Spanish gold and re-
turned to find the buoy removed. lie
was compelled to come to this city for
Il pilot and returned to the wreck of
the Furor yesterday. where he found
the American transport Williams. with
Il diver down. A rival diver thereupon
descended and each Of them claimed he
was the first 10 take possession OF the
safe. A quarrel ensucd and the trans
ports diver came up alleging that his
rival had threatened him with a knife.
Condoya's diver attached line to the
safe. which he and his companions, the
American officers, took forcibly, intlmi-
dating them with rifles from the trans
port. Captain Farr says the line failed
to raise the safe and their diver sue
ceeded In attaching Il line which Sc
cured the treasure. On board the Will
liams-were Captain Blunt, assistant
quartermaster, in charge of the trans
portation: Lieutenant Hamilton. an en-
Encer officer, and Superintendent F'ow-
Ter. of the Barbour Asphalt Company.
OFFICERS STATEMENTS.
The American officers disclalm any
financial interest in the expedition.
Captain Blunt says he allowed the
divers and others TO use the Williams
because. temporarily, she was not
needed. and stood on her deck with a
rife. which, he says, was not loaded
during the quarrel He disclaims any
Intention of using his position, his uni
form or arms TO intimdate the Cuban
divers.
Lieutenant Hamilton says he accom-
panied the expedition as IL spectator.
Both boats eventually returned to the
harDor. and Condoya secured an order
from the court directing the police to
take possession of the safe.
PLUCliY AMERICAN CAPTAIN.
Fifteen armed policemen on the tug
Colon followed the Williams, manoeuv-
ring around the bay for an hour. FL
nally the tug went alongside the Will
liams and the police. with drawn re-
volvers, prepared to board her, when
Captain Cooper. commanding the Will
Hams. confronted them with a rifle and
| announced his intention to kill the first
| man who stepped on board. He claim
ell Inc civil courts nad no jurisdiction
| over Government ships. The police
| thercupon retrcatcd behind the pilot
! house, and the Colon returned to her
| wharf.
THE CAPTAIN CRITICISED.
Condoya then reported the affair to
Department Commander Whitcsidc
who ordered Staff Adjutant Hartford 10
investigate the matter. Hartford and
some press representatives searched
the Williams nj midnight, and no safe
was found
| Captain Blunt and Captain Coopcr
disclaimed any knowledge of the pres
cnt whereabouts OF the safe which
! Fowler says was thrown overheard
Fowler declined to say whether tho
contents had been removed He had
a half interest in the expedition, and
says he is partcnr of McGraii, a civil
employ of Captain Biount's Office. Con
doya is an American citizen, and make
serious charges against Captain Biount
which Commander Whiteside will in
vestigate.
The Cubans resent the action Of Cap
tain Cooper in refusing to accept the
service OF legal process. and they cal
Williams pirate under tho American
| flag.
Many American citizens criticlse Cap.
! tain Cooper'S action.