New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-03-28
LILLE WREcE OF LIE WINE.

General Woods suggestion 10 the War Depart
ment that the wreck of the Maine should be
raised which Secretary Root is expected to lay
before Congr, SIS without either approval or dis
sent involve several interesting considerati tons.
One argument in support of the proposal is
practical; the other may without dsrespect be
called sentimental There is no doubt that the
wreck is not merely obstruction but a men
10 navigation. AS the familiar photographs
of it's visible parts and their surroundings clear
ly show. it lies not far from the middle Of the
harbor of Havana, occupying space which other
wise would be available for anchorage. Obvi-
ously. therefore. it is in the way Of traffic. and
the adoption of precautions to avoid it IS a con
slant burden. In the second place, the hull IS
supposed TO imprson the remains Of forty or
fifty American sailors. and many persons think
that right feeling demands the recovery Of those
relics Of a national tragedy That IS a senti-
ment which cannot be ignored, though a con
trary view Of the matter would not necessarily
indicate any lack of reverence for the dead.
Theirs is an honorable sepulchre, and If there
We're no reason why IL should ever be disturbed
there might be obligation Of propriety con-
straining the nation TO give them another rest
ing place.
But it seems reasonable to assume that the
wreck of the Maine will not be left forever
where 1t lies. As Cuban commerce increases
and the port Of Havana becomes more crowded
a strong demand for its removal will probably
arise and ultimately prevail, and if that result
is 10 be expected at some time 1t is we'll 10
consider the advantage of bringing it about
without much delay To raise what is left Of
the vessel would he an expensive operation. for
doubtless public opinion would not permit it TO
be blown 10 pieces and the last vestiges of
those who went down with 1t obliterated in that
manner. The work would have to be done
carefully and by costly processes. Propositions
OF a speculative character. based on an eXpecta-
ton of profit from the sale Of souvenirs have
been tentatively made from time to time. but
there is no present prospect of any such ar
rangement. If the wreck is TO be removed in
the near future the government of the United
States must bear the expense, for of course.
Cuba will have no money to Use in that way
for good while to come. But merely from a
pecunary point of view it is by no means GER
tain that the undertaking is not advisable The
actual cost OF the various safeguards which are
necessary in consequence of leaving the wreck
in its present condition, aside from the incon-
venience it causes and the apprehension of dis
aster. cannot be absolutely trivial
There is still another consideration which
should not be overlooked. Those portions Of the
ship which rise above the surface of the water
in themselves melancholy objects. and in
some degree provocative of bitter reflections
which ii is not wise TO encourage The harbor
of Havana Is not a suitable place for such a
memorial of the conflict which as we trust. Sc
cured to the Cuban people prosperous happy
and honorable future and laid the foundations
for frmer friendship between the United
States and Spain.