The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-09-09
VETERANS DEMAND
RAISING OF MAINE
Resolution lndorSing Efforts
of Maine Monument Asso-
citation Are Passed.
DELEGATES MAKE
APPEAL TO PRESS
Want Public Awakened TO Plea
For Burial of Bones of
Heroes.

I'VE contemplate with unqualified
shame. humiliation and horror, the fact
that for more than eleven years the
wreck of the Maine has been permitted
10 remain partially submerged in the
mud of Havana harbor. its shattered
hulk the only coffin afforded the re-
mains Of sIxty-eight gallant defenders
of the flag Of our nation, a continual
reproach TO every citizen of the Re
public. exposing the American character
10 the scorn and contempt OF the civil
ICED world
With these words forming only a sec
ton Of a resolution. more than 200 dele
gates to the twenty-fourth annual en-
campment Of the Union Veteran Legion
this morning unanimously went on rec
ord as favoring the efforts Of the Maine
Monument Association TO erect a monu-
ment In Arlington National Cemetery to
the memory of the Maine dead.
The resolution continues:
The Resolution.
I'VE express these, our sentiments, fully
aware Of the fact that it is whispered
In certain circles that we had better
not raise the wreck of the Maine for
fear that such action might develop the
fact that the explosion which destroyed
her came from within and thus relieve
Spain from the heavy indictment now
resting against IL. based upon an oppo-
site belief, and thus demonstrating 70
the minds OF some that we had not
sufficient warrant for our declaration
OK war against Spain In 1925.
ITO this we respond let the truth be
known II the fact shall be thus proven
that the explosion came from within,
then another fact stands forth In the
knowledge OF the world at large, that
in Gods high court Of Justice it nag
rnisrule in Cuba and the philippines BY
their denial Of the most inherent rights
of man, through long years OF rapine
sands upon thousands OF murders,
Spain had piled the reasons mountain
high. varranting US in wiping them
from the face of the earth
Appeals to Press.
I'VE ask the press of the country, the
rnightiest engine within our borders for
the redress Of existing wrongs, TO rouse
the public conscience on this matter to
the end that our Just demands may be
brought 20 a successful termination.
unhestitatingly declaring that in our
opinion, any nation which does not az
ford honorable burial. wherever feast
bic, 70 those of fits sons who go to death
under fits flag, does not deserve to havs
defenders when il is in peril. We de-
removed from Havana harbor and the
bones OF our boys who went TO death
with her be brought back and given
honorable interment In American soil
beneath the flag they died under"
Inspiring Setting.
Never in the history Of the legion has
the question OF raising the Maine OF
erecting a monument 10 the sailors who
went down in her been the subject OF
the passage OF q resolution under more
inspiring circumstances than those
which greeted the action OF -he legior
today Not a dissenting voice was
raised. Shen the long resolution had
been read.
II Is believed action may be taken By
the legion before adjournment, with the
view Of having II cooperate with the
Maine Monument Association 70 peti
ton Congress 10 take up the wreckagt
OF the battleship and give fitting buria
TO the bones that lie with her in the
mud Of Havana Harbor.