The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1911-07-19
REMAINS OF maine
COME SWIFTLY
TO VIEW
TASK OF. PUMPING WATER FROM
WRECK Is PRACTICALLY
COMPLETED.

Havana, July 1S.-,rhe process of re-
! moving the water surrounding the
wreck of the Maine was practically
completed this afternoon, when the
water IN the cofferdam lowered Is
feet. leaving the wreck surrounded by
isiets of mud small pools and sink
holes OF green, slimy water.
The soundings show nowhere Il depth
| In excess of four feet.
The water remaining can be removed
in a few hours, but 1t Is now apparent
the engineers are confronted with an
infinitely more serious problem. the
removal of the mud in which the re-
mains of the battleshlp are imbedJed
from minimum of 81 feet to Il
| depth that %n only be conjectured.
Although the water Is now only two
feet lower than in previous pumping
operations. the revelations with re-
gard to the shattered hulk have been
vastly enlarged owing to the lateral
outspreadlng of the distorted frames
and plating. especially in the forward
section, where the explosion was
greatest.
The structure of the bow as far aft
as frame Is Is now exposed, permit
ting an analysis of the plates, beams.
ribs, etc, and IL has been shown con-
! clusively that they originally belonged
TO the structure of the double bot
tom, which Is now elevated to a
height OF about 40 feet above the
normal position, apparently giving con-
firmatory evidence of a tremendous
exterior. explosion.
TO this view, however. the engineers
decline to commit themselves, merely
admitting the Identification of parts OF
the bottom of the ship.
Explosion Apparently Exterior.
In the confused mass of wreckaga
of the bow is to he seen a curved
piece of steel believed to be what En-
sign Powelson identified before the
Sampson court OF inquiry as part of
the fiat keel of the Main. Naval
Constructor Ferguson. in charge of
the examination, declines to say
whether he can fully confirm Powell
sons identification, but says adjacent
plates and beams are unquestionaeiy
from the vicinity of the keel The
wardroom and officers quarters on
the starboard side are exposed, but
owing to II considerable list, the mud
Is level with the ceiling. precluding
present possibility of exploration. The
present intention is not to attempt to
remove the drifting quantity of water
within the cofferdam, but to make
preparations to erect foundations for
! cranes and derrcks. with which to
extract the heaviest parts of the
wreckage, after which II means for
removing the mud will be decided
upon. The means for extensive ex-
cayatlons may consume several
months.
Among the developments as re-
suit of the pumping today was the
exposure of section OF the armor
belt abreast and amidships super
structure. This Is about level with
the surface of the water. In normal
position. but separated from the for
ward portion of the belt which doubt
less will be blown out
The exploration of the gallery re-
! suited In the discovery of two pots
| half full of beans and other articles
for kitchen use, some Of which at
first were believed to be human
bones.
The hope of discovery of the bodies
of many of the crew Is diminishing
| because of the unexpected complete
demolition Of the berth deck. The
engineers are pleased with the sue
cess of the cofferdam, which, in spite
of adverse criticism, Is now resisting
fully 95 per cent of the estimated
maximum strain with not the slightest
sign of weakness. 1t Is believed the
wreck will be ready for inspection by
the board Of inquiry within two
months.