The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1911-07-19
WRECK Of MAINE
IS LARGELY EXPOSED
Structure of the Double Bottom
Gives Evidence of an EX-
terror Explosion.

HAVANA July 1S,-The process OF re
moving the water surrounding the wreck
OF the Maine was practically completed
this afternoon. when the water in the
cofferdam was lowered eighteen feet;
leaving the wreck surrounded by islets OF
mud, small pools and sink holes of green.
Shiny water. The soundings show no
where depth in excess OF four feet.
The water remaining can be removed
in a few hours. but II is now, apparent
the engineers are confronted with an In
f1nitely more serious problem, the re
moval of the mud in which the remains
minimum of thirty seven feet to depth
that can only be conjectured
Although the water is now only two
feet lower than in previous pumping op.
erations, the revelations with regard 10
the shattered hulk have been vastly en-
larged owing TO the lateral outspreadlnS
Of the distorted frames and plating. es-
pecally In the forward section, where the
explosion was greatest.
The structure OF the bow as far as
frame is Is now exposed, permitting an
analysis OF the plates. beams, ribs: etc. etc,
they originally belonged 10 the structure
OF the double bottom, whicn Is now ele-
waited to height OF about forty feet
above the normal position. apparently CIV
ing conflrmatory evidence OF tremen-
dous exterior explosion.
To this View, however. the engineers
decline to commit themselves merely
admitting the identification of parts OF
the bottom Of the ship,
Officers Quarters Exposed,
In the confused mass OF wreokage of
the bow is to be seen curved piece OF
steel believed To be what Ensign Powell J.
son identified before the Sampson court
OF inquiry as part OF the fiat keel OF the
Maine Naval Constructor Ferguson, In
charge of the eXamlnation, declines TO say
whether he can fully confirm Powelson' g
Identified ton, but says adjacent plates
and beams are unquestionaby from the
vicinity OF the keel The ward room and
officers quarters on the starboard side
are exposed. but owing 10 consider
bic list. the mud Is level with the ceiling,
precluding present possibility of explora
tlon. The present intention is not to at
tempt To remove the drifting quantity OF
| water within the cofrerdam, but to make
preparations TO erect foundations for
cranes and derricks with which to ex-
| tract the heaviest parts OF the wreckage
after which means for removing the
mud will bo decided upon. The means for
extensive excavations may consume sew
eIal months.
Among the developments as a result
of the pumping today was the exposure
Of section of the armor belt abreast
and amidships superstructure, This is
about level with the surface of the wa
| from the forward portion OF the belt.
| which doubtless Will be blown out.
Bean Pots Are Found.
The exploration of the galley resulted
| 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 the discovery of the bodies
| Of many OF the crew is diminishing be :
cause OF the unexpectedly complete de-
molitlon of the berth deck
! The engineers are pleased with the
success Of the cofferdam, which, In spite
OF much adverse criticism, is now resist
ing fully 90 per cent Of the estimated
maximum strain with not the slightes,
wreck VIII be ready for inspection by the
board OF inquiry within two months.
| An interesting point which the engi-
neers are investigating Is whether the
| bullehead Immediately aft OF the centra
superstructure, where II is believed the
| hull was almost completely broken ir
| half. remains In good condition. in which
case il is believed little difficulty will be
experienced In floating out the after one
| third OF the shin.