New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-07-19
THE MAINE LAID BARE
OregS in the Cofferdam Can Be
Removed in Few Hours.
AFT PART MAY BE FL0ATED
Newly Exposed Portion Yields
Confrmatory Evidence of
Exterior Explosion,

exterior Explosion.
Havana, July 1S.-The process of re-
moving the water surrounding the wreck
of the Maine was practically completed
this evening. when the water level in
the cofferdam had been lowered eighteen
feet, leaving the wreck surrounded by
islets of mud and small pools of green.
Shiny water, in which scuttled myriads
of crab and other small creatures The
soundings showed nowhere a depth in
excess of four feet
The dregs of water remaining in the
cofferdam can he removed in a few
hours, but the engineers are confronted
with the infinitely more serious problem
Of removing the mud ir which the re-
mains Of the battleship are embedded
from a minimum of thirty seven feet TO
a depth that can only be conjectured.
Although the water now is only two
feet lower than in previous pumping
operations. the revelations with regard
TO the shattered condition of the hulk
have been greatly enlarged owing To
the lateral outspreading Of the distorted
frames and plating, especially in the for
ward section, where the principal force
of the explosion was expended. The
structure of the bow as far aft as frame
eighteen is now exposed, permitting In
spection of the plates beams, ribs etc,
which. as has been shown conclusively'
originally belonged TO the structure OF
the double bottom now elevated TO
height of about forty feet above the
normal position. apparently giving con-
firmatory evidence of a tremendous ex-
terror explosion.
Engineers Identify Parts.
To this view, however. the engineers IN
charge decline to commit themselves
merely admitting the identification or
narts of the bottom of the ship
In the confused mass of wreckage OF
the bow is TO be seen curved piece OF
steel. This is believed to be what En-
sign Powelson identified before the
Sampson court Of inquiry as part OF the
fat keel of the Maine. Mr.. Ferguson
the naval constructor in charge OF the
examination OF the wreck, declines 10
saw whether he can fully confirm Powell
sons Identification. but says that ad)a-
cent plates and beams are unquestlon-
ably from the vicinity Of the Keel
The wardroom and officers quarters
on the starboard side are exposed, but
owing TO a considerable list the mud IS
level with the ceiling, precluding at the
rresent time any possibility of explora-
,ion The present intention is not to at
tempt TO remove the trifling quantity or
yrater within the cofferdam. but to make
preparations to erect foundations Tor
cranes and derriCks with which TO eN-
tract the heaviest parts of the wreck
AGE after which a means for removing
the mud will be decided upon The
extensive excavations necessary may
consume several months.
Among the developments as a result
of the pumping to-day was the exposure
of section Of the armor belt abreast
the amidship superstructure. This Is
about level with the surface Of the water
I'm normal position. but separated from
the forward portion Of the belt, which
doubtless was blown out.
Pots Half Full of Beans.
Exploration of the galley to-day re-
suited in the discovery Of two pots, half
fuI 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 re-
mains of many Of the crew is diminish
ing. on account of the Unexpectedly com
plete demolition Of the berth deck.
The engineers are greatly pleased
with the success of the Golfer dam,
which in spite Of much adverse criti-
cism. is now resisting fully % per cent
of the estimated maximum strain, with
not the slightest sign of weakness. IL
is believed that the wreck VIII be ready
for inspection by the board OF inquiry
within two months.
An interesting point which the cngi-
neers are now investigating Is whether
the bulkhead Immediately aft of the
central superstruCture. where il is be
Ueyed the hull was almmost complete
ly broken i'm half, remains in good con-
dition. I'm which case IL is believed little
difficulty will be experienced in floating
IL,