Indianapolis Journal, Volume 48, Number 60, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 March 1898 — Page 1

PAILY L Esla BL,fslIEn K l&:ol S23 ‘ !YOL. XLVIJI-NO. 60.

Warmer; partly cloudy. Make Up Your 1 o buy one of our Fancy Cassimere and Cheviot Suits we are selling for ... . ssiO.OOe These Suits were formerly $13.50, sls and $16.50, and represent the best selling lines we have had. They are good wearers and fitters, and will give satisfaction. The \Vhen

BONDS \A/6 Offei $3,000 Delaware Cos., Ind 5m 3,000 Highland Cos., Ohio ...Os 4,000 Miami Cos., Ohio (in 5,000 City of Akron, Ohio 5s 3,000 licking <o., Ohio .....Os 3.000 City of Newark, Ohio 5s 7,000 Wiilinm* Cos., Ohio 5s 5.000 Mark Cos.. Ohio Os 5,000 City of Massillon, Ohio Os 20.000 Vermillion Cos., 1nd.........5s 5.0.i0 City of Urn7.il, Ind ....its 2,000 Jackson Cos., Ind 5s fl.ooo Indianapolis, Ind.(pricepar).ti ca hpbeTl, wild & CO. 205 Indiana Trust Buililiag. You Can’t Match the quality for the price in this city. , CDITI® • • • • 32c Java and Mocha J. T. POWER & SON Opp. Postofflce. 44 N. Penn. Invalid Cliairs Os ail kinds and accessories for the sick room. Trusses made and properly adjusted. Store open every Saturday night. VVM. H. AItMSTRONG & CO., (New N'o. 127/ V 7 S. Illinois St., Indianapolis, In&.

NO INSPECTION OF MEAT * IF JUDGE RODGERS’S OPINION IS UPHELD BY HIGHER COURT. Ho Holds that the Whole System of Government Supervision Is Unconstitutional and Void. KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 28.—The entire system of government inspection of meat which has been established in the P eking houses of the United States was declared to be unconstitutional, ineffective and void in an opinion handed down in the United States District Court to-day by Judge John Rodgers, federal judge at Fort Smith, Ark., who is sitting for Judge Philips. An indictment against Harry Boyer, foreman of the fresh.' meat department of the Jacob Dold Packing Company, charged with attempting to bribe a government meat inspector, was quashed on the ground that Congress had no power to create the office of meat inspector; that even if Boyer had attempted to bribe an inspector, as was charged in the indictment, he did not commit an offense against the government. Under the decision of Judge Rodgers, packers may disregard the meat inspectors without fear of successful prosecution, because the law by which the inspection was created has been declared invalid. Boyer’s attorneys contended that the carcasses which were inspected were not subjects of interstate commerce and that the government had no right, to impose police regulations at the packing houses. In his decision Judge Rodgers says; “Narrowed down, the simple question is whether the duties alleged in the indictment, which the inspectors were required, under the rules and regulations of the secretary of agriculture to perform, were such duties as belonged to the State of Missouri or to the United States.” i'he powers of Congress are expressly Planted or indicated by direct implication, the judge said, and he held that the Constitution made no provision for the passago ot laws creating packing house inspection. ' niigress regulates commerce with foreign nations, among the several States and with I he Indian tribes, according to the provisions of the Constitution, but Judge Rogquoted several decisions to show’ that 'he killing of beef at packing houses could , '" t b e classed as Interstate commerce and ha; Congress had no right to interfere ’••up matters that should be controlled by the several States. John It. Walker, district attorney, in arguing the demurrer, held that the system of p icking house inspection was created under l! >e general welfare clause of the preamble the Constitution, in which the words provide for the common defense” are used. Justice Story held that this is not applicable. A 'similar expression occurs in Section 8, Article 1, of the Constitution, hut this lias been held supplementary fnereiy to a preceding provision concerning duties and taxeL INSANE MOTHER'S ACT. Hr*. George Davidson Drowns Herself nd Babe in St. Joseph River. BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Feb. 28.-Mrs. George Davidson, aged twenty-eight, left |'* r h °tne in St. Joseph’last midnight, clad >n a bight dress, with her two weeks’ old babe in her arms. The woman with the < hild Jumped into the river. The woman’s body was recovered at daybreak. The body the babe was carried out into the lake. Insanity caused the deed. NOVEL USE OF X RAYS. °ld Soldier Reinforces Hla Petition lor Office with a Realistic Photo. HAYWARDS, Cal., Feb. 28.—An original banner of applying for an office was adopted by Alonzo Bradford, of this place. He was a member of the Second lowa Infantry in the late war. He served through the rebellion. On Feb. 13. 1862, bo was shot the lute© at the battle ot Fort Do nelson.

THE INDIANAPOLIS JOURNAL.

WAGON WHEAT, l)Oo ACME MILLING CO., Old 352 West Washington St. and he has forwarded to Washington with his petition for the postmastership here an X-ray photograph showing the location of the Confederate bullet as evidence that the wound was received facing the foe. GENERAL WAR IMMINENT ALL REPUBLICS OF CENTRAL AMERICA MAY BE INVOLVED. Trouble Between Costa Rica and Nicaragua Over Interoceanic Canal Territory May Spread. WASHINGTON, Feb. 28.—The condition of affairs between Nicaragua and Costa Rica is beginning to arouse serious apprehension in official circles, as it is said to threaten to involve not only these two countries in war. but also to draw all of the Central American republics into an armed conflict. Tbe Diet of the greater republic, including Nicaragua, Honduras and Salvador, has submitted a demand on Costa Rica for an explanation of the entrance of an armed force of 500 men from Costa Rica into Nicaragua. No reply has been given so far as is known to officials here. The Nicaraguan authorities assert that the 500 armed men entering from Costa Rica wei’e not an authorized force, but were acting with the knowledge of the President of Costa Rica. If Costa Rica gives no explanation in response to the demand of the Diet it is feared serious trouble will follow. The real controversy between Nicaragua and Costa Rica is over the territory adjacent to the interoceanic canal. A recent jncident has intensified the feeling of the Costa Ricans over the boundary matter. This was the arrest of Mr. Bache, the Costa Rican consul general to Nicaragua, on the charge of being a rebel. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, but subsequently escaped. It is not generally known that Secretary Sherman intervened in this affair and requested President Zelaya, of of peace to release Bache. resident Zelaya promptly assented, and in r decree announced that Bache would be liberated in accordance with Mr. Sherman’s request if the tribunal convicted him of a revolutionary movement. Since then Nicaragua has published the secret cipher dispatches alleged to have passed between Bache and the Nicaraguan rebels in Salvador, and these, Nicaragua claims, fully establish a charge that Costa Rica’s official was working to overthrow the Zelaya government. Chill and Argentina. WASHINGTON, Feb. 28.—1n diplomatic circles it is said that the reports that war is imminent between Chili and the Argentine Republic are not well founded, and that, on the contrary, arbitration by the British government has been agreed on as a means of settlement of differences. The boundary delimitation has been a source of serious difference for some years, and this has caused much popular agitation and talk of war. Sometime ago, however, the countries agreed to submit the entire boundary question to the decision of Great Britain. The assent of the British government was secured, and the arbitration is now in course of execution. Notwithstanding this agreement, it is said that a considerable jingo element exists in both countries, but at. the legations of both Chill and Argentine it is stated that officials attach no serk jsness to the war rumors. State of Siege Condemned. RIO JANEIRO, Feb. 28.-Vice President Pereira has issued a long address strongly protesting that he is innocent of complicity in the attempt made to assassinate President Moraes last year. He refuses to appear in court, invoking parliamentary immunity. The general elections will take place to-morrow. The election of Senors Composaltos, from Sao Paulo, and Rossossilva, from Pernambuco, as President and Vice President for the term of four years, beginning in November next, is regarded as assured. Vice President Pereira, in his address attacks President Moraes, to whom he attributes the misfortunes of the republic. Ho condemns the state of siege and adds that all the laws of Congress voted under the state of siege are Invalid. ANOTHER “COMBINE. Manufacturers of Ingrain Carpets May Organize a Trust. BOSTON, Feb. 558.—The Transcript prints an interview with Arthur T. Lyman, treasurer of the Dowell Manufacturing Company, concerning a proposed commission of manufacturers of ingrain carpets in this country with a view of controlling that market. Mr. Lyman says: ‘‘Thomas Bromley, of Philadelphia, is earnestly at work on t'na combination, and has enlisted various Philadelphia manufacturers in the matter. There are only two carpet mills in New England making ingrain carpets, and they both make other kinds of carpets. The plan has not been definitely laid before them yet. A meeting was to have been held last week in New York, but it was postponed for a time. Until the plan is definitely settled it is not possible to say whether it can be carried out or not, but with the great advance in wool, higher costs require higher prices, and it has been felt that there was a need of a strong combination to regulate prices and to do away with a wasteful duplication of expenses and the cutting of prices which is injurious not only to the manufacturers, but to all dealers. It was proposed at first to take in ail the carpet mills, but a' present the combination relates only to Ingrain carpets.”

INDIANAPOLIS. TUESDAY MORNING, MARCH 1, 189S.

MAY AVOID WAR BELLIGERENCY SPIRIT WANING AT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL. Statesmen Son Admit that There Is a Possibility Our Trouble aith Spain May Be Peacefully Adjusted. DONS, HOWEVER, ARE RAVING AND MAY GOAD UNCLE SAM INTO GIVING THEM A SPANKING. * 4 Jingoes at Madrid Calling Yankees a “Nation of Cowards” and Onr Jack Tars “Thieves” and “Pirates.” “YELLOW JOURNAL” VICTIM SENATOR FAIRBANKS MISREPRESENTED BY A CORRESPONDENT. Fake Interview In a New York News-paper-Comments of Madrid PressAdvice from Cardinal Gibbons. Special to the Indianapolis Journal. WASHINGTON, Feb. 28. Public men in Washington are taking a more dispassionate view of our Spanish complications, and they are disposed to admit that after all there is a possibility of an adjustment without going to war. The board of inquiry into the Maine disaster is not likely to conclude its investigation and send in a report for some time yet, and until the official finding there can be no change in the status of affairs. The board has given evidence of a settled determination to take sufficient time to give every phase of the matter full consideration. When, a conclusion is reached there wiil be no chance for the world to say that the investigation was superficial or that a verdict was reached on insufficient evidence. , As the peace spirit grows stronger in this country, the sentiment of belligerency appears to increase in Spain, as reflected in Madrid cables, and the jingoes are seizing on this condition of things to sneering insinuations that it is because of the Spanish belief that the ‘‘Yankees are a nation of cowards” and that they could not be driven into a fight. Reliable advices from that country represent that there is a deep-seat-<d hostility among the people against the United States, and that the jingo element there Is infinitely stronger fn proportion to the population than it is here. Very well advised men believe that if hostility between the United States and Spain should break out, the Spanish will take the initia.tive. Sagasta’s response to the suggestion ■supposed to have emanated from Bismarck, looking to an arbitration over Cuba, indicates that Spanish sentiment is still intolerant to the idea of the slightest admission that anybody has a right to discuss with Spain a surrender of her sovereignty over Cuba. A New York paper to-day published what purported to be an interview with Senator Fairbanks, in which that gentleman was represented as saying that he did not think a cash indemnity for the loss of the Maine would be satisfactory. A decided jingo color was imparted to the alleged interview, and an attempt mafle to give it special significance on account of Senator Fairbanks’s well known personal friendly relations with the President. The interview was an invention, pure and simple. Senator Fairbanks never gave expression to the views quoted as his. He has maintained steadily from the outset that judgment should be suspended until the facts with regard to the explosion were officially ascertained, and that until such time the public should not give itself to speculation on hypothetical conditions. He has held that the President could be relied on to do what was right in the matter, and that the executive would at all times be governed by a proper sense of what is due the dignity of the republic and by a calm judgment of the requirement of the law of nations. When the board of inquiry makes its report it will be time to act; until then, the Senator believes in keeping cool.

THE DANGER IN SPAIN, Conservatives and W'eylerites May Attempt to Overthrow Sngasta, WASHINGTON, Feb. 28.—The State Department to-day received the following dispatch from Minister Woodford, at Madrid: “Decree dissolving Spanish Cortes Feb. 26. New Cortes will meet April 25.” The dissolution of the Cortes has been expected, and it may be attended with important results. The two parties, Liberal and Conservative, will now appeal to the country, and on the result will depend the political complextion of the Ministry. The Sagusta Ministry, now in power, is Liberal. Its retention in power means much at the present juncture, for it was on the advent of Sagasta’s regime that General Weyler was recalled, the reconcentrado decrees were annulled and the present form of autonomy put in force. The policy now being pursued by General Blanco in Cuba is an entire reversal of that under the Conservative regime of Canovas and his successor, and it is felt that the continuance of this policy is fio less at stake than the Ministry itself in the outcome of the present elections. Senor Du Bose, the Spanish charge d’affaires, has not received official notification of the dissolution of xhe Cortes, but he says this was expected, as the work of the present Cortes was concluded. Under the laws of Spain forty days expire before the election of the new Cortes occurs. Mr. Du Bose, who is himself a Liberal and warm supporter of the Sagastu Ministry, says there is no doubt the result will be the return of a Liberal majority in the Cortes and the consequent continuance of the present Ministry. All parties of late have given loyal aid to the Liberal Ministry in its policy toward Cuba, and the present time is regarded by Mr. Du Bose as auspicious for a calm campaign, which he asserts will continue the present authorities in power. He says there is no significance in the dissolution at this time. In other quarters it is felt that the Conservatives may take this opportunity to regain the reins of government by making a campaign against the Cuban policy of the Sagasta regime. The Weyler element is another growing factor in Bpanlsh affairs, and it is expected that the W'eylerites either will cast their influence with the Conservatives, who aent General Weyler to Havana, or else make their appearance as a distinct political organization, representative of the

army and navy and the martial spirit In general. To a considerable extent the contest will be between the war element and the peace element, and, as the Liberal programme thus far has been most pacific In character, It is anticipated that the Liberals will gain the peace vote. Elections will be held not only In Spain, but also In Cuba and Porto Rico. This, however, should not be confounded with the local elections hr Cuba under the plan of autonomy. The present election will be confined entirely to the choice of delegates to tha imperial Parliament, and will not be a part of the autonomous plan for a local government of Cuba. The latter elections have not been fixed, and the time for them will be set by the autonomous Cabinet. It would be no surprise to officials here if these local elections were announced at any time in the near future, as it is said the Cuban autonomists are rapidly maturing the details of elections and other steps requisite to the execution of the autonomous plan. In the elections of April 25 Cuba will select its usual quota to the Spanish Cortes under the same system of suffrage that has long prevailed. The new Cortes will meet immediately after election, probably May 1. While no date has been fixed, *t is known in advance that the new body must assemble in order to pass on the budget, which, by law, must be completed by July 1. This will give brief time for completing the extensive supply bills within the time prescribed by Spanish law. With a Liberal majority, however, this can be readily accomplished. The probabilities of delay lie in the fact that a Conservative victory will not only give that party control of the Cortes, but will precipitate another ministerial change, with its consequent change in policies. AN EMERGENCY FUND. Mr. Bromwell Wants to Vote $20,000,000 to the Navy Department. WASHINGTON, Feb. 28.—Representative Bromwell, of Ohio, to-day introduced in the House the following resolution: “That the secretary of the navy be and he is hereby authorized, whenever in his judgment it shall become expedient for the best interests of the country to do so, to secure options on and consummate the purchase of such battle ships, cruisers, rams, torpedo boats or other form of naval vessels as are of the most! modern type and ready for immediate use, together with the necessary armament and equipment of the same as in his judgment are necessary, to place the naval strength of the country on a proper footing for Immediate hostilities with any foreign power by which the same may be threatened, and that for the purpose of consummating such purchase there is hereby appropriated the sum of $20,000,000, to be immediately available.” The resolution was referred to the naval committee. Mr. Bromwell said he introduced the resolution to call the attention of the naval committee to the necessity for providing such a contingent fund in the naval appropriation bill. If the committee does not include such a provision in the bill when It is reported, he will offer It as an amendment in the House. Representative Gibson, of Tennessee, introduced a bill appropriating $20,000,000 “for the maintenance of national honor and defense.” The bill appropriates the money for the construction, purchase, repair and equipment of such and so many vessels of war and for the construction, purchase and repair of such and so much material and stores of nav.aDwafj'iSre, and for the enlistment, transportation, equipment and subsistence of such and so many sailors, officers and marines and other men, as, in the judgment of the secretary of the navy, the public welfare may require.

OUR NAVY SLANDERED. Yankee Tara Called Pirate*. Insubordinate* and Thieve*. LONDON, Feb. 28.—The Carlist organ, El Carreo, of Madrid, In Its Issue of Feb. 22, Just received here by mail, says: “There is no doubt whatever that the loss of the Maine was due to lack of discipline,” and cites the case of a United States cruiser which was lately at Venice, describing her crew as being “rather pirates than sailors of a civilized nation.” Continuing, El Carreo says: “Drunkards, insubordinates, thieves and lighters, the sailors of the United States never set foot ashore without creating riots. Nightly several of them slept in jail or were taken on board under arrest, until the municipality was forced to formally complain to the commander and request him not to allow his men to land, as otherwise they could not be answerable for the consequences. Had these officials belonged to the Christina regiment the United States would have replied by demanding an indemnity or an apology, or both, with the certainty of obtaining It. But the protest not being Spanish, no attention was paid to it. This naval convict ship, which is never free from the fumes of alcohol, must be a twin sister of the Maine. It is a marvelous thing, in such hands, that one of their ships does not blow up daily.” Th Imparcial of Feb. 25 temperately approves the “growing sentiment that concession has reached its limits,” and expresses the belief that “the best forces in Spain are convinced that the time has arrived to firmly, though with moderation and calmness, assert the honor of the fatherland.” El Liberal of the same day warns the people against those who are “seeking to misinterpret every act and word of the United States,” and criticises the “efforts of the Carlists to block autonomy,” which, it adds, “the Liberals are loyally trying to put into effect in Cuba.” El Liberal concludes: “Let Spaniards remember that Cuba is the key to our position. If within a brief space of time \re succeed In pacifying the Island the danger of external war will forthwith disappear, and though we do not for a moment believe it will, should war break out Cuba will be the only battlefield.” The Globe comments on the “friendly and even cordial relations between the two cabinets,” and gathers from the recent speech of President McKinley at Philadelphia that the chances all favor peace. It blames the fierce Jingoism of certain Spanish papers for provoking similar bellicose utterances in the United States, and adds: "When Spanish papers constantly Inform the United States that war is Imminent the latter cannot do otherwise than prepare for hostilities.” The Daily News, commenting editorially this morning on the relations between the Unitv i States and Spain, says: “Spain can expect no support, moral or otherwise, from England against the United States. She has ruined Cuba, as she has ruined or lost every other colony, by the grossest corruption, cruelty and maladministration, and she must be left to settle the account for it with those whom it may concern without any aid or sympathy on our part." The Standard, in an editorial on the same general topic, highly praises President McKinley’s statesmanlike moderation, and recognizes that “it would be only human nature that proof of the Maine’s having been blown up from the outside should engender a dangerous war feeling in America.” Sir Edward James Reed, the eminent naval expert, write* to the Times this morning expressing the opinion that the Maine could be refloated for a tithe of her cost. Woodford’* Anmuyer Commit* Suicide. MADRID, Feb. 28.—The commissariat offleer, Pacheca, who recently called at the (.Continued on Third Page.)

HARD TO SOLVE # NAVAL COURT OF INQUIRY STILL WORKING ON MAINE MYSTERY. - ♦ Two Sessions Held Yesterday at Key West and a Number of Survivors of the Disaster Examined. OPINIONS OF ONE WITNESS THINKS THE FINDING W'ILL BE BASED ON NEGATIVE EVIDENCE, And that the Conrt Will Decide the Ship Was Wrecked hy Design, hat Will Be Unable to Tell How. REPORT WILL BE DELAYED OFFICIALS AT WASHINGTON DO NOT EXPECT IT FOR W EEKS. Work of the Divers at Havana Still Hampered by Debris—Spanish Investigation Not Yet Begui',

KEY WEST, Fla., Feb. 28. The naval court of inquiry which Is investigating the cause of the destruction of the battle ship Maine in Havana harbor held its first session here this morning. The testimony, of course, was not made public. An officer of the Maine, however, who had been examined by the court during the day, talked at length with the correspondent of the Associated Press. “I can't tell you,” he said, “what line of questioning was adopted, but the court will find, I believe, that the Maine was blown up by design, though I don’t think it will be able to ascertain exactly how. The court’s finding will be based on negative, rather than positive, evidence. By this I mean that all the testimony heard so far has, bit by bit, upset theories of those who think the explosion was of internal origin. This negative evidence is so strong and so general that I see no possibility of the court deciding that the explosion was internal. The only alternative then left for the court is to fall back on evidence which points to the intentional blowing up of the Maine. This, I think, will be done,, unless the court formulates a theory of ts own or declares that it does not know how the disaster occurred, both of which conjectures, I think, improbable.” As bearing on the value of the opinion of the officer in question, it must be borne in ir.lnd that he was before the court for about fifteen minutes only, and that he has at all times expressed himself as confident that the explosion was aot due to an accident. Members of the court, when the substance of the interview was brought to their attention, declined to have anything to say. All high naval and military officials here, when asked crucial questions, politely profess ignorance. It is apparent, however, that some of the officers and civilians here who believed the reports from Havana, saying that the court had already decided that the loss of the Maine was due to treachery, have changed their minds, for to-day the universal question was, “What has the court found out?” while yesterday one heard all around, “When will war be declared?” Brought face to face with the court, men realize for the first time how unlikely It will be for the court to allow an inkling of its conclusions to be known out of due season. SCENES ABOUT THE COURT. An unusual bustle pervaded this little town from early morning hours. The torpedo boat Cushing went over to the New Yoi;k and brought to shore Captains Sampson and Chadwick and Lieutenant Commander Porter. Lieutenant Commander Manx, the judge advocate, who is staying on the island with Commandant Forsythe, was already at the Federal building, directing the preparation of the United States District Court for the sessions of the court of inquiry. A small crowd gathered outside, eagerly watching for developments. Long before the officers were ready to go to the courtroom the enlisted men saved from the ill-fated vessel were up and waiting at their temporary home in the barracks. It was not known whether any of them would be called, but all preparations were made, so that the court should not be delayed in its work. The court opened shortly after 10 o’clock. Lieutenant Blandin was the first witness called. He was before the court for about an hour. The naval officers sat in Judge Locke’s private chambers. No marines were on >;;uard, but all the doors were closed. The officers of the Maine lounged around the big courtroom until summoned to give testimony. Those who were called as witnesses before the luncheon recess at 1 o'clock were Lieutenants Blandin, Hood, Jungen and Blow and Cadets Bronson and Boyd. When the court reconvened at 2 o’clock Lieutenant Holman, who testified at Havana, was again called. Then Lieutenant of Marines Cattlin was summoned. He gave his evidence quickly and was followed by Boatswain Larkin, Gunner Hill and Carpenter Holms. The two latter wero on shore at the time of the explosion and could tell little of value At ten minutes past 2 o'clock the court adjourned until to-morrow morning at 10. Judge Advocate Marix said: “The stenographers have all they can transcribe in record form and there is no use of our working longer to-day.” In reply to a question as to what would be done with a witness when no longer of service to the court he said no decision has been reached on that point, but one would be shortly. Capt. Sampson seemed satisfied with the day’s work, but Haid nothing could be given out. After the courtroom was cleared for the day Captain Sampson held a short interview with Rear Admiral Sicard and then returned to the lowa. Captain Chadwick and Lieutenant Commander Potter were taken on board the New York. Orders were issued this morning at the army barracks prohibiting enlisted men from leaving the reservation without special permits. Officers' leaves were also curtailed. It was rumored that two batteries were held under marching orders, but this was denied. Secrecy is maintained at the barracks and no explanation of these circumstances is forthcoming. Later in the day the order forbidding soldiers to go in town was rescinded. No explanation was furnished, and there seems to be some mystification at the alleged unprecedented occurrence. It appears that th< order not only forbade the enlisted men from leaving the reservation, but it confined them to

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their quarters. At the regular muster and inspection held early in the day particular attention was bestowed by the poet commander on the men's marching kits. WILL RETURN TO HAVANA. Court Is Not Expected to Returu Its Finding for Several Weeks. WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.-At the close of office hours a telegram came to the Navy Department from Admlrai Sicard at Key W'est stating that the “court of inquiry commenced Its session at Key West to-day. It must resume session at Havana to obtain evidence of divers after further work on the wreck.” The important feature of this communication is the declaration that the court will return to Havana. It sets at rest rumors that have been current for some days past that the court was not to return to Havana, for the reason that it had discovered the cause of the sinking of the Maine, which was not an accident, and that it had consequently no further business in Havana. One important deduction to be drawn from the message was that the report of the court of inquiry can scarcely be expected for several weeks to come. The court will be occupied at Key West for some days at least in taking the testimony of the survivors there. Then upon the return to Havana it is expected that a good deal of time must elapse before the divers can get through the mud which now encompasses the lower part of the wreck of the Maine and exumine the bottom. After this is done the court must deliberate in order to secure an agreement on Its findings. The prevalent belief at the Navy Department is that up to this moment the court has not once undertaken to compare notes and endeavor to reach such an agreement. A Cuban mail was received during the day and with the candor which has so far characterized all his dealings with the public in this matter, Secretary Long caused it to be given to the newspaper reporters as soon as he had read it himself. It was made up of one letter from Captain Sampson, dated at Havana, Feb. 23, and although it is simply a statement of events that had already been reported by telegraph, one fact is significant, namely, the statement that the testimony of certain civilian witnesses before the court would be of no importance. His letter, which is dated Feb. 23, is as follows: “Sir—The court has taken the testimony of all the officers of the Maine still here. To-morrow we will take such testimony as the divers have accumulated. The Right Arm arrived here this morning and reported to Captain Sigsbee, according to the orders. I trust some wrecking company will be given the entire job, as no other plan will be feasible. There are two citizens in the harbor who have testified their willingness to testify, although they have nothing important. After taking this evidence and that of the divers I propose to return to Key West and take the evidence of the officers and the men there. It may be necessary to return here after further progress has been made with the divers.” The reports that came from Key West about great activity and the observance of unusual precautions among the few soldiers quartered there were received with amusement at army headquarters here. It was said that no orders had gone forward from this city to explain the bustle, but there was the best reason to suspect that the commandant was simply brushing up the post and putting his best foot forward against the expected appearance there on his tour of inspection of General Merritt, the commanding general of the Department of the East. The gunboat Wilmington sailed to-day from La Guayara for Barbadoes, traveling over the ground covered a few days before by the Cincinnati and Castine. Ail of the boats are slowly cruising around in the Caribbean and will be so employed until April, when they will go South again. Secretary Long said at the close of office hours that no orders had gone out to send another war ship to Havana, reports to the contrary notwithstanding. Captain Dickens, assistant chief of the Navigation Bureau, ha3 gone to Norfolk. Contrary to some reports that have been circulated, his visit has nothing to do with war preparations. He went to inspect the old training ship Essex. This vessel has just returned from a long cruise with the apprentices and the naval regulations require such an inspection as this upon the return of a ship to this country. It will be for Captain Dickens to ascertain simply that the vessel is in healthful condition, that the boys have conducted themselves properly during the cruise and generally to hear complaints and satisfy the department that the ship has been well handled. When this inspection is finished the Essex is to go up to New York for some overhauling. Assistant Secretary Meikeljohn returned to the city by the night boat from Fort Monroe. He declares that his visit to the post had no warlike purpose, but that he simply went for rest and recuperation. At the White House the utmost quiet prevails. Many offers have come from organizations and Individuals of their services in case of a conflict. Some of the congressional callers also have stated to the President that their States were ready to furnish full quotas of men. Secretaries Long and Alger, and Representative Dingley were among the President’s visitors to-day, but it was stated that they have nothing of importance on the Maine affair to discuss with him. Mr. Dingley spoke afterward in strong terms against reports that financial circles in New York were being sounded as to the readiness with which funds could be raised in an emergency. The attention of Secretary Gage was called to the published statement that he was making preparations for a bond issue and that the Bureau of Engraving was preparing the plates. The secretary pronounced the statement unqualifiedly false. No such action has even been considered, he said. Secretary Long went to the White House early to-night and remained in conference with the President for some time. He returned to his hotel about 10 o’clock ana immediately retired, leaving werd that there was no news. Lieut. Yfafitley, of the Bureau of Navigation, who has charge of all telegrams received after department closing hours, stated at a late hour to-niglit that nothing had been received from Capt. Sigsbee at Havana or the court of inquiry at Key West.

AT SCENE OF THE WRECK. Slow Progress by the Divers—Captain Slgsbee’s Medals Recovered. HAVANA, Feb. 28.—Little work was done to-day on the wreck of the Maine by the divers from the tug Right Arm. Captain McGee, who is in charge, seems to lack authority from the wrecking people or others, and is indisposed to work on his own judgment except in smaller details. Captain Sigsbee was on board the United States lighthouse tender Fern until 2 o’clock this afternoon. He waited for the Spanish divers who are to make an investigation, but they did not appear. Captain Sigsbee thinks Spain has a moral and international right to make an Independent examination, and he will give the Spanish divers such facilities as are possible. Captain Sigsbee hopes the survey steamer Bache will return to the Tortugas to-mor-row or the next day with all the Maine’s wounded left here, and he also hopes to , - .. )f (Continued on Second PsgeJ

COURT PRAYER JUSTICE CRAIG WASTED DIVINE GUIDANCE IN LYNCHING CASE. On Sunday He Himself Specifically Prayed In Claas Meeting—Minister Called In Yesterday. R DECISION THIS MORNING ARGUMENTS IN PRELIMINARY HEARING OF VERSAILLES OUTRAGE. A Number of Intemperate Attacks Made on Governor Mount by Attorneys for the Defense. CROWD IN SULLEN TEMPER 4--MR. KETCHAM SHOW'S CIRCUMSTANCES POINT TO HUGHES’S GUILT. - Alleged Alibi of the Defendant—Belief that Hughes Wlll Be Sent to the Grund Jury.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal. CROSS PLAINS, Ind., via Courier to Osgood, Feb. 28.—At the conclusion of argument in the Hughes lynching case late this evening Justice Craig announced ho would render his decision to-morrow morning at 7 o’clock. What it will be cannot be predicted with any certainty. To the unprejudiced spectator it appears that there is sufficient doubt of Hughes’s innocence to warrant the defendant being bound over to the grand jury. Attorney General Ketcham believes the State has made a strong case. There were a number of sensational incidents during the afternoon, including a number of intemperate attacks on the Governor which will most likely have a reactionary effect and probably exert an influence on Justice Craig contrary to that intended. In the crowd here were three of the grand jury which failed to indict any one. The foreman is a brother-in-law of the defendant. The temper here is sullen. Hughes was much agitated at times. There were deep lines on his face as the story of the lynching was rehearsed by the attorney general in his most scathing manner. At another time the defendant was moved to tears by the pathos of his own attorney, a boyhood friend, who urged the justice not to separate him from his wife and disgrace his innocent children. Justice Craig shows the great strain under which he is laboring. A good guess would probably be that the defendant will be sent to the grand jury, but that is only a surmise based on a few days’ observation of the old man who opened the final proceeding with prayer. H. D. McMullen was able to be here for the argument.

ATTORNEY GENERAL’S ARGUMENT. Draws the Lines Tightly About Defendant Hushes. Special to the Indianapolis Journal. CROSS PLAINS, IncL, via Courier to Osgood, Feb. 28.—An unusual incident marked the opening of the final proceedings in the Hughes lynching case to-day. Justice Craig asked that the large crowd bow heads while prayer was offered by Rev. A. M. Lowden, a Methodist preacher of the Versailles circuit. Mr. Lowden prayed that tha magistrate, elected by the people, might be given wisdom in determining an important case in which dollars and cents were, not involved, but human liberty. He prayed that nothing might occur to alienate brother from brother. Yesterday Justice Craig, In Methodist class meeting, prayed for divine guidance in rendering his decision today. After some discussion the attorneys were limited to two and a half hours on each side for argument, the state having the opening and closing. For the first time in the trial, the State’s attorneys were compelled to wait for the defendant’s counsel to appear. As they sat waiting the crowds poured into the schoolhouse. There was little noise or talking, every one being impressed with the gravity of the situation. There were about six hundred people crowded within the walls of the building, with many unable to get in. Tho prayer that ascended seemed to impress every one that Justice Craig expected to Ik? guided by right and justice in his decision. He had asked permission of the attorneys to call on Rev. Lowden to pray. Attorney General Ketcham made a strong argument in sustaining the State’s contention that Hez Hughes killed Henry Schueter. He b<?gan speaking at 12:4J o’clock and spoke an hour. He was not here in a personal character, he said, but as the representative of the State of Indiana, and in that capacity it was his duty to show why the defendant should be sent to jail for the murder of Henry Schueter. He would be glad to go home and say no crime had been committed, but he could not. Mr. Ketcham took up the story of the lynching and the incidents of the day before. “No matter who Lyle Levi was,” said he, “nor who Henry Schueter was, they were entitled to the life God gave them, until it was lawfully taken from them. There cam* a mob of lawbreakers and murderers—for every man that was connected with that crime was in the sight of God guilty of murder.” Things are recognized in various ways, he insisted, either in entirety or in detail. He might not be able to describe Major Cravens to an inquirer, but would know him no matter when they might meet. He would not go into the details of the crime, but try to describe its general appearance. MOVEMENTS OF CONSPIRATORS. “That there has been a crime committed on the body of Henry Schueter it is not questioned,” he went on. “Who did it? He had been in Jail before the preceding Sunday, and on that day Gordo and Andrews were brought to jail also. On that day tho sheriff, charged with guarding the life of his prisoners, was there, hut at night be and his wife went away. No one would expect a lynching to take place in daylight. Then came Tuesday, the fatal day In tha history of Ripley county. On that day Kenyon was out balllt riding towards Milan, and on that night there came from Milan William Beggatt, he says, out of curiosity to see a lynching. On that day Calvin Skeen and Charles Wilson rode to Osgood they say, to see Riley Wilson. Not meeting him on the afternoon train they waited until the night nralr.s. and Mr. Johnson says they left Osgood before either of those trains came. Skeen says he went to consult Wagner about a road. What road the evidence docs not disclose. Was it the xoa*