Indianapolis News, Indianapolis, Marion County, 28 March 1898 — Page 1

V mr

p s

THE INDIANAPOLIS NEWS

XXIXt<RVW«&f FOURTH EDITION

MONDAY KVEMNO. MARCH

iRE CONGRESS

■

REPORT OP THE . COURT OP ISRIIRT

br tlMS President Wlth-

»st Any Recowinendntioii* M to Wb«t Action Should he Tnken*

*

PHIP BLOWN UP BY KARINE MINE.

Responsibility for It Not PlxoA here Were Two Explosions— VolnnUnons Testimony Aoeompsnylnpr Report Trsns-

ted to the President.

Wsshtnyto/' The wounucd

Washington. D. C.. March 28.—The ddsnt to-day sent the following mes-

to Congress:

the Congress of the United States: some time prior to the vlait of Maine to Havana harbor our conrepresentatives pointed out the adto result from the visit of .ships to the Cuban waters. In the people to the presence flag, as the symbol of good will, our ships In the fulfillment of the of protection to American insven though no Immediate need

might exist.

Ingly, on the 24th day of Janlast, after conference with the mlniater. In whlcn the renewal of our war vessels to Spanish ras discussed and accepted, the authorities a.t Madrid and were advised of (the purpose of ernment to resume friendly ts at Cuban ports, and that In the Maine would forthwith the port of Havana ^ announcement was received by government with appreclathe friendly character of the the Maine, and with notification rtion to return the courtesy Spanish ships to the prinof the United States. MeanMalne entered the port of the 36th of January, her armarked with no special Inthe exchange of cusand ceremonial visits, continued In the harbor of during the three weeks followarrival. No appreciable excite-, attended her stay; on the contrary, relief and confidence folptlon of the long-lnter-friendly Intercourse. So notlcewas this Immediate effect of her that the consul-general strongly that the presence of our ships in waters should be kept up, by the Maine at Havana, or, in by sending so-

ber place, the Maine,

past 9 o’clock on the 15£h of Fabruary the fed by an explosion by oeward part of the ship

wrecked. In this catastwo officers and 284 of her crew those who ware not killed outby the explosion being penned bedecks by the tangle of wreckage by the immediate sinking

.1. ‘ ' i

>t assistance was rendered by

neighboring vessels anchored In the Dor, aid being especially given by the ts of the Spanish cruiser, Alphonso XII and the ward line steamer. City of

which lay not far distant, were generously cared for

the authorities of Havana, the hospitals being freely opened to them, while tbe earliest recovered bodies of the dead were interred by the municipality In a public cemetery’ In the city. Tributes of grief and sympathy were offered from all official quarters of the island. "The appalling calamity fell upon the people of our country with crushing force and for a brief time an Intene? excitement prevailed, which In a community less just and self-controlled than ours might have led to hasty acts of blind resentment. This spirit, however, soon gave way^ to the calmer processes of reason and to the resolve to Investigate the facts, and await material proof before forming a judgment as to the cause, the responsibility, and. if the facta warranted, the remedy due. This course necessarily recommended itself from the outset to the executive, for only in the light of a dispassionately ascertained certainty, could it determine the nature and measure of its full duty In the

matter.

The In veatigwt Ion. "The usual procedure waa followed aa In all cases of casualty or dtaaater to national vessels of any maritime state. A naval court of Inquiry waa at once organised, composed of officers well qualified by rank and practical experience to discharge the onerous duty imposed upon them. Aided by a strong force of wreckers and divers, the court proceeded to giake a thorough investigation on the spot, employing every available means for the impartial and exact determination of the causes of the explosion. Its operations have been conducted with the utmost deliberation and judgment, and while independently pursued, no source of Information was neglected, and the fullest opportunity was allowed for a simultaneous Ihvestig&Uon by the Spanish authorities. "The finding of the court of Inquiry was reached after twenty-three days of continuous labor, on the 21st of March, Instant, and having been approved on the J2d by the commander-in-chlef of the United States naval force on the north Atlantic station, waa transmitted to the executive. i “It Is herewith laid before the Congress together with voluminous testimony takr an before the court. “Its purport Is. In brief, as follows: When the Maine arrived at Havana she • was conducted by the regular government pilot to buoy No. 4, to which she was moored, and In from five and onehalf to six fathoms of water. The state of discipline on board and the condition of her magaslnes. boilers, coal-bunkers and storage compartments, are passed in review, with the conclusion that excellent order prevailed and that no indication of any cause for an Internal explosion existed in any quarter. At $ o'clock in the evening of February u iverything had been reported secure and ail was quiet* At forty minutes past

9 o'clock the vessel was suddenly de-

stroyed

Two Distinct Explosions.

"Th.re were two distinct exploiA-ts, with a brief Interval between them. The first lifted the forward part of the ship

MAINE • very perceptibly; the second, which was

more open, prolonged and of greater volume. Is attributed by the court to the | partial explosion of two or more of the forward magasines. The evidence of the divers establish that the after part of the ship was practically intact, and sunk In that condition in a very few minuted after the explosion the forward

part was completely demolished.

“Upon the evidence of concurrent external cause the finding of the court is

as follows:

“ ‘At frame 17 the outer shell of the ship, from a point eleven and one-half feet from the middle line of the Ship and six feet above the keel, when in Its normal position, has been forced up so as to be now about four feet above the surface of the water; therefore, about thirty-four feet above where It would be had the ■hip sunk uninjured. The outside bottom plating la bent Into a reverse V shape, the after wing of which, about fifteen feet broad and thirty-two feet in length (from frame 17 to frame 25). Is doubled back upon Itself against the continuation of the same plating extending

forward.

" ‘At frame 18 the vertical keel Is broken In two, and the flat keel Is bent into an angle similar bo the angle formed by the outside bottom plates. The break is now about six feet below the surface of the water, and about thirty feet above its normal position. " ‘In the opinion of the court, this effect could have been produced only by the explosion of k mine situated under the bottom of the ship at about frame 18, and somewhat cm the port side of the ship.’ The Court’s Condaslona. “The conclusions of the court are: "L That the loss of the Maine was not the result of negligence on the part of any* of the officers or members of her

crew.

“2. That the ship waa destroyed by the explosion of A submarine mine, which caused the partial explosion of two or more of her forward magasines. "2. That no evidence has been obtainable fixing the responsibility for the destruction of the Maine upon any person or persons. ‘T have directed that the finding of the court of Inquiry and the views of this Government thereon, be communicated to the government of her Majesty, the Queen, and I do not permit myself to doubt that the sense of justice of the Spanish nation will dictate a course of action suggested bjV. honor and the friendly relations of the two governments. • '• « "It will be the duty of the Executive 10 advise Congress of the result, and In the meantime deliberate consideration is Invoked. WILLIAM M’KINLEY, "Executive Mansion, March 28, 1898.’’

THE REPORT IN FULL. The Fttullagxi of the Court Regarding the MoAae Disaster. Following is the full text of the report of tbe court of Inquiry, transmitted to Congress by the President with his message:,. "U. % S. Iowa Key West. Fla., 4>Mondgy, March MR "After full and mature consideration of all the testtmohy befort it, the court finds as follows: "1. That the States battleship Maine arrived In tk) ,*arbor of Havana, Cuba on the twenty-.lfth day of January. eighteen hundred and ninety-eight, and was taken to buoy No. 4 In from five abd a half to six fathoms of water, by the regular government pilot. The United States consul-general at Havana had notified the authorities at tha^. , «"!e the previous evening of the Intendi^ &• rival of the Maine. "2. The state of discipline on the Maine was excellent; and all or and regulations In regard to the care safety of the ship were strictly carried out. All ammunition was stowed In accordance with prescribed instructions, and proper care was taken with which ammunition was handled. Nothing was stowed in any one of the magasltvs or shell-rooms which was not permltpd to be stowed there. The magasineti and shell-rooms were always locked after having been entered, and after the destruction of the Maine the keys were found In their proper place in ths captain's cabin, everything having baen reported secure that evening at 8 o’clock. "The temperature of the magasines and Shell-roome were taken dally and reported. The only magazine which had an undue amount of heat was the after teninch magaslnc. and that did hot explode at the time the Maine was destroyed. The torpedo war heads were all stowed In the afterpart of the Ship, under the ward-room, and neither caused nor participated In the destruction of the Maine. The dry gun cotton primers and detonators were stowed in the cabin aft. and remote from the soe»e of the explosion. Waste was carefully looked after on board the Maine to obviate danger. Special orders In regard to this had been given by the commanding officer. Varnishes. dryers, alcohol and other combustibles of this nature were stowed on or above (he main deck, and could not have had anythin# to do with the destruction of the Maine. The Coal Bankers. "The medical stores were stowed aft. under the ward-room, and remote from the scene of the explosion. No dangerous stores of any kind were stored below In any of the other store-rooms. The coal bunkers were inspected daily. Of these bunkers adjacent to the forward rragaiines and shell-rooms, four were empty: namely. "B S. B i B 5. B «.* ‘A 15' had been In use that day, and ‘A HT was full of new river coal. This coal had been carefully Inspected before receiving it on board. The bunker In which it was stowed was accessible on three sides at &U times, and the fourth side at this time on account of bunkers ’B 4' and ‘B 8* being empty. This bunker, 'A 16,' had been Inspected that day by the engineer officer on duty. "The fire alarms in the bunkers were In working order, and there had never been a cbm? of spontaneous combustion of coal on board the Maine. The two after boilers of the ship were in use at the'time of the disaster, but for auxiliary purposes only, with a comparatively low pressure of steam, and being tented by a reliable watch. These boilers could not have caused the explosion of the ship. The four forward boilers have since <4P en found by the divers and are In a fall Condition. “On toe rrfgXof the destruction of the Maine everythin** k*d been reported secure for the nighVat 8 p. m. by reliable persons, through tqC proper authorities, to the commanding tWU ers. At the time the Maine was destr\ ed the ship was

qnM. and. therefore, least liable to sc- • Idem caueed by movement* from those on boaru. The Two Exploeloas. • “3. Thodeot ruction of the Maine occurred at 9:40 p. m. on the ISth day of February. 1888. tn tbe harbor of Havana. Cutis, she being at tbe time moored to tbe same buoy to which dho had been taken upon her arrival. There were two explosions of a distinctly different character. wRh a very short but distinct Interval between them, and the forward part of the ship waa Hfted to a marked degree at the time of the first explosion. “The first explosion was more In the nature of a report like that of a gun. while the second explosion was more open, prolonged and of greater volume. Thlfc second explosion was, In the opinion of the court, caused by the partial explosion of two or more of the forward magazines of the Maine. “4. The evidence bearing upon this, being principally obtained from divers, did not enable the court to form a definite conclusion as to the condition of the wreck, although it was established that the after part of the ship was practically intact and sank in that condition in a very few minutes after the destruction of the forward part. The following facts in regard to the forward part of the ship are, however, established by the testimony. That portion of the port side of the' protective deck, which extends from about frame 30 to about 41, was blown up aft and over to the port. Main Deck Blown Up. "The main deck from about frame 30 to about frame 41 was blown up aft, folding the forward part of the middle superstructure over and on top of the after part. This was, in the opinion of the court, caused by the partial explosion of two or more of the forward magazines of the Maine. "5. At frame 17' the outer ehell of the ship, from a point eleven and one-half foot of the middle line of the ship and six feet above the keel when in Its normal position, has been forced up to be now about four feet above tbe surface of the water; therefore, about thirty-four feet above where it would be had the ship sunk uninjured. The outside bottom plating Is bent into a reversed V shape, the after wing of which, about fifteen feet' broad and thirty-two feet in length (from frame 17 to frame 26), is doubled back upon Itself against tbe continuation of the same plating extending forward. At frame 18 the vertical keel is broken in two, and the flat keel bent into an angle similar to the angle formed by the outside bottom plating. This break Is ia>w about six feet below the surface of the water, and about thirty feet above Its normal position. In the opinion of tbe court, Uhls effect could have beeh produced only by the explosion of a mine situated under the bottom of the ship at about frame 18. and somewhat on the port side of the ship. Tfce Court’s Oowelaslons. “6. The court finds that the loss of the Maine, on the occasion named was not In any respect due to fault or negligence on the part of any of the officers or the members of the crew of said vessel. '7. In the opinion of the court the Maine, was destroyed by the explosion of a submarine mine, which caused the partial explosion of two or more of her forward iragaxlnes. “8. The court has beeh unable to obtain evidence fixing the responsibility for the destruction of the Maine upon any person or persons. “W. T. SAMPSON. “Captain, U. S. N., President. • “A. MARIX, "Lieutenant Commander, U. S. N., Judge Advocate.” » "The court, having finished the inquiry It was ordered to make, adjourned at 11 a. m. to await the action of the convening authority. "W. T. SAMPSON, . , "Captain U. 8. N., President; "A. MARIX, "Lieutenant-Commander U. S. A., Judge Advocate. "U. S. Flagship Now York, March 22, 1898. Off Key West, Fla '•'The proceeding* and findings of the court of inquiry In the above case are approved. "M. SICARD, "Rear Admiral, Commander-In-Chief of the United States Naval Force on the North Atlantic Station." One Error Corrected. Washington, D. C., March 28.—One of the main points brought out by the testimony In the Maine case, which went to Congress to-day with the report of th« board of Inquiry, was to correct an important impression which has prevailed all over the country. The testimony proves that the battleship’s position was not changed after she entered the harbor! She was moored to a buoy and remained there until blown up. The statement has been made repeatedly in the press that her position was changed the niglit before the explosion by the direction of the harbor master of Havana. SOME OF TUB TESTIMONY. The Important Facts Testified to by the Various Wltueaaes. The determination was reached early to-day to send In the testimony taken before the court of inquiry, to accompany the report. Members of the foreign relations committee of the Senate made vigorous protests yesterday and this morning against the program originally decided upon, saying that It would be farcical to refer to that committee the findings of the court and withhold the testimony. The committee desired the testimony at the earliest possible moment. It was also pointed out that the withholding of the testimony would be construed by some persons to mean that an attempt was being made to keep from Congress and the people evidence which waa regarded as sensational. Following are portions of the testimony: Ensign W. V. N. Powelson waa called the third day of the court. He testified that he had been present on the Maine every day. from the arrival of the Fern, and during ft great deal of the diving. In reply to a question to tell the court all about the condition of the wreck, ue said the forward part of the ship forward of the after smokestack had been to all appearances completely destroyed. The conning tower lay In a position opposite the door leading to the superstructure aft and to starboard, inclined at about U0 degrees to the vertical, with rhe top of the conning tower Inboard. Details of It. Continuing, he described with close detail the condition under the main deck on the port side. The fixture were completely wrecked, while fixtures in the same position on the starboard side were in stone cases almost Intact. The port bulkhead between the main and berth decks, W the cotmlng tower support, had been blown aft on both sides, but a great deal more on the port than on the starboard side. The fire-room hatch Immediately aft of the conning tower had

been Mown In three direction#—aft. to starboard and to port. The protective dark under the conning tower supports was bent In two directions, the plates on the starboard side being bent up and on the starboard s*de bent down. In reply to an Inquiry' a* to whether he meant with reference to their original position. Ensign Powelson replied affirmatively. The beam supporting the protective deck a few Inches abaft of the armored tube, to port of the midship line, was bent up to starboard of the midship line] Just forward of the conning tower, underneath the main deck, two beams met at right angles: one beam was broken and pushed from port to starboard. A grating was found on the poop awning Just forward of the after searchlight. A piece of the side plating just abaft of starboard turret was visible. This plate was bent outward and then forward and bent upward and folded backward upon Itself. This plate was sheared from the rest of the plating below the water line, and had been pushed out to starboard. - Tho unarmored gratings of the engineroom hatch were blown off. A composition strainer was picked up^from .the lK>ttom on the starboard quarter at a point about opposite the poop capstan and about seventy feet from It. The chief engineer thought the strainer was from the fireman's wash-room. It was not a strainer in the ship's side. Near the piece of outside plating to which witness referred above, he said there were pieces of red shellaced planks. On these planks was bolted a composition track two Inches wide and an Inch thick. Geaeval Lee’s Testimony. Consul-General Fltxhugh Lee appeared before the court on March 8. His testimony related to the official formalities heralding the Maine’s arrival. On January 24 he r-jcelved a message from the State Department, stating that the Maine would be sent to Havana on a friendly visit to resume the regular status of naval relations between the two countries, and he was ordered to make arrangements at the palace for the Interchange of official courtesies. After a call at the palace he sent the State Department a cipher message, saying: “Authorities profess to think the United States has ulterior purposes in sending the ship. Say It will obstruct autonomy and produce excitement, and most probably a demonstration. Ask that It not be done till they can get Instructions from Madrid. Say that If for friendly purposes, as claimed, delay Is unimportant.” It was too late, however, the Maine had already sailed. She arrived next day, and Lee reported, her arrival to the State Department. Lleat. Wnittwright’s Statements. Lieut.-Com. Richard Wainwright testified that the regulations hi regard to paints and inflammables and all other precautions were strictly carried out on board ship. Every possible care was taken to avoid accident. All visitors were scrutlml&ed before being allowed to come on board. Nobody was allowed unaccompamted. Special “lookouts” were required at might. No unauthorized boats were allowed to approach the Ship. There were fine discipline, obedient crew, quiet men. He was In the captain's office at the time of the explosion; felt a very heavy shock and heard noise of fabling objects on deck; thought the ship was being fired upon; was told by captain to see boats were lowered. He saw few men coming, mostly officer*. He saw no reason to flood the magazine because water was coming up. He saw fire forward. Boata began to crowd around the wreck. He induced the boats to ‘lake ths Wounded to different vessels. He ordered a list taken of the saved endwounded. There was excellent discipline after the explosion. Orders were followed with promptness of a drill. The only order not obeyed was the order to leave the ship. He first examined the wreck at daylight the following morning. He took a gig with Lieuteciant Hodd and a few men and attempted to board thp wreck. He was warned off by an armed boat's crew of Snaniairds and then pulled around the wreck. There were still some burning fragments. A Diver's Evidence. Chief Gunner*’ Mate Olsen, of the U. S. S. Iowa, told how he had been sent to Havana fen* the purpoee of doing diving duty on the wreck. He had descended four times, making about eight or nine hours of total examination. Olsen told how on his first descent he went over the forward part of the ship. To use his own expression, he said: “I found the wreck all Mowed up. I found a lot of grate-bars down there." The second time he went down- further forward, and there located a lot of ten-inch shells. Forward of these the plates were bent inboard over them. Asked. if he imagined himself looking forward, he stated that he did. Going over the plates he struck Into a lot of six-inch shells with the slings on them. Going to the right witness stated he found a lot of wreckage. It seemed to have been blown over Che starboard. Olsen stated that he put his hand into the cranks and brought out several sixpounder shella The next time he went down Olsen testified he went outside of the ship forward of the crane on the port side.He followed the bottom along and found that the ship’s side was blown outboard and alongside the crane It could be walked

on.

“At the part where she Is blown up completely.” witness said, "part of her bottom plates are turned up. Then you follow the bottom from there up. and the plates are blown outboard. At the top and underneath the bottom they are blown inboard and underneath the bottom they are blown Inboard and bent in. About three feet forward of that spot there Is a piece of Iron laid along the bulkhead. The skin of the inside of the double bottoms is curled like a sheet of paper inboard from stem to stern." Captain Slgwbee-’* Testimony. Captain Sigsbee. in testifying before the court of inquiry, said that he assumed command of the Maine on April 10, 18971 and that his ship arrived In the harbor of Havana the list time January 24, 1898. The authorities at Havana knew of the Maine's coming, ConsulGeneral Lee having Informed the authorities. according to official custom. After he took on an official pilot, sent by the captain of the port of Havana, the ship was berthed In the man-of-war anchorage off the Machlno. or the Shears, which, according to his understanding. was one of the regular buoys of the place. He then stated that he had been in Havana In 1872 and again In 1898. He could not state whether the Maine was placed In the usual berth for men-of-war, but said that he had heard remarks since the explosion, using Captain Stevens, temporarily In command of the Ward Line steamer City of Washington, as authority for the statement, that he had never known in all his experience, which covered visits to Havana for five or six years, a man-of-war to be anchored at that buoy; that he had rarely known merchant vessels to be anchored there, and that it was the least used buoy in

the harbor.

In describing the surroundings when first moored t6 this buoy. Captain Slgsbee stat d that the Spanish man-of-war, Alphonso XIII was moored in the position now occupied by the Fern, about 250 yards to the northward and westward of the Maine. The German ship Griesenau was anchored at the berth now occupied by* the Spanish man-of-war I^egaspe. which is about 400 yards about due north from the Maine. He then located the German man-of-war Charlotte, which came into the harbor a day or tw o later, which was anchored to the southward of the Maine's berth about 400 or

500 yards.

In describing the surroundings at the time of the explosion. Captain Slgsbce stated that the night was calm and st’ll.

xni

l"Tf2is u “!TWO

CENTS.

and ««»t of the Main*'* stern, slightly on

the port quarter.

The Maine coaled at Key West, taking on about ISO tona, the coal being regularly Inspected and taken from the Government coal pile. It was placed generally In the forward bunkers. No report Wfta received from the chief engineer that any coal had been too long tn the bunkers; end that the fire alarms it> the hunkers

were sensitive.

Great Care Observed. In eo far aa the regulations regarding Inflammables and paime on board, Capt. Sigsbee testified that the regulations were strictly carried out in regard to storage, and that the waste also was subject to the same careful disposition. As to the situation of the paint-room, he fixed It as In the “eyes of the ship," Just below the berth deck, the extreme forward compartment- As for the disposition of Inflammables. they were stowed In chests, according to the regulations, and when Inflammables were In excess of chest capacity, they were allowed to be kept in the bath-room of the admiral's cabin. Regarding the electric paint of the Maine, Captain Sigsbee stated that there was no serious grounding, nor sudden flaring up of the lights before the explosion, but a sudden and total eclipse. As for the regulations, affecting the taking of temperatures of the magazines, etc.. Captain Sigsbee said there were no special regulations other than the usual regulations required by the department. He examined the temperature himself, and conversed with the ordnance officer os to the various temperatures and the contents of the magazines, and according to the opinion of this offley as well as Sigsbee, the temperatures were never at danger point. “I do not think there was any laxity in this direction,” said the captain In leply to a question of Judge

Advocate Marlx.

He had no recollection of any work going on In the magazine or shell-rooms on the day of the explosion. The keys were called for in the usual way on the day In question, and were properly returned. At the time of the disaster the two after boilers in the after fire room were in use, because the hydraulic system was some-

what leaking.

OordlnJ to Him. Speaking generally of his relations with the Spanish authorities, Captain Sigsbee stated that with the officials they were outwardly cordial The member* of the autondfnlstlc council of the government, however, seem to have brought to the attention of the Navy Department the fact that he did not visit tlem, and that fact brought embarrassment to the Gcvemment at Washington. He took the ground to the department that It ' was unknown etiquette to ceil on the civil members of the colonial government other than the Governor. Without waiting for such an order, Captain Sigsbee made a visit afterward, and, as he states, was pleasantly received and his visit promptly returned by certain members of the council. Later a party of ladies and gentlemen called, and the president of the council made a speech which Captain Sigsbee could not understand, but which was interpreted to him briefly, to which he responded. “My reply,” said Captain Slgrbee, “was afterward printed In at least two papers in Havana, but the terms made me favor autonomlstic government In the island. I am informed that the autonomlstic government in Havana is unpopular, among a large class of Spanish and Cuban residents. I have no means of knowing whether my apparent interference in the political concerns of the Island had any relation to the destruction of the Maine." W!hen asked whether there waa any demonkiration of animosity by people afloat, Captain Sigsbee said that there never was on shore, as he was informed, but there was afloat. He then related tba - : on the first Sunday after the Mtine’s arrival a ferry boat crowded densely with people, civil and military, returning from a bull fight in Regia, passed the Maine and about forty people on board Indulged in yells. wlhJatles and derisive ooUa. During the stay m Havana Capt

The Alphonso XI

was at the same

berth. The small Spanish disnateh-boet Legospe had come out the day before ana taker, the berth occupied by the German man-of-war. the Grkeenau, which hud left. The steam* r City of Washington was anchored about 300 yards to the south

debate under the rules, but asked if the rrpt rt of the board of Inquiry hack not accompanied the message. The Speaker replied that a footnote to the message contained the information that the report and testimony had been transmitted to the Senate. ‘Would It be In order to ask unanimous consent to set apart Wednesday for the consideration of the message?” asked Mr. McMIUin (Democrat), of Tennessee. ’The Chair thinkls not,” replied the Meantime Mr. Walker (Republican), of Massachusetts, was on his feet, and, when recognized, he announced as dean of the delegation the death of his colleague, Representative Simpkins. The usual resolutions were adopted, the Speaker appointing the following committee to attend the funeral: Messrs. Gillette. McCall, Moody and Lovering, of Massachusetts; Cousin, of Iowa; Foss, of Illinois; Lattaur, of New York: Newlands, of Nevada, and Berry, of Kentucky, and then at 12:18 p. m. the House as a further mark of respect adjourned. In the Senate. By 8 o’clock people were wafting outside of the Senate wing of the great marble hall, and when the doors to the galleries were opened at 9 o'clock the rush for seats began. Within art hour every available inch In the public galleries was occupied, and the reserved galleries were packed to the doors by 11 o’clock. Thousands of persons who arrived long before the Senate convened; failed to gain admission, even to the upper corridors of the Senate, so great was the Jam. In the diplomatic gallery were Abner McKinley, the President's brother, and the wife of Captain Sigsbee. The attendance of Senators was unusually large. It waa quite evident that the Individual members of the body, despite the dignified reserve In which many of them were wrapped, were quite as deeply Interested In tire proceedings as was the general public. Every Senator at the Capitol was in his seat when the gavel of the VicePresident fell. At 12:01 Major Pruden, executive secretary to the President, delivered to the Senate the message of tbe J President transmitting the long-expected and much-discussed report of the Maine court of inquiry. As Major Pruden was recognized by the Vice»President, there was a hush in the chamber, a majority of the spectators expecting that the message and report were to be read to the Senate immediately. Routine business, however, waa taken up for a time. The Measmge Read. At 12:12 Mr. Morgan, of Alabama, rose and demanded the reading of the President's message. Instantly there was a hush In the chamber—a hush so profound that a whisper might have been heard. Vice-President Hobart at once laid the message before the Senate, and Its reading was begun. The closest attention was given to the reading of the message by every person within hearing. Around the Inner semi-circular wall of the chamber many of those entitled to the floor stood. Among these were two score or more of the members of the House of Representatives. As that part of the message, summarizing the findings of the court was read, people scarcely breathed, so intense was the Interest In the document. At the conclusion of the reading of the message, Mr. Davis, of Minnesota, chairman of the committee on foreign relations, amid a buzz of whispered conversation, rose and requested that the findings of the court of inquiry be read. In reading the findings the clerk experienced great difficulty, as they had not been placed in typewritten form, and were blindly written. At the conclusion of the reading Mr. Davie moved that the message of the President, the findings of the court of inquiry and the testimony taken before the court be referred to the committee on foreign r£ja.tions and ordered printed. It was so ordered. Mr. Lodge, of Massachusetts, Introduced a resolution that 2,000 additional copies of the message, findings and teattiflony be printed for tile use of the Senate. The resolution was

agreed to.

1 CALMER FEELING.

placing servorL- ... . poop, quarantine and signal buoys on the bridge and on the poop. Berlin. March 28.—The Reichstag today definitely adopted the navy bill without division, amid cheers. The -imperial chancellor. Prince Hohenloe, and the other ministers congratulated Admiral Von Tirpitz, the secretary of the navy. GREAT CURIOSITY TO HEAR IT. Grewt Crovrds In Both Houses—Referred to Committee*. Washington, D. C.. March 28.—Except on the occasion of the inauguration of a President, no such crowds as surged through the corridors and stormed the galleries for admission have been seen at the Capitol in a quarter of a century. Public interest in the findings of the court Pf inquiry appointed to investigate the disaster which' sent one of Uncle Sam's noblest war vessels to the bottom of Havana harbor and sacrificed the lives of 260 brave American, sailors was at white heat. At daylight this morning people were already seeking entrance to the Capitol, and hours before noon, when the two houses convened, the marble stairways were choked with pushing, jostling people, pressing toward the galleries. Not an Inch of space remained In the public galleries at 9 o'clock, though long lines of people, stretching down the stairways to the lower corridors, continued to press forward. Within a few minutes after the reserved galleries were thrown open, they, too, were completely filled, with the exception of those reserved for the diplomatic corps and the families of the President and Cabinet. Admission to these galleries was strictly by card. Many distinguished persons were in the galleries. The hall buzzed like a beehive with the sound of myriads of voices. On the floor there was almost as much excitement as In the galleries. Upon the desk of the late Representative Simpkins. of Massachusetts, who died suddenly on Saturday night, a wreath of Easter IHIea, Interwoven with tulips, crocuses and lilies of the valley, cast an air of sadness over the vast assemblage. Fifteen mlrurtes before the House con vened the floor was cleared. The diplomatic and executive galleries shortly afterword were opened, and before the gavel fell at noon not a seat was vacant. Altogether there were an unusually large number of ladies in the galleries, and their gay spring eowtumes added rmidh to the brilliancy of the notable scene. Chairman Dingley and Mr. Bailey and the other leaders entered the hall without demonstration. At exat'tly 12 o’clock tbe Speaker ascended tbe rostrum and called the House to order. Amid the impressive elience that followed, the blind chaplain delivered a soUann prayer, which rang through the hall like a warning. He referred to the storm clouds 'chat hung above the country threatening to break at onv time. He prayed to God to interpose His power that these clouds might pass away, leaving us in peace and tranquillity. “Yet, if war must come,'* he prayed, “On vindication of truth and justice, mercy and right, help us to be prepared with brain and heart and brawn to meet It. To this end be with the President and the Cabinet, our counselors and ail officially connected with the affairs of state.” The Memagre Received. There were do preliminaries. While the journal was being read, Chief Executive Clerk Pruden appeared with the message, which was announced as soon as the reading of the Journal was concluded. • The thronged galleries were hushed as the clerk carried the document down the main aisle and pDced It on the Speaker's table. Speaker Reed himself broke the large rod .seal of the envelop*?, and without so much as looking at the message handed ft to the clerk, at the same time announcing In a clear, distinct voice, "A message from the President of the United States.” No preaideatfel message was ever lUtseed to with such breathless interest. Members eat straining to catch every word. When tbe reading was concluded, a wave of tpplause swept over the floor and gailcriec The 8i?eaker immediately announced the reference of the message to the committee on foreign relations, under the rule*. Mr. Bailey, the Democratic leader, arose and said he understood the message would take U<at course without

The

FANllY DAYENPOSTTERY III. Actress Believed to he

Dying Condition.

In n

Chicago, March 28.—The condition of Miss Fanny Devenport, the actress, which was reported as extremely critical laet night, was said to be improving today, her physicians stating that she had passed a comparatively comfortable night. That her condition is still regarded as serious, however, was evidenced by the fact that a consultation of physicians was held to-day. Miss Davenport’s relatives, wjio have been telegraphed for, have not yet arrived, but are expected to-day. Later In the day It was acknowledged by those In attendance upon the celebrated actress that the patient was at death's door, and slender hopes of her recovery are entertained. Fanny Davenport Is about forty-five years old, and Is the daughter of the late E. L. Davenport, one of the famous actors of his day. Twenty years ago she came into prominence* as leading lady of the Union Square Theater New York Stock Company. She afterward starred In comedy dramas, but of late years she has been devoting her attention to Sardou's plays. She has been twice married. Her first husband was Edward Price, then an actor, but noy a theatrical manager, from whotn? she was divorced. Her present husband is Melbourne MOcDowell. her leading man. She has two brothers In the profession—Edgar L. and Harry Davenport. The latter played In Indianapolis a few weeks ago in “The Belle of New York.” Miss Davenport also played here recently.

RICHARD F. L0PER ARRESTED.

Charged with Oouspirmcy In 'Wrecking the People’s Bank.

Philadelphia, March 28.—Richard F. Loper, vice-president and general manager of the Guarantors’ Finance Company, was placed under arrest this afternoon. charged with conspiracy to cheat and defraud the People’s Bank. The warrant, which was sworn out by Albert Tabor, receiving teller of the People's Hank, charges that when the bank closed Its doore on March 25, Loper was indebted to that institution to the extent of about 8600,(¥10, for which he had given securities that were Actually worthless. Cashier John 8. Hopkins, of the People's Bank, committed suicide Thursday morning. March 24, after he had learned that application ha$ beea made for a receiver for the Guarantors’ company. j

THE PROSPECTS FOR PEACE REGARDED AN IMPROVED.

Although the Government 1s Still Actively Making Preparations for Emergencies.

SPAIN

WILLING CESSIONS

TO MAKE TO CUBA.

COK-

The President’s Definite Poltey la the Matter — Trouble Feared at Havana*—A Letter from Gomes —Naval Cadets HXpeet War —Day’s Developments.

(Special to The Indianapolis News.1 Washington, D. C.. March 28.—Peace

pervades the atmosphere this morning, on the day of all others that war expected to make the test in the relations between Spain and the United States. The foundation for this easier feeling could be traced to no other sources Vhor the official assurances of high officers of the Government that Spain waa gradually receding, and would in a few days

big guns belched forth the salute, was answered from the Massac l lying near. Then enthusiasm, broke ! and there was a roar of applause | the deck and yards. Shortly after j officers of the battleship Massacht came aboard, and, together with the fleers of the Brooklyn, paid their

•pects.

The second step In the formation the squadron will take place this when the assignment of vessels is

pleted.

For speed and strength this will be unexcelled. At present tleship Massachusetts, of 19,288 tons, capable of eighteen knots an he the protected first-class cruiser lyn. of 9,271 to as. and capable of twe two knots an hour, form the the squadron. During the week It Is expected Min.eapolts, 7.735 tons, with a twenty-three knots, and the 6,735 tons*, with a speed of ti knots, will be added. While in* ships are listed a# crut are of a type equal to the of Spain. The Brooklyn, the highest type of a fighting and Its equipment of rat coeds bofib In number and caliber i first-cl Rise battleship of Spain. Ir “ the squadron trill be unexcelled, or age speed, eveo for the heavy ship Massachusetts, being 21.5 f four best boats in the Spanish ago but 18.5 krjcts. ! Commodore Schley mid this the Associated Press have no orders to move, nor when any will come. We are move at the shortest kind of no the completion of the fleet.

Willing to watte j Concession* tn Cuba.

New York, March 28.—The

Washington special says: though apparently defiant,

make overtures to the United States Gov- i farther delay before the

SPAIN WANT# MORE TIME.

She Is

eminent which would lead to peace. Much

«srTmX

visit of the Spanish minister, Senor Polo de Bemabe, to the Whits House yesterday and the representations hs made to

the President and Cabtagt.

The dispatches from Madrid, however, do not. bear out these assurances of peace and the movements around tho White House and In the Army and Navy Departments to-day do not look peaceable. The special Cabinet meletlng called this morning to consider thk report of the Maine board of Inquiry, so It was alleged, was something of a surprise to the members of the Cabinet. None of them w*s aware that they were to be called in session until they received notices from the White House to assem-

ble at 10:30.

Commodore Schley took charge to-day of the flying squadron. The Columbia, which has been at Brooklyn, will join him at once, and the Minneapolis has orders to sail Wednesday. A navy officer who visited the Columbia yesterday and returned to Washington to-day says tho officers and crew of the Columbia are not positive where they are to go, but there Is a feeling that the destination of the flying squadron is St. Thomas, where it will put itself in readiness to Intercept the Spanish torpedo flotilla In the event the Government deems such action necessary. The orders for tbe flying squadron are known only to Commodore Schley. They were given to him sealed in Washington last Friday.

A MORE HOPEFUL OUTLOOK. Spain Reported to be Conciliatory «S*The C abinet Meeting. * Washington, D. C.. March 28 —The special Cabinet meeting, which waa called at 10:30 o'clock to-day, was largely devoted to the reading of the President’s message, sent to Congress at noon. Several minor changes were made In the wording of the message, and after It had been dispatched to the Capitol, x>me time was spent in consideration of ’ate messages from Minister Woodford. Although the details of these dispatches are not made public, it Is known that they are reassuring In character, and give a basis for the belief that the present strained relations may yet be satisfactorily relieved. Although reticent as to the details, a member of the Cabinet said, after the meeting to-day, that the conditions were much more hopeful than three days ago. It is undoubtedly true' that Spain Is willing to make Important concessions to the United States, and is willing to go even so far aa to agree to withdraw her troops from Cube on conditions which, If not satisfactory to this Government, are more liberal and conciliatory than anything heretofore received, and clearly indicate a purpose to avoid war. even if to attain that end file Is compelled to make saertftees never before considered. Notwithstanding these hopeful signs, the negotiations have not passed the danger point, nor Is it believed that this Government will accept any compromise that does not Involve prompt cessation of hostilities, even if the question of the future government of Cuba be left to future nsConcerning the reports of an armistice, it can be stated positively that there wilt be no agreement on the basis of an armistice for eight months, or any other period.

SCHLEY IN COMMAND.

The

Small Blase at Warsaw. [Special to The Indianapolis News.] ■Warsaw, Jnd., Munch 28.—Fire destroyed the 'residence cf Mrs. Bertha McClure, in this c.ty, at^6 o’clock this morning. The loss is $2,<XK), with no insurance. o -■ - i TWO DAYS’ HEWS IN BRIEF. Chinese have been ordered by Russia to leave Port Arthur. The Italian government has declined to sell to the United States the warship Dante Bueno, for which 30,000,000 lire were offered, being 5,000.000 over her cost price. J. Harvey Overstreet, aftjer a lengthy trial, waa expelled from a. Methodist church at Lexington. Ky.i because he vowed he would "break up the d—<1 choir.” , At Akron, O.. George and Anthony Alderemott, young sons of Johb Aldersmott, were killed by an electric street car. They were crossing the street with their arm.s about each other, and stepped before the car. Their bodies were mangled horribly. South Carolina negroes are offering their services In large numbers, and companies are being organized to be In readiness in case of war with Spain. It is said that 5.000 could be Placed in Kne within a week. One company has already been equipped with spades, axes and picks.

Commodore ts Now with His

Flylag Squadron.

FL Monroe. Va., March 28.—(With the American flying squadron, Hampton Roads.)—More than the usual enthusiasm was displayed to-day by the officers and men of that portion of the American flying squadron already assembled hare when Commodore W. 8. Schley took command. There Is always a perfunctory duty to be done in such cases, but the duty to-day was performed with an Illconcealed enthusiasm that bordered upon a breach of discipline. Officers smiled, however. The newly detailed commander could not In his pleasure at such a greeting find fault, and the men were allowed /to give full vent to their feelings. The significance of the greeting was on the general feeling that the first step toward the completion of which will be the free fighting squadron had been taken, and the men apparently were gratified both with the step and with the choice of commanders, for Commodore Schley Is known as a conservative, yet absolutely fearless and determined fighter. Commodore Schley left Washington last night and arrived at Ft. Monroe early this morning. He was met by an ensign and a big crowd of sailors, who relieved him of his baggage and received Information that he would go aboard tha Brooklyn, which he has designated as flag ship. At 9:30, after breakfast at Chamberlain’s, the commander of the Brooklyn, with some petty officers, took Commodore Schley aboard a launch and conveyed him to the fleet, which lies near Newport News. The commodore was In civilian dress and was saluted with the usual formalities as he passed up the Brooklyn's companion way to begin active service. He was shown to quarters, which are more elaborate than upon any warship afloat, having been prepared for exhibit when the Brooklyn visited England during the Queen’s Jubilee. Within a half-hour after boarding tbe ship Commodore Schley, in full uniform. was ready to take command, and the men of the fleet were drummed to quarters with the yards manned, the marines on deck and officers and gunners

at post.

Schley la Command. Commodore Schley stepped to the bridge of the Brooklyn, and, reading his commission, took possession. At the same instant his flag was displayed from tbe Broklyn's masthead and one of the

does anything more about

Washington. He promised half that she would lay before Department at an early day i more liberal government of plan, the minister declares, fair and liberal that It factory to the United Cuban insurgents, and would peace on the Island. Spain s proposal is ge ^ In Washington to have President McKinley and diplomats* are, however. The President has not yet of averting war, and. with patience, is ready to cons that might lead to a peaceful «< the Cuban Question. Details or Spain's new plan made known by Minister Polo, plained to Assistant Secretary Spain would not yield her over Cuba. She would give home rule,withdraw her troops else the most limited authoiitj flag must remain over Cuba. It plainly stated by the minister that independence of Cuba could not bought with money. While President McKinley Is to look with favor upon Spain’s tion. It is not doubted that a* * of his consultations with Cabinet hers and other leaders, the minister be told that no pledge can be given tc Indorse any policy Spain may adopt short of Cuban independence. / Spain’s Alleged Decision. A dispatch from Madrid to tha says: Madrid Is ringing with outbursts. Spain has taken a \ Is apparently not credited hr States. The government has cteion that it will neither a offer for Cuba, nor Will It called friendly interventior fairs by the United Sfcal emphasis the government that it can not consider the any clahn for damages growing the loss of the Mains. This dee considered by all as derogatory to al dignity. I am In a position to state tfhfit decision was communicated yestlrda Minister Woodford by Senor Gullon. er these decisions there can be little ther parley between the two govemtr ft remains for the United States to i whether she will give provocation i Spain announces she can not

noticed.

The entire country is unanime port of the ministry, Which, thus remains apparently oalm issue. All talk about a c owing to differences of poilotes is » of foundation, and any assertion f Carlisle are disloyal is as wide „ truth a« the sttly statement that Southern States hi the Union will s upon the nation's difficulties to rise

In rebellion.

Sagasta remain* cool and one Who has don* afll 4n Gullon, while firmly believing 1 in Ing the dignity of the nation, is i racking h& brains to ‘

able solution. He is

member of the Cabinet. only say: “I do not think the i

*10 e *%.«.4** A Wr Iram* ’»

peace entirely lo*t/

:;J

TROUBLE FEARED AT HAVANA.

An

Uprising Against Al There is Probable.

New York, March 28.—A HeraJd from Key West says: It is now on good authority, that ths grove, which sailed for on Friday, went there oetc to bring away material from the Maine, but In reality to hand In case of an outbreak in so that Americans could tak* the vessel. Twenty-on* American zenj arrived here on the steamer from Havana. Among these wen Sigsbee and other officers of the ordered home by the Washington Itles. Chaplain Chadwick will here temporarily, although the continued north, via Tampa. The consensus of opinion ar tho passengers was that a al exodus from Havana shortly follow, as the result the present excitement attending the present attitude of the American 1 ment. Unusual strict censorship been maintained over the cable, to vent any information being gardlng the attitude of the United Government, the authorities fearing lent demonstrations against the lean residents of Havana, Among the passengers who arrived i Julio Hidalgo, of the banking Hidalgo tk Co., of Havana. No bet informed person than Mr. Hidalgo, or who la better qualified to express an o Ion regarding the present cordl Havana, can be found. The fae being a careful, conservative man gives weight to any might make. He said that _ Havana might be likened to a liable to eruption at any moment, euthoritlee. by the stringent measures, aldet had been able ro bold the _ In check, but he feared this determined now on a conflict United States, and could not _ controlled, more especially a* the ment would have among its um ' leaders and ardent supporters w rr ihtary officers and prominent r of the island. One* started, there , telling, he said, where an uprising end. Extra Guards for New York. March 28.-A dispatch to 1 Herald from Havana says: General Congooto asked Lee to permit him to furnish him a sonal body-guard. General Lee * ' this offer, and General Congooto ed himself with Increasing the plain-clothes detective* which for have kept a careful eye on at all time, with a view to his as he goes about the city. Consul-General Lee. bfi„„ serious crisis in affairs is likely to < now at any moment. Is a revised list of all Havana, together with

’

: '

mk

IpPP

■ ’ ' V/i C A

(Continued on

mm

, . .

,-V/

■a

' 1 '