18 Feb 1898
Page 1
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Newspaper
Americus Times Recorder
Location
Americus, Georgia, United States of America
Date
Feb 18, 1898
Page
1
BIVENS offers loan negotiations for farms and city property with flexible terms. Seeks bargaining partners ready to secure best rates and lowest terms. Promises to pay off anytime and asks to be informed of negotiations.
Wooten emerges as the sole dependable figure guiding the city amid tensions. The report highlights his steady leadership and role in steadying municipal operations during a period of uncertainty and local challenges.
Havana February 16 United States battleship Maine was blown apart in the harbor around 9 pm causing the loss of most of its 400 crew and officers. Only 88 saved. Captain Brigsbee escaped unhurt. Several officers missing Jenkins and Merritt among them. An investigation is underway with theories including an infernal machine aboard.
In Washington february 16 senators and representatives debated the Maine disaster. Senator Platt doubted premeditation, while Butler suggested a visit by a bold saboteur placed a grenade aboard. Naval officers split between an accident in coal bunkers and potential magazine explosions. Congress planned no immediate action, trusting a thorough inquiry by departments.
At the Spanish legation in Wasmisatox on February 16 the news of the Maine disaster prompted deep regret and condolence. Early in the day the Spanish d affaires Benor Dubose received a message from General Blanco filed in Havana at 6 am stating the regretful acknowledgment and sorrow.
An old advertisement extols Syrup of Figs as a pleasant cleansing remedy for kidneys, bowels, and circulation. It claims quick action, cures constipation, and dispels fevers and headaches, praising its agreeable ingredients and taste. Bottles cost 50 cents and druggists can procure it if not stocked.
In a cable from General Blanco authorities in Havana describe a disaster as an accident with deaths and injuries. Senor Dubose ex and others emphasize a full response, including the marine fire brigade and Havana generals. An aide is sent to assist the North American consul. Official statements express deep regret.
Havana dispatch details the explosion that sank the Maine. James Rowe, ship's cook, barely injured, describes waking to chaos as the magazine fire and torpedo boat actions triggered a catastrophic blast that plunged the city into darkness and prompted swift naval and political reactions. The consul general and General Blanco were alerted as authorities investigated the cause.
Senor de Lamy arrived at the Hotel St Mare in New York this morning and refused to credit the belief that Spaniards caused the Maine disaster. He prayed for guidance as mourners learned of the catastrophe.
Senor de l Tam declares no war is possible between Spain and the United States, insisting Spain cannot afford conflict for policy reasons. He faults the article and asserts the Maine explosion in Havana harbor was an accident, expressing strong affection for Latin America and friendship with America.
Washington officials faced a tense morning as the Navy Department awaited news on the Maine disaster. Reports from Key West and Cay SigSbee noted many killed and wounded, with Captain Dickens and other officers confirming the explosion and ship damage. The chaotic details and casualty counts dominated early dispatches, signaling a national crisis.
Rear Admiral George Brown, retired chief of the Navy, informed of the Havana harbor naval casualty believes an explosion aboard the Maine caused the destruction. He doubts a harbor torpedo could have accidentally exploded beneath the ship and says he does not recall any similar incident in U.S. history.
Secretary Long received telegrams from Havana and Washington expressing sympathy for the officers and crew of the Maine after the explosion. Messages indicate no additional casualties and call for prudent, respectful mourning while noting quiet conditions among survivors.
Dispatch from Washington reports General Lee stating the Maine blew up in its quarters with the explosion occurring amid confusion. Officials Jenkins and Merritt unnamed in cause. investigation pending. Captains and Navy officers offered support as inquiries begin.
The Navy Department releases a roster of Maine officers with listed addresses headed by Captain Carlos D. S. in Washington and Commodore Rigbur Wainwright. Also named are Lieutenants Hood and others, with several officers and chaplains in New York and North Carolina, reflecting a distributed posting among senior Navy personnel.
The report mixes garbled references to London Glob and the Maine disaster with a Feb 1 item from Loxpow. It mentions Senator of Chorgia addressing navy queries, and suggests doubts about Spanish responsibility, all amid unclear notes on naval reports and interational events.
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