17 Feb 1898
Page 1
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Newspaper
Austin Daily Herald
Location
Austin, Minnesota, United States of America
Date
Feb 17, 1898
Page
1
Ig4 articles detail international IC AY matters with emphasis on ig research and cross border intelligence. The piece cites officials and institutes. it outlines tensions, collaborations, and policy shifts affecting science and security.
After a day of naval debate in Washington and Havana, Admiral Sigsbee and Captain Long pursue a full report to determine the Maine’s magazine explosion cause. Navy officials expect a board to inspect the hull, skull plates, and possible submarine factors, with a diver to assist. Survivors are at Key West as theories abound.
The Maine disaster leaves 250 dead and many injured. Survivors aboard the Olivette at Key West report an explosion in the forward magazine around 9:40 PM, suggesting a deep lay attack. Officers largely perished or were unavailable. sailors recount the ship tearing apart and debris arcing into the sea.
A Madrid note to Woodford expresses pains and sympathy after the Maine catastrophe. Spanish officials and crews rush to aid the injured and provide supplies while telegraphs bolster relief efforts in Cuba and at the American legation. News outlets reflect collective sorrow and humane sentiments across Madrid.
The transatlantic steamer Flachat from Marseilles to Colon wrecked at Agate Point on Teneriffe. Of 87 aboard only 11 crew and 1 passenger saved. 38 crew and 40 passengers perish. Susa later recovered 14 survivors. The vessel, 1239 tons net, 2175 gross, broke in two in a thick fog near Anaga point. Royal Baking Powder Co. ad follows.
Reports from INGTON February 17 describe public demand for a full inquiry into the Maine disaster. Politicians of all opinions call for investigation, fearing treachery or foul play as the worst naval catastrophe since the Camperdown incident, with 22 officers and 386 men lost.
Washington reports naval officials believe the Maine can be raised and repaired to fly the flag again. With 48 big ships raised and a new floating dry dock, authorities study whether the vessel can be saved. A telegram to Commander at Key West was sent and forwarded to the secretary.
Rear Admiral Belknap, in Boston February 17, argues the Maine may have been destroyed by a torpedo. He doubts an explosion of the forward magazine could occur naturally and notes Havana harbor craft stationed to guard the wreck and salvage ordnance and other valuables.
Havana Feb 17 Captain Sigsbee says he cannot determine the cause of the explosion and will await investigation by competent investigators to decide if it was interior or exterior. He cannot anticipate the decision or make unfair estimates before the inquiry.
The Olivette brings wounded from the Maine incident to Key West. Sailors accuse Havana of hostility and rumor that Spaniards staged the blast. Officers defer to divers to determine cause while seamen reject internal expl osion theories as unlikely.
Viscaya, the Spanish armored cruiser with a crew of 400 men, is expected to reach New York harbor today as a courtesy visit in response to the Maine disaster. The event follows reports that 28 vessels were saved and some crews lost with hodes floating ashore.
Off Galveston reports quote Captain Phillips on the Havana blast. He doubts an on board explosion or a torpedo and calls it unreasonable to provoke global enmity. The Texas battleship and Nashville cruiser officials respond with cautious skepticism.
Red Oak Iowa February 17 Lieutenant Darwin R Merritt, now missing from the battleship Maine, was born in Red Oak in May 1871. He is the son of Hon W W Merritt a early settler and prominent citizen now serving as post master of this city.
The United States cruiser New York under Admiral Sicard reaches Sand Key eight miles offshore and anchors to supply Maine survivors with clothing and necessities.
Consul General Lee transmits a cablegram from Havana detailing a deadly explosion. About 260 dead, officers Merritt and Jenkins missing, with ships at harbor and city in mourning. The note requests a naval court of inquiry to determine cause and urges calm and restraint.
London papers hint at treachery from Cuban or Spanish sources in connection with the Maine explosion. They describe the ship and officers, including Captain Sigsbee. A Minneapolis man, Frank Jungin, quotes his brother Carl W Jungin saying Havana harbors bitter feelings toward the Maine and its crew.
The coast survey steamer Bache, now at Key West, is ordered to proceed to Havana immediately with wrecking paraphernalia for urgent duties.
Mrs Emma J Baptiste was acquitted by a Montana jury on the charge of murdering James Baptiste the telegrapher who for seven years lived with her and later wed a variety actress. The verdict cited temporary insanity as the grounds for acquittal.
DuLuta February 17 Major Clinton B Sears in charge of the harbor at this point issued his annual statement of harbor business for 1897 The figures show a 1896 increase of more than 6900000 and a rise over 1895 of nearly 25000000 The statement lists boats in and out 9758 gross tonnage 12845865 net tonnage 8475224 value of receipts 28963000 value of shipments 89585000
In Minneapolis on February 17 the People's party factions the fusionists and mid-roaders came together after a day of hard fought battles. The fusionists showed strength early while the mid-roaders conceded, leaving the conference closer than ever and moving toward union.
Senator Morrill spent the executive session delivering a long speech opposing the annexation treaty. He argued that acquiring the islands would run against sound policy and the traditions of the nation.
The Navy reports from Captain Sigsbee in Havana that all but nine officers, nine privates, one gunner's mate, and 25 seriously wounded have departed to Key West aboard the Olivette. The message notes that all men whose names have not been listed were moved.
Steamer Islander confirms loss of the Clara Nevada opposite Seaward City. Captain Latham says the vessel foundered with all on board after a boiler burst amid high winds. Eyewitness George Beck watched a small steamer collide with the storm before the blaze and destruction. The Rustler of Juneau proceeds to search for survivors.
A private telegram from Nanaimo B C confirms the steamer Clara Nevada was lost after departing Skaguay Alaska and reports the Queen has arrived there with corroborating pews of the disaster.
In Cuicano, February 17, the Post reports Joseph Leiter has cornered the May wheat market and faces Armour in a renewed battle for control. Armour shifts brokers to buy cash wheat in the Northwest while Leiter orders brokers to bid 2, 3 and 4 cents above Armour on all wheat offered to the latter.
Companies G and H of the Fourteenth Infantry, totaling 125 officers and men, depart Vancouver Barracks for Skagway by way of Tacoma to maintain law and order at the head of Lynn Canal. The remaining two companies are set to leave on the 24th.
In the House of Commons on February 17 London debate on the queen's speech resumed with Mr. Dillon of the Irish Parliamentary party proposing an amendment favoring a Catholic university in Ireland. The motion was seconded by Timothy Harrington, a Parnellite.
Washington February 17 senators debated coast defenses with many arguing for full war department estimates rather than a reduction of about four million dollars. The discussion focused on appropriations and defense needs.
Kingston Jamaica February 17 authorities seized a haul of arms and ammunition from a filibuster expedition bound for Cuba.
General Blanco described the Maine explosion as a chance accident caused by a boiler blast. The Spanish legation, M. du Bose, and staff across foreign establishments expressed condolences as officials noted the incident and conveyed regrets.
In Washinatox on February 17 the house debated the bankruptcy bill which will run until Saturday when a vote is planned, but little attention was paid as members focus on the Maine disaster. The chamber was sparsely attended with many in lobbies discussing the accident and its possible consequences. Before adjourning, Mr Boutelle led a unanimously adopted resolution expressing regret for the disaster and offering condolence to the families of the deceased and sympathy for the injured.
New York February 17 Senor de Lome former Spanish minister says the Spanish ministry and people have been greatly misunderstood in America He asserts all desire peace with the United States and loves America He regrets resigning over the letter incident and believes war will not occur even if the Maine exploded in Havana harbor calling it an accident
The Spanish government says United States Minister Woodford has received Spain’s reply to the De Lome note and calls the incident terminated. Assistant Secretary Day says he has not yet received Spain’s reply and has no detail on its nature.
Grain rates from Chicago to the seaboard collapse again as Leiter wheat shipments drive pricing. The Leiter rate stands at 349 cents per 100 pounds from Chicago to Liverpool, signaling sharp cost pressure for export transport.
Feb 17. Chris Von der Ahe remains jailed and talks by league magnates to free him appear to have hit a snag with moves to resolve his status stalling.
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