24 Feb 1898
Page 1
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Newspaper
Renwick Times
Location
Renwick, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Feb 24, 1898
Page
1
Reports from the disaster suggest foul play as investigators examine the explosion of the American battleship Maine. Spanish sources claim responsibility while American authorities push for a rapid clarification, signaling rising tensions and possible war.
Havana reports a catastrophic blast aboard the U S S Maine around 4 15 pm local time in Havana harbor. Wounded sailors and many dead are reported as Spanish forces assist and investigations into the blast begin. Captain Sigsbee and officers reportedly survived, with officials in Washington coordinating rapid aid from Key West and harbor tenders.
The New York Journal reports Captain Sigshés believes the Maine disaster was the work of an enemy. He asserts the naval department was hired to investigate and confirm this viewpoint, signaling tension between government and vessels in the aftermath of the incident.
Omzahs February 17 divers under the stern of the war vessel have uncovered an eight inch hole in the hull indicating a torpedo strike. A World Herald street bulletin cites An Associated Press representative as saying this evidence is near conclusive proof of treacherous foul play. Torpedo boats are noted as highly effective in naval warfare.
Washington naval officers remain divided on the Maine destruction with theories ranging from accidental explosion to a torpedo or concealed device. A diver's inspection could reveal hull plate damage indicating a torpedo or evidence of internal explosion. Captain Sigshee believes a floating torpedo caused the blast and has urged naval engineers be sent to investigate.
From Jacksonville to Key West the Olivette arrival carries sixty two Maine survivors including twenty wounded. Officials remain tight lipped on the explosion cause while many sailors suspect a deep laid Spanish plot. Observers describe a chaotic dock scene as the injured are rushed to hospital and Spaniards are praised for aid.
After the Maine disaster in Havana harbor, Secretary Long said he cannot determine if an enemy caused the blast. A naval inquiry is ordered with divers to Havana, while theories point to internal explosion or external attack.
Chicago February today Commodore J E Montgomery once of the United States Navy and a former officer of the Confederate Meet declared the sinking of the battleship Maine was treachery and that war must inevitably follow. He argued divers will find the hull pierced by a torpedo exploded under the bow with taabolical intent. He warned an accident may occur.
The text debates why the Maine exploded, considering a deliberate torpedo attack or external treachery rather than an accident. It cites Commander Montgomery and Omaha expert Schurig, detailing magazine safeguards, coal bunker alarms, and the improbability of a magazine explosion on a modern battleship.
Cable from Consul General Lee reports government and naval authorities expressing profound concern. Flags fly at governor general’s palaces and harbor ships. The blast caused large casualties with 260 reported, many sailors missing or killed. A naval court of inquiry is requested to determine the explosion’s cause as officials urge restraint. Funeral scheduled for 3 p.m. Officials Merritt and Jenkins listed as missing.
Boston reported Feb 15 as the cotton mill operatives strike in New Bedford Middleton Saco and other centers entered its fourth week with no sign of settlement. Workers persist in not yielding while many French Canadian operatives have returned to Canada as mills idle. Canadian agents aim to relocate displaced workers on land in Quebec Lake St John district. About 17100 idle in New England.
Kansas City Missouri February 1 The Kansas City Pittsburg Gulf line has notified Southern Pacific it will restore its differential in favor of Kansas City over Omaha on sugar molasses coffee and rice from New Orleans The 3 cent differential faces a firm stand by Southern Pacific which plans to keep identical rates to both cities but whether it will operate with which line remains unclear The dispute affects feeders in Colorado as prairie lines refuse to join agreements that could allow feeding at intermediate points Feeding in transit previously let western shippers start at through rates and then fatten stock at intermediate locations paying 10 per car for storage before reshipping to market avoiding higher local rates
The Massachusetts cotton mills in Lowell report low demand and prices cutting profits, while the Lindale Georgia plant shows a fair profit due to cheaper wages and power. Stockholders unanimously direct directors to study a Georgia extension and report later.
Lincoln Neb Feb 15 The state board of transportation received Henry Williams of Sargent Custer county letter asking for guidance. He says Burlington Railroad surveyed a line decades ago traded the road bed and did no further work, leaving the area with poor railroad service. He seeks steps to compel completion or to declare the right of way forfeited. The secretaries will study the issue and advise.
In Pittsburg Pa Feb K search for bodies in the Wednesday night blaze continued amid ten foot debris and dangers from 125 tanks of anlydrade stored in the ruins. No new bodies found though 20 plus remain missing. Ars McFadden and her eight children escaped the collapse while Michael OHearn and James Beverly were located. The disaster spurred a drive to bar large quantities of bonded liquor or ammonia within the city limits.
Justice George B. MacFarlane of the state supreme court died at St Luke's hospital in St Louis at 7 a.m. Saturday after an operation for appendicitis started Thursday night. He had fallen ill in Jefferson City a week earlier and his wife was present at his bedside.
Members of the Omaha Real Estate exchange at the Rextal meeting submitted about twenty deadbeats kept on a public list. Names are entered alphabetically with case details and room for additions. Rents settled due to prior publicity, many on the list are well able to pay promptly.
Jenny and Tohnny discuss sarcasm, defining it as a way to speak when there is nothing meaningful to say and to disguise it through manner of speech. The exchange notes a lack of substance behind the words.
In Boston on Saturday fifty five New England textile union representatives voted to back a general strike in all cotton mills across New England until wages settle. The meeting followed Gompers’ push for a unified policy and aimed to aid New Bedford strikers, with 347 000 operatives potentially ceasing work if all unions strike.
From New Bedford the strikers report a shift in the union strategy after a Boston conference backed a plan to make New Bedford the battle ground until the strike ends. The new tactic aims to extend reductions district by district across New England after New Bedford. Secretary Cunnane reports weekly collections at 31,475, up from 31,045.
Federal Judge Williams orders foreclosure of three central branch railway tracts in Topeka Kansas. Samuel Carr as trustee sues mortgage holders with Dillon named as special master to supervise sale. Properties leased to Missouri Pacific, with receivers to collect rentals.
The United States government lost three anti trust cases in the United States court of appeals over alleged coal price manipulation. F B H Moore, E L Carpenter and Sharp faced indictments from Utah authorities related to a Salt Lake coal exchange monopoly claim. Each was fined 200 dollars plus costs after a technical jurisdiction point reversed the territorial court verdicts. Judge Riner authored the opinion.
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