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Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Feb 16, 1898
Page
1
A vessel in Havana Harbor erupts in a sudden explosion while most passengers sleep aboard. Officials offer scant details and suggest no clear motive or cause for the devastating incident. The disaster prompts inquiries into safety procedures and potential culprits.
Havana reports a massive explosion aboard the U S s Maine in harbor at 10:15 pm causing many deaths and injuries. Survivors speak of a blast in the central magazine with flamesward, confusion, and partial sinking. Navy officials pursue causes while dispatches note 200 or more missing and rescues ongoing.
Fragmentary dispatches recount the explosion and resulting fire on the battleship Maine. General Blanco orders aid for the crew, Havana firemen assist the wounded, and Consul General Lee confirms the blast damaged the ship and left many missing or dead. Officers and crew members are being evacuated as wrecking efforts begin.
Commodore J B Montgomery former U S Navy and Confederate fleet commander argues Havana harbor trauma was an act of treachery not accident. He cites torpedo under the Maine as the probable cause, while noting possible magazine explosions aboard and questioning Spanish intentions amid strained U S Spain relations.
In Washington on February 16 Secretary of the Navy received a telegram from Captain Sigsbee detailing the explosion and destruction at Havana harbor. He reports the Maine blown up with many wounded and likely more killed or drowned. Survivors include sailors from a Spanish warship and a Ward Line steamer. a light house tender is to be sent from Key West for crew and gear.
Westington Feb 18 Spanish charge d affaires Blanco confirms to Havana and to Secretary Sherman that the Maine disaster was an accident caused by a natural explosion. Diplomatic aides rush to assist the North American consul as casualties are reported. Du Bose conveys deep condolence and notes the claim that no Spanish-American relations impact is expected.
Washington reports show Senators and representatives urging restraint amid Maine disaster rumors. Leaders like Hitt Dingley and naval committee members seek fuller information before judging cause. Some speculate accidental internal blast, while others warn of possible foul play and deliberate sabotage aboard the vessel.
The article reports the sale of K. P. assets as they pertain to government relations, noting the completion of transactions today. Details on parties involved or final figures are not specified in the readable text.
The Union Pacific rail divisions near Topeka were sold in a staged auction by Judge Cornish. Alvin W. Krech, representing the reorganization committee, bid 6.203 million for the Kansas Pacific line with no opposition. The sequence will continue with further sales from Kansas City to Denver and Saline as the process proceeds under mortgage.
The article recounts Hal Reid presenting a three year old on stage for the play Yew. Reid pressures the child to act while a staged candy prop filled with arsenic and sand is offered. The child asks to play and Reid argues it is appropriate to proceed.
At the Union depot in Topeka Judge Cornish read foreclosure decree for the Kansas Pacific line. Alvin W. Krech, secretary of the reorganization committee, declared the property sold to him amid a crowd of railroad officials and lawyers. The sale program continues with further bids and a repeat auction scheduled for today.
New York and Chicago reports show the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy directors declaring a 13 percent quarterly dividend payable March 15. The note mentions the annual rate shifting from 4 to 3 percent. House discusses bankruptcy bill in Washington with Henderson of Town giving a lengthy opening speech. Meetings are held on the club's fourth Monday monthly.
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