17 Feb 1898
Page 1
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Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Feb 17, 1898
Page
1
A dramatic report claims our brave sailors were hurled into eternity in their cabins by a devilish conspiracy labeled as dastardly Spanish treachery. The article frames the tragedy as a grave act of malevolence.
Key West report claims a torpedo hole was found in the Maine while divers inspected the hull. Captains Sigsbee and Sampson are summoned to testify as Admiral Manterola orders depositions. Washington notes the incident intrigues officials while press dispatches discuss suspected sabotage and suppressed messages from the Navy.
New York and Havana dispatches cite AP correspondence saying strangers were aboard the Maine that day and that the blast may have stemmed from an internal cause rather than an external torpedo. Havana censorship prevents verification, officers at Key West doubt external attack.
Key West dispatch says Maine officers remain reticent while seamen claim the blast was caused by a torpedo planted before arrival at Havana. Navy men deem it possible but unlikely, buoy indicia and currents noted, suggesting a covert strike launched from shore or a night-placed device near the moored ship.
Key West reports on Maine disaster wounded categorize as slightly, painfully, or seriously. Naval officers, torpedo boat crews, and hospital surgeons work under strain, with care at Ocean Hospital and arrivals aboard Olivette aiding classification and treatment.
Aboard the Olivette 62 survivors from the Maine disaster reach Key West Florida on February 14 amid scenes of grief. Many wounded, several fatally, as Captain Merrill’s troops guard the dock and report describe the explosion’s location and chaotic aftermath aboard the ship.
The procession paused as officers placed the injured on conveyances to the marine hospital. Brave men bore suffering in arms slings and bandages while spectators, including excited women, cried out and prayed amid a stunned, hysterical crowd.
Narrative of the Maine explosion report from Havana and New York, including passengers aboard the City of Washington witnessing the blast at 9 25 p m. The ship lurched, fire and debris rained down, and the Maine sank, Captain Sigsbee describing orders to flood magazines and rescue efforts. Spanish officers deny anti American demonstrations. Berlin notes no foundation for the Madrid claim.
The navy department shows little concrete fact on the Maine disaster as Admiral Sicard forms a court of inquiry. The Horn and Mangrove reached Havana with diving gear and divers ready to search the wreck. Lieutenant Commander Marix, soon to join the court, travels to Key West, while officials debate how to gather decisive evidence from the wrecked forward hull.
Reports drift that destruction occurred aboard the Maine with discussion of possible internal explosion. The bunker theory gains support while survivors give conflicting accounts, leaving officers of the Bay department divided on the cause and more evidence pointing to an internal detonation.
Thirteen sailors' bodies washed ashore at Regia and Casablanca opposite Havana. Seven identified by Chaplain Chadwick as Graham, McDonald, Kayland, Nero, Kinsman, Dirl ing, and Brown. Two unidentified remains sent to morgue for burial. Funeral rites planned with mayor Marquis De Betebana, Gen. Solons, and Bishop Manuel Santander. Burial grounds donated. monument to be funded by subscriptions led by American correspondents.
A Havana cable reports 29 Maine sailors in San Ambrosio hospital enduring injuries with stoic grit. The City of Washington carries the lightly wounded, while the severely injured receive care from the American community. The Maine lies wrecked in Havana Bay, the forward deck crushed and the starboard side exposed, with the stern portion submerged and cranes and deck structures mangled.
Wires to the South are interrupted and no dispatches come. Unfavorable weather is blamed by naval officers for the delay in advices while Captain Sigsbee and his crew may be exhausted after yesterday's work. A later Key West update reports a draft from New York on the fifth moving to Detroit for the squadron and John Hamilton sent to the Maine as carpenter's mate.
Washington reports Secretary Long and Assistant Secretary Hoover velt urged a full naval high command conference after noting Spain has seven first class ironclads to the United States six. The discussion followed concerns over balance of power in naval strength between the two nations.
Reports from Havana describe the Maine exploding near the arsenal and routing dock. Captain Sigsbee and Lieutenant Commander Wainwright survived, while crew and passengers aided the injured aboard City of Washington. alarm spread as gun cotton and wreckage troubled the harbor.
Reports from Madrid describe the Maine catastrophe provoking Spanish sentiment for restraint. The Washington liner witnesses recount the explosion, debris, and rapid sinking of the battleship while rescuers save crew members and convert the ship into a hospital.
Madrid reports indicate General Woodruff conveyed sincere regret for the loss of life from the American warship disaster. Spanish officials and newspapers expressed compassion, noting the tragedy strengthens humanitarian sentiments despite complex Spain US tensions.
Washington February 17 The president orders half mast on all federal buildings naval yards and vessels until further notice as tension rises over the Maine. Dispatches from Havana quote Captain Sigsbee and Galveston reports describe torpedo fears and ashore crew movements amid calls for investigation by the Senate.
A fragment from Consul General Lee Tant in Havana on February 16 reports profound sorrow as governments and municipalities react. The cable mentions consuls of foreign nations and describes organized bodies of various kinds, with continuation promised on the fifth page.
Governor Tanner issues a proclamation as President McKinley calls for the National Guard. Adjutant General Allen reports 4,500 well drilled militia ready within 24 hours. Governor Leedy promises to lead troops if needed amid rising war talk.
Governor Tanner asks the Illinois legislature to authorize the state to provide moral and financial support to the federal government to defend the nation and assist families after the Maine battle ship disaster. He urges swift action before ad journment and cites the need to prevent potential incursions.
The article notes half mast status for a federal flag in Topeka as tension with Spain grows. Postmaster Guthrie orders the flag raised per presidential directive, while bystanders question the delay and comment on the wind delaying the ascent.
Kansas City brewers rally over injunction in Prohibition case. Hhuene Hagan appeals after a judge overruled his demurrer. Henry Stephens and Walt Richards own the building where Richards works. The dispute centers on whether an injunction can be issued against a party liable for labor and whisky-related matters. Weather notes from Chicago report colder and variable winds.
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