21 Feb 1898
Page 1
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Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Feb 21, 1898
Page
1
Divers reveal new findings contradicting earlier theories that coal bunkers caused the ship explosion. The discovery challenges the idea of an internal fire and shifts focus to an external or different source for the blast.
Reports from Havana and New York describe divers examining the Maine wreck after a mystery explosion. Naval authorities debate whether internal magazines or external mines caused the blast while court inquiries and port surveillance expand across Key West and Tompkinsville as ships guard Havana harbor.
Frederick R. Coudert, renowned international law expert, argues Spain may owe indemnity if Havana authorities neglected safety precautions. He compares past incidents, noting responsibility lies with ship officers and harbor officials to prevent danger, adding war would be unjustified even amid such acts.
Chicago editors discuss who bears responsibility if the Havana harbor mine caused the Maine disaster. Robert T. Lincoln argues Spain would face no liability whether the mine exploded by accident or by a fanatic, noting international law relies on precedent and would stretch to cover the case.
A Key West telegraph report quotes sailors aboard the battleship Maine expressing anger at government delay in punishing Spain for the explosion. They insist the incident was deliberate and warn action may be taken, recounting experiences in Havana and the ship’s peril as they await orders.
Two coast defense guns for Scarborough Head at the Columbia river mouth have arrived in Portland Oregon. After excavation they will be placed, 13 inch bore, weighing 70 000 pounds each. These pieces join the guns at Fort Stevens Oregon to fortify the river mouth against hostile warships.
From Havana four large photographs show the bow lifting from the sea after the explosion and the wrecked battleship in chaotic detail. The images, taken from different angles, confirm survivors accounts and will aid the inquiry board as authorities care for the injured.
Washington February 21. Inquiries at foreign embassies fail to confirm rumors that diplomats foresee a Spanish crisis. No reports from French or British embassies indicate war is imminent. Other postings say governments have been briefed on events, but no specific war warnings are reported.
Washington February 21 The senate has passed the house joint resolution appropriating 200000 for the recovery of the Maine and it will now go to the president for approval.
The sixth annual butter industry convention opens in Topeka with displays from Kansa s creamery firms and equipment makers. Admission is 15 cents for the general public. Exhibits include churns, dairy fixtures, boiler systems, and a free lunch booth, with participants from Elgin Cedar Rapids and other cities.
The national butter-makers convention opens at Hamilton hall with a thriving machinery hall. Exhibits include rotary churns separators and evaporators. Miss Katie Duncan and exhibitors from Leon City showcase equipment while Topeka hosts tours and contests. Mr Nissley reports strong turnout and state dairy interest ahead of the week-long events.
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