25 Feb 1898
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 17 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Feb 25, 1898
Page
1
New York Herald reports evidence indicating the Maine blast in Havana harbor originated beneath the vessel’s bow. Ensign Powellson of the Fern identifies the discovery while noting that none of the large magazines exploded.
Witnesses describe diver inspections showing the Maine fractured below the keel with magazines intact and debris indicating explosive force from beneath the hull. Naval officers and divers corroborate that the blast originated under the bow area, casting doubt on magazine involvement and suggesting a deliberate act rather than an internal explosion.
Rear Admiral Erben told World reporters in New York that the ten inch loaded powder case and the empty case’s damage suggested the magazine did not explode. He doubted a torpedo could cause such damage and urged proper divers to investigate the Maine wreck in Havana Harbor. He noted a minefield possibility and emphasized professional divers’ superiority over amateur efforts.
Newport News shipyard officials announce a double launch set for March 24. The Kentucky and Kearsarge will be first class battleships to be launched together. Christine Bradley will christen the Kentucky with water from Lincoln’s boyhood spring, and Mrs Winslow will sponsor the Rear- Tilingis, the third big battleship at Newport News, about a month behind.
In Rondout New York on February 25 Rev F Weber a k nishte priest at St Peters German Catholic church caused alarm by urging loyal Catholics to take up arms for Spain if war came with the United States He said Catholics should not oppose Spain and that it would be good if President McKinley and his cabinet were blown up Several attendees left the church after the address declaring the sermon.
Arturo Arguila, longtime Havana resident, casts doubt on reports of a tunnel beneath Mavens harbor. He claims the subterranean passage between Cabanas and Borg dates to the early eighteenth century, built to escape Moro to the inner Fort, and notes it is now largely blocked and forgotten.
San Antonio Texas reports the First Artillery battery of four pieces and 12 men under Captain Dillenbuck was ordered to suspend its planned March 1 target practice in the mountains after new headquarters instructions.
Secretary Long approves Captain Sigsbee's plan to destroy wrecked ship fittings and upper structures to recover what can be saved. Divers have spent seven days aft and four days forward near the explosion zone. Relatives' pleas to bring the dead to the United States are acknowledged but no hope of repatriation remains.
Washington Feb Representative Boutelle chairman of the house naval affairs committee conferred with Secretary Long on relief for the Maine sufferers. He noted the bill he prepared would provide about 167000, with possible ties to a 1895 general law covering clothing loss. the measure targets naval service losses and excludes new ships funding. The visit did not involve naval equipment or procurement.
Senor Dupuy De Lome, former Spanish minister, aboard the Britannic at Queenstown, renews regret over the Maine explosion. He says Spaniards favor peace, denies Spanish people caused the incident, and expresses affection for American friends. He stresses it could not be attributed to Spain.
Chicago February 5 ex Senator Manderson of Nebraska said Spain would bear responsibility for any harm to U S vessels if torpedoes and dynamite were placed in Havana harbor with Spanish knowledge and the United States was not informed He praised President McKinney and urged facts from a court inquiry noting Spain could offer an apology and reparations if found culpable or face consequences if not responsible
Madrid reports Spanish press criticizes U S stance as hypocritical while urging immediate naval buildup. Ministers, Sagasta and Senor Polo y Bernabe host Woodford banquet amid calls for warships to secure Cuban independence and denounce American appeasement.
Washington reports two telegrams from Captain Sigebee at Hayanns saying divers found more bodies in the wreck, some in debris and harborecks, probably unrecognizable. They have gained partial access to the forward quarters where the crew slept when the explosion occurred, beneath the magazines, with bodies still entangled by dangerous obstacles slowing the search.
In New York on February 25 Francis M Runce commandant of the navy yard reports a large recruiting surge. About 1,500 men applied for Marine service but only twenty were accepted. Continued on third page.
William J Bryan told Journal reporters that haste in the Maine situation should be avoided given current difficulties. He declined to defend any side but urged patience, noting the political stakes and the need for cautious action by parties including Democrats and Republicans.
The excerpt recalls Senator Bryan urging cautious inquiry into the explosion linked to the Maine crisis. He warns against haste risking war with Spain, stressing a careful, evidence-based approach and delay until investigations clarify responsibility. Supporters and critics debate political angles and national strategy as Bryan speaks at Manhattan.
The National Creamery Buttermakers Association near its sixth annual convention closes with elaborate entertainment at Hampton Hall. The Commercial Club sponsors the program featuring the High School Orchestra Chorus and other acts. A free lunch, hot biscuits and buttermilk are promised, while the creamery remains in full operation tonight.
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