The Brooklyn Daily Eagle from Brooklyn, New York • Page 1

FOUR O'CLOCK KEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1898 NO. 46, 16 PAGES. ri COPYRIGHT. ISM. Jj.Vil.V EAGLE.

THREE CENTS. IS IRED. MOFFETT TUR AGEDWOMAN KILLED; MILNE i wlm. a mam ni in 253 OF CREW Capt am Sigsbee Cables Iff I 1 LLUIHI niniiu. the wounded and to spare no expense in caring for them.

Surgeon General Wyman the Marine hospital service has notified Secretary Long that tihe officers of Iris service will receive the wounded from the Maine in the hospitals at Key West. Members of the Crew Who Live in Brooklyn and New York. The following is a list of the members of the crew of the Maine whose residences are in New York State: William J. Holland, coxswain, Brooklyn; Thomas J. Jones, coal passer.

Brooklyn; John Kelley, coal passer, Brooklyn; Thomas P. Kinsella, machinist, second class, Brooklyn; George N. Koenler, apprentice, second class, Brooklyn; JohnJBookbinder, apprentice, sec to the Battleship at Havana. investigation had. The sentry on the poop deck reports that there were no boats in the vicinity when the explosion occurred." Another telegram to Secretary Long from George Bronson Rea said to be a newspaper correspondent, said: "No excitement.

All quiet. Only feelings of sympathy and sorrow for the accident." Another telegram received at the Navy Department stated that the missing would probably number 270. Secretary Long, for the President, has sent this telegram to Captain Sigsbee: "Sigsbee, U. S. S.

Maine, Havana: The Pres ident directs me to express for himself and the people of the United States his profound sympathy with the officers and crew of the Maine, and desires that no expense be spared in providing for the survivors and care for the dead. JOHN D. LONG, secretary." The President thon ecailed his invitations for receptions this evening and to morrow night, owing to the disaster which has befallen the American Navy. A Spanish Ambassador's Observations. London, February 16 The Spanish Ambassador here, Count Rasccn, atteT expressing regret ait 'the terrible occurrence, ofeseTved that the explosion mus't have been due to an unaccountable acciden't, as the visit of the Maine to Havana was of an entirely friendly nature.

The News Received in Madrid Blanco Says Disaster Was An Accident. Mp.drid, February 16 The first news received here direct from Havana said the ex EXPLOSION BELIEVED TO List of Wounded Placed at Fifty nine The Commander Telegraphs That All Others on the Vessel Went Down He Advises That a Wrecking Vessel Be Sent at Once With Several Exceptions No Officer Nor Man Has More Than Part of a Suit of Clothing and That Soaked Two Officers Are Missing Some of the Survivors Will Be Sent to Key West This Afternoon Consul General Lee Says Explosion Occurred Under Men's Quarters Experts Believe the Explosion to Have Been External Assistance Sent From Key West Excitement in the Navy Department Conjectures as to the Cause of the Disaster Scenes at the White House Captain General Blanco Says the Explosion Was Undoubtedly Accidental Believes a Dynamo Boiler Exploded Roster of the Battleship. Constructor Bowles, Who Superintended the Finishing of the Battleship, Says KILLE Details of the Disaster HAVE BEEN EXTERNAL, Been Practically Impossible Excite Cause of Explosion Wrecking Parapher Greatly Excited Brooklyn Men on the crew who were below at the time of the explosion were unable to escape and those who succeeded in reaching the upper decks saved i iv rxiXT rKC 1 0 OR KSINC 1 a mc, anu That an Internal Explosion Would Have ment in Washington Naval Officers Shocked and Angry Captain Sigsbee Not Prepared to Express Opinion as to i nalia Ordered to Havana Washington that the warship was enveloped in flames and thing en ore than a mere question of pacron afterward sank. age behind ithe reappearance of former Chief The Captain General of Cu'fra, General Blan Engineer Teter Milne in th Bureau of Water co, has cabled the authorities here and has Supply in tho borough of Brooklyn, sent a similar message to Washington saying Assertion is made in Manhattan borough that the disaster to the Maine was indisputably to day that Deputy Commissioner Moffett of due to an accident. Brooklyn has shown a disposition to have American Securities Decline Rapidly in a mind of his own in the matter of running London.

i office, not on the point of petty appoint London, February 1G American securities men 13 alone, but on larger questions of office opened firm on the Stock Exchange to day administration. owing to the belief chat the Cuban difficulty! This, it is said, has excited the anger of Maine Cabled Interview With an Officer of the Cruiser The Latest Facts. 1 jpff ft LONGITUDINAL SECTION OF THE BATTLESHIP MAINE. Showing the iPositton of Powder Magazines and Shell Rooms on She SbanboaTd Side. These Magazines Exbend to the Port Side It Is In One ot Che Forward Magazines That the Explosion Is' believed ta Have Occurred.

supplying old Lon; Island The water plant of Long Ishin.i City consists of three pumpins; statii'iif. Oin. of ilu so is in Blissviilc. another at Sti in ay an ihe third at Siinnysidi The lilissville supplies tlii? southern of the late eiiy and Ihe Steinway station the one wlii. ii supplies the sally waur which lias been the! cause of so much complaint in tho past un wiil cause so much more ia future.

Tho supply whieii these stations provide is entirely inadeu.ua: e. Island City could easily use gallons more a day. The trouble, however, is not with the sources of stipnly. The sources are entirely adequate to provide all the water necessary for the present and for any growth that the territory may have for some time to conic. The uum uny is who me pumping taciiiiics.

lite: two companies in anxious to make the eontraets to supply this deficiency arc the Woodside Water Company, other known as i Glcason's company, and the Citizens' Water Supply Company of Newtown. Cord Meyer is interested in the latter company. Superintendent Tyrrell of the Woodside Company ays that it is immaterial his company whether it gets the contract for Long Island City or not. The company is also after a contract to send water to lirook lyn and Mr. Tyrrell thinks that it is only a question of getting one or the other of the contracts, but one of certainly.

Tho Woodside Company already has a connection with Long Island City, although since the tax payers' suit lately brought aga.iti.st the company by a resident of Long island City that connection has been off. Both the companies are near the Long Island Ciity line and a connection witti the city mains could with little difficulty lie made. President Bowley is opposed to giving to private companies contracts for water supply. He is of the oninin th.l: the nennle hnnM cw their water plants and that all ttiunicj pal corporations should provide for tuoir own water supply. If it should become necessary for Long Island City to make contracts for further water supply Mr.

Bowley thinks ICiat the city should acquire title to the Newtown ram.pan.ies or else build Its own. Therefore, he is watching closely the Board of Public Improvements to see what action that body is inclined to take. TO GET 890,000 ADDITIONAL. Commissioner Kane Has Won Over the Board of Estimate to His Plan. Commissioner of Sowers Kane told an Kaclo reportor to day that ho hud every expectation of getting 90.000 additional for sewer main teujiuce.

lie had already been before tho Board of Estimate and expected tho allowance to be made beforo the end of the week. This I amount, the commissioner naid. would enable him to do tho work which wtis nbsolutoly necessary in hiH department, though there would be no opportunity for anything beyoud the bare routine SALISBURY'S NARROW ESCAPE. Brougham in Which He and His Son Were Riding Cut in Two by a Heavy Gate. London.

February 1G The Marquis of Sails bury and his second son, the Rev. Lord Will lam Oascoyno Coell, who is rector of Bishop's, Hatfield, had a narrow escape from death or serious injury yesterday evening as they were entering the gates of Htttfleld. A gust of wind swung the heavy gate against the brougham in which they were riding, cutting the vehicle in two. Tho horses proceeded with the front part, of the brougham, leaving the Marquis of Salisbury and his son entangled in the remaining debris. They were only shaken up.

however. SAYS THE NEVADA FOUNDERED, Man Claims to Have Seen Vessel Go Down in Bernet's Bay With All on Board. Victoria. 11. C.

February Hl Th e. uner Isittn.jet. has bringing further d. t. ot th n.r.,i the NoVillla.

The w.s was cnv. ve.l Hl before the Islander r.ail'ed bv totham ol tin Coleman. II uuier oleinan. Hi: sav.s ni valin foundered witli all on board. city, ln where s.tie was running lor Horner's Day, sh.

George Itccdi, a resident Seaward was an eye witness of tic disaster. He standing on the liea'ii wn. In sa.v a small steariu battling wit'ii tile wind. Suddenly there v.ut a Hash and ihe sti anier loir. flame.

foundering in a cutid. Sh. had on beard i wen live pa. r. and crew.

rifircn passi tii who a. i i In he Clura Nevada returned on tip' Island' and her gave rnii' troiihi mi tile ii'irt ii va rd voyage and t.ne 'he sieamer to ik lir loi: sasex n. 1 li. fui. da ma They say the St.

'amor was by lKiilers hlirstil." The Umcler of Juneau has for 1 1' survivers. W. i Fc h. in ry John Donaldson. the "hi.

one." ICa I from Juneau, brines paijioria.rr new. confirming account sent on; of rue loss of til" steamer Cau a CapMln Donaldson received his inforttia ion from Joiin Croat, of sci Cole man. whieii plies In wi guny. Croa; toi i'ap re. k.ige 1 H.i 1 tl lea il ward ary ill day pri furi' ami Ska Donald 'i.

at is lo'ked up at ind.iy. id. i had left Ska'ii erf a nd i'ui and tn.i.: sea I hfr rs ha could in.t.e d. I I gale 1 vada was Afte: ami Nior. The beet, report plying in t.iv that site is 1 lie ere an its it II, is thoi iSi: PRINCE fiENRY SAILS.

Coloi.d Cevloi I 'i'brunry )' I'll Hcnrv idV i uin rom her. uiporl in 117. stiow I ot Iba Iuiv vtt ii la ing 9an any oti.fcr liran i An ic contracts for with water. i. I I their lives with great difficulty with the assistance of the officers and men on watch.

At 2 o'clock while the correspondent was going ashore, there was another terrible explosion. At the same time boats from the Spanislh steamers Colon and Mexico were taking eight wounded men ashore, after having saved them from the water. According to general report about ninety SBAND ARRESTED J. J. Parker, a War Veteran, Suspected of Wife Murder.

inTimrniT VjIV Lb JNU iArL AN ATIONi One of the Inmates of 847 Gates Avenue, Where the Couple Had a Top Floor RoonvFinds the Woman Lying Dead on the Floor, With Her Husband Sitting at Her Feet The Couple Were Heard Quarreling in Their Apartments Last Night Parker Appears to Be Demented. In a small rear room on the top floor of tht three and basement frame house at 17 Gates avenue, between Reid and Stuyvcsanl avenues, about 7 o'clock this morning, the uieie.ss tiouy ot Amelia S. Parker. 02 years old, was found, clad only in a night dress. The woman's bead was covered with blood ami a tiny stream was oozing from her mouth.

At the feet of the dead woman sat James J. Parker, her husband, bolt upright, staring vacantly at tho body. He way only partly dressed. To Sarah Cook, who made! the ghastly discovery, it seemed as it the man out of his mind. Tho room was in the utmost disorder.

The bed clothing lay partly on the floor and there, were unmistakable evidences of a struggle. On the dead woman's mouth and face were several marks appearing like bruises. Tho police, were summoned, and after getting together all the facts possiblo ln regard to Ihe case Detectives John Decker and Robert of die Fourteenth Precinct arrested tho husband and at the station house he was held on suspicion of murder. Tho house in which the body was found is occupied by Edward Jefferson anil his family. In the family are, beside Jefferson and his wife, his mother in law.

Mrs. Cook, and hei daughter. Miss Kmily Cook, the latter an Invalid. The family moved into the house only yesterday and formerly lived further down the avenue, near Tompkins aveuuo. Siuct.

three weeks ago James J. Parker and his wile have occupied a furnished room in the house. When the Jefiorsons moved Parker and his wifaJk went with them and in flic now house were given the room on tho top floor where tho body was found this morning. Last, night at about 3 1 'o'clock Emily Cook heard loud voices in tbe room directly over her own, which Parker and his wifo occupied. Other Ktrange noises wen also heard and llnaiiy Miss Cook says she heard distinctly the of sumo one failing.

Then ah was quiet. This morning Mrs. Cook had occasion to go up stairs and sec Mrs. Parker about some trivial matter. When she knocked on tho door then: was no response, tihe.

knocked several iinie.s and then suspecting that souie ili.ng was wrong she pushed in the door. A chair which hail been braced agaiiift it fell over on the floor. Upon entering the room Mrs. Coolt st.uiiildod ovi the body of Parker. She was aimoM ov She saw blood and ihe dU'Uevoicd condition of Mrs.

Parker's hair and then tor the liist. time i couniereil the glassy stare of Parker, was scaled ull the floor. Stopping tor nothing Cook fled down suiirs and iuH. rtiicil th. other nn inlicrs ol Ipt family of her d.sruv, ry.

Mr. ut oricc hurried to the Italpli avenue irolire station and notified Captain Knni.s. Detectives Decker and went niiiii' diately to the house and an ic.vt tgat ion. A mbulatico Surgeon Dowcii il St. Hospital had in tbi' meant iuii en summoned.

hen he ar rived at tile holise be av it as opinion til Mrs. Parker had 1,, eli ad lor i eral hours. 1'arker had in 1 1 1 meantime dre. L. himself, but si ill maintained his range lo.ik and though the dilecti ipn: lulled Ililll Jepeatidly they oiild ii jtiiing on.

oi buu except that lib: v.if.. J.a.l In en dead for so.nd time. He was laken to the hou: and i nb to auolller 1 Pin. ap pi arc. I to le Might I tu sm and when ho did a 1 1 v.

i 1 1 1 idolii, his oil, he said oi Jut acre ii. Ho race N. sister it s. wh icli v. is very in tiling hut i th.

pi, mi No. liv. in latter a an Kagle mmm.ug u. '1 tie she tie It: on as "I kti' he I 'r h' and io her cind had 1.. that Park e.P'I 1m I Mr.

R. ir.nk and Mrs. ni 4i't that Pari: i 1 1 1 1 1 i ii' ilv 1 It ir.i In bin Mr: d'lr U' ed I it Pari. 1 I i. io i In sa sane' II" a p.

ltd ins d) n. pn 'r i In. use I in r. iri Mrs. Kuynor i'ark and a an ain't al tins (., e.

1 1 I'll and cnu.J a tc and nils Park i p.ll. II. i ago ild ii. I h.n: eflor: she Th. appy.

tig v. ile (ti Mi h. 'i a ii lie th.ui lll.au i to peat that jh and son Part IP. 1 1 Mag r.f ciiterge.d iiidc a el.tig a ii Ija.l for Ii m.cide. He had up to this time and, tbe Cor finer.

ho was iiebi sauiinati.in on February I is expected that Dr. Hendc. tou, Coroner i iap' physici'in, will perform the autopiy Will Hot Recognize Him as a Member of the Department. IS A BIG WATER DEAL BEHIND THE APPOINTMENT Great Importance Attached to the Replacing of Milne in the Local Water Department by Commissioner Dalton. Water Extension Plans and the Scheme to Buy Water From Queens County Companies Why Deputy Mof fett Refused to Regard Commissioner Dalton's Note as an Appointment He Refers to the Charter Is Milne an Engineer by Profession Charter Says He Must Be, to Occupy This Place.

is nroaoiy ninteu tna: there some those close to Tammany Hall wSio uke an active interest in the proposed expenditure I of 52, 300,000 for water ex tension in Brooklyn borough and others who have urged the feasibility of buying water by tCio gallon from Queens County water companies at prices which mean a fortune to these interested in those companies. It is stated by experts in Queens County that in the contemplated purchase of water by the gallon there will be a profit in one year of $300,000 to tihe persons interested in these companies. While greater things are at the bottom of the trouble, patronage, it is said, is allowed to figure as th" cause for the friction. When a prominent Tammany official was told this afternoon that Deputy Moffett refused to recognize tho reappointment of Engineer Milne lie said: "I shall expect the removal of Deputy Moffett at an early date. I doubr.

if Tammany i will brook any attempt at independence on the part of a subordinate deputy in Tammany must have obedient servants or none at all." Deputy Moffett Says Milne's Appointment Is Irregular. Deputy Commissioner Moffett when seen by an Eagle re porter to day in relation to the reappointment of former Chief Engineer Milne, to the department by Commissioner 1 lakon of Manhattan said: "Mr. Milne has called upon me this morning and I have told him I cannot accent him as I a member of this department umm I re dentials ho has shown. I received my first notification of the matter late yesterday after noon when Mr. visited my office and handed ino a letter from Commissioner Dal ton stating that lie.

Mr. had been as i f'ned to take charge of the Bureau of DIs trilmtion which corresponds to the old water! purveyor's office. The letter which he had was not, an appointment but an assignment. "As Mr. Milne had previously beet, dis missed from the depaitme.it with the ap proval of the commissioner he could not.

as I hold, have been assigned to any duty in the department until he had been formally reap 1 uau uveriooKeu Dy commissioner Dalton. and that w. Milne. The position i ch Milne held aooiisueu in uiooKiyn oecause tnere was no corresponding; place in the Manhattan department, and It was desirable to have the local bureau conform with that of the main department." "Then Mr. Milne is not.

yet a member of the department?" the reporter asked. "According to what. I regard a.s the legal requirements of the ease. I would tj. uuale.

to cortifv for his pay to the Civil Commission and certainly I believe lie is nor yet. member of the depart men t. I Khali S' Commissioner Dalton this: afternoon and call his atteition to the facts." In reference to the charter provisions regarding appointments. Deputy MofiVu said: "I think that the power of heada of departments as to appointments in bureaus where there are deputies is made clear in section of the charter, which says: 'A deputy commissioner in charge of a branch office of a department shall, subject to ihe approval of the head of his department, appoint, such clerks and of bis department, in and for his borough, as may, in his judgment, be would appear from this that ihe appointment must collie from the deputy, subject, of course, to the approval of his chief, mid 1 doubt that the rVi iif ii rr iprl silcli nrn i it imi veen for g(0(, "I have already a man assigned te tike, place which Mr. Milne is instructed to That man has not been assigned any when.

else and there men I. Its no vaoain i epar; "In I ion to the i nest ion oT ni by the Chi Engine. or i mellt the ritual hit: i simply this: ter malt, shall I. mandatory that 'h i git of at I' as" actual oxperP iie bi "ii givi ti in net a civ. I i ngin his pro! ml tha' il'Oi I ha Queens Officials Oppose Private Water Contract: rial to th K.jg:.

I Long Island hriinry President Bowley this borough is In Manhai an today for tbe pur iose of attending the meeting of the Doard of Public Improvements. Pre si dent Dowiey is keeping a close vfigBfeh on the two water smii which ar supp. Poland I I'olnf! The par A natural Hu ffij i et tt 3 fa Alii 1 I men of the crew who were wounded, were York Oity; Frederick Paige, landsman, Buffa saved. lo; Francis C. Phillips, apprentice, first class.

CAPTAIN STGSBEE OF THE MAINS. ond class, Brooklyn; William Coleman, ordinary seaman, New York City; William Cos grove, fireman, second class, Buffalo; D. Cronin, landsman. New York City; George Edler, seaman, New York City; Thomas J. Durckin, ordinary seaman, Corning, N.

Y. John P. Etits, seaman, Rochester, N. Y. George D.

Fanbel, chief machinist, Brooklyn; Thomas J. Gardner, chief yeoman, Brooklyn; James A. Graham, chief yeoman, Brooklyn; William A. Greer, apprentice, first class. Greennoint: Henry Gross landsman, New York City: Ambrose Ham, apprentice, New York City; "William Haraham, coxswain, Troy; Charles Hauck, landsman, Brooklyn; John Herbert, landsman, Brooklyn; Frederick C.

Holser, ordinary seaman, New York; Bernard Lynch, fireman, Brooklyn; Thomas Mack, landsman; Brooklyn: James H. Mason landsman, Haver straw; John Mens, landsman, Brooklyn; William Smith, apprentice, second class. New Rochester; Thomas J. Quigley, plumber and fitter, New York City; Joseph Railley, fireman first class. New York City; Michael E.

Solwin, ordinary seaman, Brooklyn; August Schroetler, ordinary seaman, Brooklyn Thomas Sheak, landsman. New York City; John J. Shea, coal passer. Now oYrk City; Harry Teackle, seaman. New York City; Daniel J.

Tehan. coal passer, Rochester; E. "White, landsman, New York City. Every officer in the Navy Department had um uu uia utrstv uu.lllg; Lilt; uuy ae deck and hold plans of the battleship Maine, and each one pointed out the spot of the fateful expOosion and speculated on the cause of the terrible disaster. Latest Details of the Disaster.

(By the Associated Press.) Havana, February 10 The disaster occurred at a quarter of 10 o'clock. The explosion was a terrific one, the whole city being shaken. Windows were broken in hundreds of houses. The catastrophe caused the wildest consternation in this city and the wharves were soon crowded with thousands of people. Admiral Manterola of the Spanish cruiser Alfonso XII ordered that boats of all kinds should go at once to the assistance of the American crew.

The firemen also rendered assistance in taking care of the wounded as they were brought on shore. Many of the wounded sailors said they were asleep when the explosion occurred. Captain Sigsbee says the explosion occurred in the bow of the vessel. He received a wound in the head. Orders were given to the officers to save themselves as best they could as scon as the extent of the disaster became apparent.

They were literally thrown from their bunks in their night clothing, but retained their self possession and bravery. The first tueory was that there had been a preliminary explosion in the Santa Barbara (magazine) with powder or dynamite below water. Admiral Manterola believes that the first explosion was caused by a grenade shell that was hurled over tho Navy Yard. Some cf the crew, who were able to support themselves by swimming, were saved by the boats. Six of the wounded crew and one of the officers have been taken to the military hospital by General Bianco.

The report that Captain Sigsbee was wounded is inaccurate. Captain Sigsbee, with other officers, went in a small boat to the Ward line steamship City of Washington. No Boats in Vicinity of Maine When Explosion Occurred. Washington, D. February 1G At 11:40 A.

M. Secretary Long received the following unsigned telegram from Havana: "Only two officers unaccounted for. The explosion was forward. To all indications the magazine exploded, but cannot tell until an Washington, D. February 16 While Becretary Long was with the President this morning giving him the latest details concerning the explosion on the battle ship Maine, the following detailed dispatch from Captain Sigsbee, commander of the Maine, was trough to him: "Advise sending wrecking vessel at once.

iMaine submerged except debris; mostly work for divers now. Jenkins and Merritt treating. Little hope for their safety. Those 9 Jwn to "be saved are: Officers, 24, uninjured; crew, 18; wounded, ow on board Ward Line steamer, in city ospital and at hotel, 59 so tar as Ifiovm. "All others went down on board or near Total lost or missine.

253: wiih eral exceptions, no officer nor man has se tfcao pavt of a suit oi clothing, and tout lQi Jiarbar water. Ward leaves, tor Mexico at 2 this after JwjBijL;" Officers saveff are uninjured; damage wafelffcffijm'rtments of crew. 'Am preparing to telegraph list of wound ed and saved. Olivette leaves for Key at 1 P. M.

Will send by her to Key West the officers saved, except myself and tWainwrlght, Holman, Henneberger, Ray nd Holden will turn over three uninjured oats to captain of the port, with request lor safekeeping. Will send wounded to hospkal at Havana. (Signed) SIGSBEE. The of the Maine numbered 417 ifflcers and men. The memibers of the cabinet, w'ho spent iome time with the President to day, stated hat everything so far received indicates that line" loss of the Maine was due to accident.

Captain Sigsbee, in his telegrams from Ha ana, states that he is not prepared to ex iress an opinion on this point. The coast survey steamer Bache has been y'fea to Havana with wrecking parapher alia. pht? is now at Key West. The President has decided against sending nether warship to Havana for the present. STORIES OF THE OFFICERS, POnei Says That the Ship's Magazines Were Locked at 8 o'clock Last Night.

'Havana, February 16 On board the Ward jine steamer City of Washington, at mid light, one of the officers of the Maine stated hat at 8 o'clock last night all the maga zines on board the Maine were closed and the keys had been handed over to Captain Sigsbee, her commander. The explosion occurred ait 9:45. The offi i cers rushed on deck and assisted in lower Ling a boat and in trying to rescue the men I in the water. The cruiser Alfon.so xnr vhiclfc was anchored close to tho Maine, also powered her boass and saved thirty seven of the crew of the. Maine.

Another officer "I was sitting with two more officers in th niess room when a heavy explosion occurred. It was so heavy that we understood the ship "Would be lost and we went on the upper deck and found she had been badly wrecked by an that she was on fire and sinking. Ull efforts were then directed toward lo wering 'boats and saving lives, but tap Maine led quickly on the bottom of the harbor, on ly her upper works remaining a'bove water. number of boats from the Spanish warship Ufonso XII and boats from the Ward line rceamer City of Washington came, alongside Ind rendered assistance. Twenty our men were slightly wounded, were carried on Boord the City of Washington and the rest of Lvounded were carried on board the Alfonso from which place were taken to other quarters kintL iJter receiving valuable assistance from Ste sent, to the military said occurred of the mid Many of the was ended, but they foil rapidly owing the news oC the disaster to the United Stanes battleship Maine in Havana harbor.

Ex President Harrison's Comment. Indianapolis, February 16 When "President Harrison was asked for a statement regarding the destruction of the battleship Maine he said: "The occurrence is a most terrible and shocking one It is to be hoped that an investigation may leave no doubt that it was an accident. Tf there should he any room for suspecting foul play It would be very unfortunate." ACTION BY SECRETARY LONG. Officers at Key West Ordered to Render Assistance President Expresses Deep Sorrow Over Disaster. Washington, D.

February 1C Secretary Long received the news with apparent calm and his first act was to comply with Captain Sigsbee's request that assistance be sent from Key West. He immediately wired to Captain Forsythe at Key West to proceed with the naval tender Fern to Havana harbor. Secretary Long then sent for Captain Dickens and the two discussed Captain Sigsbee's brief telegram. No other naval officers were present. The disaster is the greatest that has befallen the American Navy since the disaster at Apia, several' years ago.

The Secretary' is inclined to believe that most of the efficers of the Maine were on shore at the time of the accident, as it was still early in the night. While neither the secretary nor Captain Dickens is inclined to discuss the particular cause of the accident, several suggestions were ventured upon. They believe that it may have been caused by a fire in the bunkers, heating of bulkhead near a magazine or that an accident may have occurred while inspecting high explosives for torpedoes. Of course this is mere speculation and the secretary is anxiously awaiting a more de tailed report from Captain Sigsbee. Later the Secretary sent another telegram to Key West directing that the tender Man EXCITEMENT WASHINGTON.

The News of the Disaster Draws Crowds to the Navy Department's Offices. (Special to the Eagle.) Washington, D. C. February 16 Nothing except absolute declaration of war could have created greater excitement in this city and about the Navy Department than the news of the terrible disaster that has overtaken the splendid second class United States battleship Maine. Before Secretary John D.

Long reached his office at the Navy Department this morning his anteroom and the lobbies about the rooms of the chief of the Bureau of Navigation and the secretary were filled with excited people. Officers of the army and navy elbowed poorly dressed women, the wives and sweethearts of sailors who were aboard the wrecked vessel. Shortly before 10 o'clock Senator Lodge of Massachusetts, Chairman Boutelle of 'the House Naval committee and Congressman Hil'lburn, another member of that committee, were admitted into the Secretary's room. They remained wkb Mr. Long about two hours.

Messenger hoys with cablegrams were admitted while they were there. Senator Lodge Does Not Believe It Was an Accident. At Che close of the interview Senator Lodge said to the Eagle correspondent: "The situation is extremely grave and I for one cannot see how the disaster to the Maine could have been caused by an accident." With this he' hurried away to the White House and refused to express himself further. The first definite and accurate news as to the extent of the calamity on board the battleship was received by Secretary' Long at 1 o'clock in a telegram from Commander Sigsbee printed elsewhere. When the telegram was read in the office of Secvctary Long expressions of horror were heard from every person present.

The details of the disaster wer much more severe than was at first thought, and could hardly have been worse had the explosion occurred ia mid ocE an. The two officers missing and who, in all probability, are dead are Lieutenant Jenkins and D. R. Merritt, assistant engineer. The former lives In Allegany City and Merritt at Red Oak, la.

The department has communicated with the parents of both these officers. Wrecking Vessel Sent. The department, on receipt of this telegram of Commander Sigsbee at once dispatched a wrecking vessel from Key West to the HaWor oi Havana; Instructions were also serjao Sigsbee to take care of grove should also be sent to Havana. Captain Dickens after carrying out the instructions of Secretary Long with regard to the relief measures for the suvivors of the Maine went nt once to the White House, where the President was aroused and informed of the disaster. President McKinloy received the news calmly and expressed his deep sorrow, imt said nothing further except that lie was thoroughly satisfied with the measures adopted by tbe Navy Department.

Secretary Long retired at I A. M. and gave orders that all further dispatches from Havana should be transmitted Captain Dickens. It is learned that. Secretary Long's second dispatch from Key West, which was not given out, was merely from Captain Forsythe eton firming the message of Captain Sigsbee.

The first impulse of the officials of the Navy Department this morning upoa recovir Contlnued on Pag 2. f.c this after. I remarkab.J. tiuc t..