Nebraska Newspapers

    * ( I FHE OMAHA I DAILY BEE
ESTABLISHED JUNE 19 , 1871. OMAHA , WEDNESDAY MORNING , Ml&tlCII 16 , 1898-TWELVE PAGES. SINGLE COPY FIVE CENTS.
DIVIDE DP TUE FUND
War Department Gets a Portion of the
Defense Appropriation ,
IT WILL GO TO THE ORDNANCE BUREAU
Amount ii Consumed by Contracts Hade
Last Week ,
RENEWED ACTIVITY IS BEING SHWN
8cretary Long Consults with Leading1
fehip Builders ,
WANTS WORK ON WAR VESSELS PUSHED
New CruUcr AinnzoiinM Will Be
Jlunned the Ijixt of Thin Week
and Started fur American
Wntcrn. ,
WASHINGTON , March 15. ThU wai an
other busy day in the War and Navy de
partments. Secretary Algcr was enabled to
make an allotment of funds from the appro
priation of 150,000,000 which will greatly
facilitate the work of the bureaus. These
bureaus had not been able to conclude any
contracts for the procurement of war sup
plies , Ill-cause no allotment had been made ,
but this afternoon the ordnance bureau was
given $2,500,000 and business .went forward
with a rush. It la true that this sum Is
already mortgaged under provisional arrange
ments made during the last neck , but with
Kho assurance ot more funds to come the
work ot the bureau Is now moving rapidly.
Secretary Long was exceedingly busy
today , having not only to give a good deal
ot ttmo to the cabinet , to which ho was
v. obliged to return twice , 'but ' also being
\ obliged to see a great many persona with
whom the department has or expects to
have contract relations.
Among the latter was Mr. Hcrreshoff , the
torpedo boat bullden from Bristol , R. I. He
turned two of three boats over to the de
partment a few days ago and the secretary'
purpose In consulting him was to learn how
much ho could hasten the work on ono ol
the boats remaining in his hands , which
In ordinary times would require about two
montha to complete.
i ; The secretary also spent a good deal of
time at Intervals during the day In con-
jf suiting -over the long distance telephone wltl
\ naval officers In New York and it Is be-
P llovcd much ot this consultation concerned
% the procurement of suitable vessels from
among the auxiliary navy for war purpose ?
Mr. Malstcr cf the Colombian Iron worka
at Baltimore has notified the department
that ha will to able to turn over to It the
torpedo boat Rodgcrs next Saturday. The
Rodgers Is a boat which smashed its engines
in the midst ot a trial trip about six months
ago. It was neceraary almost to replace the
engines , but undtr.tho hurry orders from the
Navy department this has been done In gocw
time. It ia expected that the boat will betaken
taken at. once from Baltimore to Norfolk.
Tha department has no disposition to
waste time at ibis juncture in making trial
trip : , but knowing the boat to bo of satis
factory type , like its sister boat , the Winslow -
low , and of good workmanship , according to
the navul inspector's reports , it will bo ac
cepted out ot hand , as were the Gwln and
Talbot last week.
MANNING THE AMAZONAS.
The new cruiser Amazonas , according to
present plans , will be manned entirely from
the San Francisco. That vessel tailed at 6
o'clock this morning from Lisbon , and will
arrive at the Tyne about Friday. It Is ex
pected ; that It will divide Its officers and
crew with the Amazonas , placing Lieutenant
Commander Arthur P. Nazro , executive offi
cer ot the San Francisco , In ch-irgo of the
latter vessel. Without doubt the Amazonaa
will bo brought across the ocean as soon as
possible , and It is expected that the San
Francisco will convoy It.
The 'torpedo boat Foote arrived at Jack
sonville this afternoon. The Machlas sailed
from Norfolk tq Boston , where it will un
dergo some repair * made necessary by its
long Asiatic cruise. The Brooklyn went up
to Newport News for coil. The Marblchead ,
which Is taking on storce at Tampa , sailed
to rejoin the squadron at Tortugas.
Judge Advocate General Lemly received a
telegram this atternoon from Havana an
nouncing the arrival there ot the derrick
Chief , In tow ot the tug Underwriter. It Is
expected ttut this derrick will greatly facili
tate the work ot wrecking the Maine.
The War department Is greatly disap
pointed and annoyed at the dllatorlness
thown by the contractors who have under
taken to construct the new fortifications
along the coast. It ,1s eald that only ono
among the whole number his finished his
contract on time. The department has been
greatly embarrassed thereby In placing Ita
guns and has been obliged to extend the
time allowed these contractors. The depart
ment has determined not to have to submit
to further obstruction Hn prosecuting the
work undertaken , but will do the work Itself
and refrain from entering Into contracts.
RECEIVES TWENTY BOYS.
The navigation bureau of the Navy de
partment Is receiving reports of the results
ot the efforts making at the various recruit
ing stations to obtain men for the navy.
Twenty bojs have been received on board
the receiving ship Wabash at Boston , and
thirty more will toe enlisted In a day or
two. All will be transferred to the training
station at Newport. Owing to the limited
accommodations there , however , the depart
ment has not been able to progress a.a fast as
it desires In enlisting bojs.
So far the Columbia Is about 200 men
short Of Its full quota of 402 , but It U hoped
that accessary men , mostly firemen aud coal
passers , can be secured in the course ot a
very "few days.
r Lieutenant Very , the representative of the
Howell Torpedo company , ho/3 submitted to
the War department a proposition to supple-
meat the defenses ot the larger roast ports ,
uch as New York f nd Boston , by equipping
a number cf light draft and steam launches
with torpedo outfits. He urges that by the
full use of this means of defense the harbors
may be kept open for commerce up to the
last moment , which would not be the case
were reliance put lu the ordinary fixed mlue '
and torpedo.
These torpedoes have a range ot about
two mile * and start oft at a epeed of thirty
knots. If the boata from which they are
discharged are properly sheltered , as pro
posed by LIcutccant Very. It Is belicvtd
they would be valuable adjuncts to the
teamm' detente.
* Tk | OT r ktat bat kmtater * rtgardad
auto-mobllo torpedoes aa proper Instruments
for naval use and li scarcely disposed to
change policies at this date.
A good deal of encouragement was created
at the Navy department today by a report
from the captot ! that a majority of the naval
affairs commltteo Is disposed to substitute
elx battleships for the three provided for
In the pending naval appropriation bill. Thin
number Is supposed to represent about a
normal capacity of three ship building con
cerns In this country that are able at present
( o undertake the construction of battle-hips.
The fortifications board began Its session
today In the War department. The proceed
ings arc guarded jealourly against publica
tion.
ANNAPOLIS IS COMING HOME.
The gunboat Annapolis hat started homo
from the West Indies , leaving Curacoa yes
terday directly for Key West. It has a num
ber of apprentices aboard , being a training
ship , and It Is not yet determined whether
It will bo attached to the squadron.
The torpedo boat Wlnslow arrived at Key
West yesterday. The fltcel tug Samoset ar
rived at Beaufort yesterday morning and
proceeded Immediately on Its way to Key
Wort In the afternoon. The torpedo boat
Footo also sailed from Charleston for Jack
sonville yesterday. The tug Leydcn arrived
at League Island today. H will pick up a
coal lighter and tow It to Key West for use
In coiling the squadron. The Fern arrived
at Key West last evening.
A representative of the Winchester Arms
company was In conference todiy with Gen
eral Miles and General Flagler at the office of
tbo bureau of ordnance of the army , with
a view to examining various patterns of rifles
made by this concern and of ascertaining
how speedily these could be furnished In
largo quantities In case of emergency.
Two samples of tbo latest 30-callber rlfios ,
ono a Winchester and the other a Leo
straight-pull gun , wcro examined. No con
tracts were madj , but the conference led tea
a full understanding. TUe representatives of
the Winchester company caid the present
commercial demand , particularly that con
nected with the Klondike excitement , kept
the company at Its full capacity , but gov
ernment orders would be filled without ref'
crcnco to these private obligations.
The company has a force of 2,200 men , and
by working ten hours a day , and with sev
eral shifts , It is believed the government
could be supplied with rifles at a very rapid
rate. A large number of Winchesters could
be supplied at once.
TRANSPORTING ARTILLERY.
were opened In the quartermaster's
office of the War department today for trans
porting" some of the artillery batteries that
are to man the fortification works recently
completed. The batteries for whoso move
mcnts proposals were received Include the
following : Battery L , Fourth artillery , from
Fort McHcnry , iMd. , to Fort Delaware ; bat
tery I , Fourth artillery , from Washington ,
D. C. , barracks to Fort Molt , near Fort
Delaware ; 'battery E , Fourth artillery , from
Fort ( Monroe to Sheridan's Point on the
Potomac ; battery I , Second artillery , from
Fort Monroe to Fort Caswcll , near the
month ot the Cape Fear river ; battery F ,
First artillery , from fort Monroe to Tybco
Island , Ga. ; battery I , First artillery , from
Fort Monroe to Fort Morgan , Ala.
The Pennsyvanla railroad received the con-
trait fcr transporting the batteries from
Washington to Fort Molt and from Fort Mc-
Henry to Fort Delaware.
Other batteries that are to be moved as
a result ot the recent orders to man fortl
flcatlons arc : Battery C , First artillery , from
St. Augustine to Sullivan's Island , Charles
ton fcarbor ; light battery B , Fourth artillery ,
from Fort Itlley , Kan. , to Jackson barracks' ,
La. ; light battery F , Fourth artillery , from
Fort Rlloy to Fort Monroe ; light battetry F ,
Fifth artillery , from Fort Hlley to Savannah.
Ga. ; the light battery at Fort 6am Houston ,
Tex. , to Galveston ; Fifth artillery , two bat
teries , from Fort Slocum to Fort Hancock ;
one battery from Fort Wadswortb to Fort
Hancock ; and one battery from Fort Ham
ilton to Fort Hancock ; Second artillery , one
battery , from Fort Adams to Long Island
Head.
Inspired by the war sentiment prevailing
In many parts of the country , officers ot
etato and military organizations have been
Inquiring of the War department aa to al
lotments of arms , ammunition , etc. There
Ia an annual appropriation aggregating about
1400,000 ullotcd among the militia of the
6evcral states according to their numerical
strength and the money granted 'may bo
expended for any branch ot the service de
sired. That feature which has received some
attention lately relates to the artillery field
pieces , only a few states having been sup
plied with this necessary adjunct to suc
cessful military service.
CANNON OUT OF DATE.
The militia organizations , as a rule have
been satisfied with the ordinary Napoleon
twelve-pound brass cannon , which fires a
solid ball , but their use has been almost
entirely discarded In the regular army. Of
late years , New York , Illinois , Pennsylvania ,
Vermont , Utah and a few other states have
been furnished with the new field artillery
vcces used by the war department in its
service.
The officials arc prompt to accede to the
requests of the military organizations If
their allotments ot the annual appropria
tion made by congress are not exhausted ,
but In the absence ot any money on hand to
tbo credit ot the states , no equipment ot any
character can be- given them. The artillery
strength of the state militia organization ; )
in time of peace Is four Held pieces and In
time ot war six pieces.
Representative J.W. . Stokes of South
Carolina hoa received a letter from General
Joseph L. Stoppelbeln , commanding the Firot
brigade. South Carolina cavalry. After com.
mending Mr. Stokes for his recent speech In
congrcw In favor of the $50,000,000 appro
priation for the national defense , he- adds :
The people of South Carolina stand ready
nnd willingto shed their blooil In defense
of .the . slurs nnd stripes nnd If ever our
peopio were united they are today. We
know no factional or pirty line * when the
hcnor of our country Is at atnke.
As you .know , I command the largest body
of cavalry In the United States. My com
mand und lire at the service of tiio pres
ident find , laHle I undcrstan 1 that militia
cannot bo pressed. Into , service for u longer
period than ninety Hays , I now , through
you , formally tender my services to the
president In the voluntec-is fur ninety
months If need be- .
The peiple of South Carolina have Implicit
confidence In the wisdom cf the president
at this critical moment and feel that lie will
do the proper thing. -
Mr. Stokte presented General Stoppel-
belu's letter to the president today after
cabinet meeting.
SellluK Projectile. | u Snaln.
BIRMINGHAM. Eig. : , March 15. The
Kynochs company baa already despatched
part of a large Spanish order tor special pro
jectiles standing four and one-half feet high ,
Mt tvtr Bade by the Kynoch * .
PICTURE OF DESOLATION
Suffering Among lha Beconcentrados ia In *
describable.
ONE CANNOT REAUZi THEIR CONDITION
Colonel Pnrker of WnnhltiRton Give *
nn 'Account ' of Hl Kxuerlcncc *
While on llln Iteccnt Trip
Tbronifli Cuba.
WASHINGTON , iMarch 15. Colonel Myron
M. Parker , who was Senator Proctor's com
panion on his trip to Cuba. In an Interview
with a Star reported today , said :
"You might believe , but you could not
rejllze , the condition of the reconcentradcs
In Cuba. It passes the comprehension of a
man accustomed to the usual phases ot life.
Their emaciation Is terrible , their suffering
Indescribable. Wo saw warehouses full ot
starving women and children. These peopio
have been forced into the vllla'ges and towns
by the Spaniards , and the whole country
where they lived has been devastated.
"In the r3c ! from .Havana to Sagua La
Grande , a distance of about 200 miles or
more , the country presented a picture nt
desolation. For miles and miles the charred
stalks of the burned sugar cano showed
where the torch had been applied by the
Spanish and the insurgents alike.
At intervals are blockhouses occupied
by the Spanish soldiers. Above each block
house Is a cupola , where a Spanish soldier Is
always on the lookout. If a reconcentraJo
attempts to go out from the village and
cross the trocha ho is shot , and If an Insur
gent tries to como In ho Is treated-llkewlse.
The trocha serves , however , to prevent sud
den dashes by the Insurgents into the vil
lages at night to burn them.
"Tho Spanish army is largely employed
along the railroad , but as closely as the
road Is guarded the Insurgents can do with
it as they please. It Is generally understood
In Cuba that the railroad company paya
tribute to the insurgents for running the
passenger trains. The insurgents don't want
to bother the passenger trains , but they arc
alert to interfere with freight and troop
trains.
'The day before we reached < Mantanzas the
.nsurgents . blew up a sugar train only three
miles out of that town. They cross the rall-
oad at any point they desire and whenever
hey please. In my opinion Gomez is
virtually in control of the Island. There Is
not an estate in cultivation , so I was rc-
lably Informed , that does not pay tribute to
ho Insurgents.
COMPOSITION OF THE tARMY.
"Tho people in Havana told me that the
peopio of the best Cuoun families In the
Island were in the ranks of the insurgento ,
Juet as the representatives of our best fami
lies wcro in the southern and northern ranks
during the war. '
"My informant also told me that the In
surgent army was never as firm and as
strong as It is today. It gets a large pro
portion of its medical supplle-s right from
Havana and its discipline is eald to be all
that can be desired. The Insurgents have
complete control of the provinces ot San
tiago de Cuba and Principe.
"They claim to have all the supplies nec
essary for their eubslslence , having great
herds ot cattle , besides cultivating a largo
proportion of the land in the provinces
mentioned.
"What th y need Is arms , ammunition
and clothing. It is generally understood In
Cuba that ) the Insurgor..s known as present-
ados , who came In and gave thcm&clvcs up
tothe Spaniards In response to the offer of
perdon , were men who had met with the
disfavor of Gomez because they had dlsro-
gai-ded the discipline ho so rigidly enforced
in his army. "
"Did .your Investigation lead you to form
any opinion on the eubject of autonomy ?
inquired the reporter.
"No ono wants autonomy in Cuba , " replied
Colonel Parker with emphasis. "Even the
autonomist governors do not favor it. I
know of several alcaldes or mayors of towns
outside of Havana , appointed as autono
mists , who are wholly In sympathy with the
insurgents. "
IJATTEIUES L.KAVI : run THE COAST.
Three Cnmiuinle * of LlRht lArUllerj
Leave Port Itlley Today.
CHICAGO , March 15. Colonel J. C. G.
Leo , quartermaster ot the Department of th9
Lakes , this afternoon made the awards for
the transportation of three batteries from
Fort Rlley , Kan. The batteries are prepared
for the movement and the railroad companies
are under contract to make the start from
Fort Rlley at noca tomorrow.
The Chicago , Burlington & Qulncy railroad
will transport the one to Fortress Monroe ,
and the route will be over the Union Pacific ,
Burlington , Big Four and Chesapeake &
Ohio roads. The battery will pass through
Chicago Thursday afternoon.
The Kansas City , Fort Scott & Memphis
will transport the battdry destined for Fort
Jackson , New Orleans , over its own Ifae , the
Union Pacific and the Illinois Central. The
same road - willtransport the third battery
to Savannah over Its line , the Union Pacific ,
the Memphis end Burmlngham & Central ol
Georgia.
The three contracts aggregate JC.OOO. 'Each
battery will require one Pullman , two
ordinary coaches , three flat cars , four stock
cars and six baggage cars.
CINCINNATI , iMarch 15. Major Charles
Porter , U. S. A. , of the Fifth regiment at
Fort MePhcrson , near Atlanta , arrived here
today. It Is rumored that ho Is arranging
for the transportation of artillerymen from
Fort Thoinas to the South Atlantic coast.
The passenger agents of tbo Southern , the
Seaboard Air line and the Chesapeake &
Ohio have been asked to make rates on the
transportation ot troops and accoutrements.
Fort Caswell , on the Capo Fear river.
Georgia ; Tybee , near Savannah , and Fort
'Morgan , near Mobile , are to bs reinforced by
troops to be mobilized at Fort McPhorsoa.
Companies of about sixty artillerymen , it
Is said , will 'be organized In the westren
dezvoused at Fort Thomas and hurried off
to Fort McPherson , whence they will be dU-
trlbuted along the coast.
NEW YORK , March 15. At the navy yard
today there v as the same activity that has
been apparent for the last fortnight. A ahlp.
men I of 300,000 pounds of powder was dis
patched early In the day to Key West. Tbl.i
Is the first shipment of the 100 tons of pow.
der which the Navy department directed to
be forwarded from this yard.
A elx-lnch breech-loading rifle Intended for
the crutier Philadelphia was shipped to San
Francisco by an arrangement that will get It
to Mare Island almost soon ai If It had teen
sent by the express train.
Fourteen mounts for five-Inch guns were
hoV.ed on board the cruiser Chicago and a
largo force of machinist ! * s net at work
fixing them In place. r CL ,
SAN DIEGO , Cat , Match IS. Captain
Charles N. Clark , cotn&jatidlng the coast de
fender Monterey , ha * recet'vfd telegraphic or-
dera from Washldgtcn to leave at onoe for
San Francisco , to take command of the bat
tleship Oregcu. The orders wer to use the
utmost dispatch , ac4 Captain Clark will
(
leave for San , Francisco tomorrow movnlng.
PHILADELPHIA , March 15. About 200
r.eamen and marines , who will form a part
of the crews ot the cruisers Columbia and
M'nncapolls , arrived at the League Islanl
navy yard this afternoon from Washington ,
Boston , New York and Norfolk.
The government tug Leyden , which sailed
from Newport yesterday , reached the navy
yard today. It had on , board twenty Whitehead -
head torpedoes and 3,609 pounds ot gun cot
ton. The torpedoes and gun cotton are bclug
stored in the magazines ot the two big
cruisers. Each of the cruleers will be
equipped with ten torpedoes , though the
usual complement Is only four.
When the Leyden has transferred the am
munition' ' to the cruisers It will make fast
to the coal barge Edith Howes and sail for
Key West.
MUIIE FlIUUl'STUIlS O.\ THE WAY.
Iloiiort * ( o Hint Effect Hench Siinln
from Cnhn.
( Copyright , 1S9S. by Press Publishing Company. )
MADRID , iMarch 15. ( New York World
Cablegram Special Telegram. ) The govern
ment has been advised by consuls that fili
bustering expeditions are being organized In
New York and Florida , destined for Cuba
and Porto Rico. The Spanish minister at
Washington has been Instructed to make
earnest representation * against such fresh
violations of International law. The captain
general ot Porto Rico telegraphs that ho Is
jrcparcd repress with the utmost severity
all attempts to make a rU-lng. Spanish war
vessels on 'tho ' ccusts ot both Islands will
henceforth display .lore rigor In dealing with
filibusters. Much stress Is now laid upon the
expediency of acting with more vigor1 on sea
and land , especially In the eactcrn provinces
of Cuba , to crush the rebellion promptly.
Spanish generals are much praised for 'their '
recent systematic occupation of rebel lines
and the destruction of all resources In the
province of Puerto Prindpo and Santiago.
Imparctal publishes a telegram announc
ing that definite arrangements have been
made for the purchase of the Chilian
cruiser Admiral O'Hlgglns _ at Newcastle
yards , 800 tons , 16,500 horse power , speed
twenty-one knots , mounting { our heavy suns ,
thirty-two rapid firing and four machine
gun ; ) . The ship is ready for , commission.
Today the majority of tho-Madrid press sud
denly changed its tone , recommending the
peopio to keep cool and have no fear of
American naval and military prep
orations , credits or jingo menaces ,
aa they are merely ' Intended to el
bow Spain into concessions on all pending
questions , virtually amounting tto he recog
nition of American pretension to mediate or
Intcrcfere In Cuban affairs. .The. papers so
far apart as Imparclal ) El Liberal. Corre-
spondencla , Correo and Slp _ a , expresq , i
*
opinion that Spain will" ljivoits own way
und fair play If Spaniards remain united ,
determined and cool , io avoid ( , furnishing
pretexts for the opportunity America is evi
dently seeking.
seeking.ARTHUR E. HOttGHTON.
MICHAEL DAV1TT SCORES EXGLiXD.
IrUh Lender Say * ThHt John Bull U
( CopyrlRht , 1SOS , by I > rca Publishing Company. )
LONDON.March 16. ( New York World
Cablegram Special Telegram. ) The follow
Ing statement by 'Michael' Davltt gives his
views of England's efforts to curry favor
with the United States at , the present time :
"The English attitude on theAmerican -
Spanish crisis is influenced by two most
selfish motives. First , she jealously dreads
any conflict which might exhibit the re
public as a strong , rival naval power and
which would call forth at thin 'juncture the
great potential military strength of the
*
United States. Secondly , she wishes , by
means of a cheap and insincere expression
of sympathy with the states In the quarrel
with'Spain , to obtain in return 'the Invaluable
prestige of America's sympathy In a pos
sible struggle' with Russia in China. To
this end men and newspapers ordinarily most
anti-American , as over tbo Venezuela diffi
culty , are now trying tp. impress France and
Russia with America's.tried friendship In
the past with the Idea that an alliance be
tween England and America is possible-
attainment. Such an alliance , It formed
while England Is distrusted 'in her motives
and policy by every other civilized nation ,
wquld destroy the great moral Influence
which the United States as a nonaggresslvc
and nongrabblng power wields throughout
the world today. Tho-sympathles of the rul
ing classes ot England are really with Spain
They are as hostile to America today as
they were In the days o ( Washington , Jack
son and Lincoln. "
SI'AIX HAS IA. STIFF "UIM'EIl IIP ,
to Stick to' Itepiirt of It
llonnl of ( Inquiry.
( Copyright. 1S9S , by Press FulilIiVilr.tr Company. )
MADRID , 'March 15. ( New York World
Cablegram Special Telegram. ) Newspapers
publish paragraphs stating riiraors about the
real purport of reports from the Spanish an
American commissions that are Investigating
the causes of the Maine catastrophe arc
premature. Should the Spanish report , how
ever , expose grounds consMerJng _ the ex
plosion accidental , as seems1'to ha've been
the decided opinion of all Spanish authori
ties In Cuba from the beginning , the Spanish
"
government will certainly. ta"nd by Its offi
cial commission's report and i'lll neither ad
mtt contrary conclusions .nor reclamations
founded on such Inferences , ' There Ecems to
exist an apprehension even la'official circles
that the American report may claoh wit !
the Spanish. Some people fancy the cas
might then go to atWtratloii. tf
ARTHUR E. HOUGHTON.
liny Stlvkn to JU l'oil.
( CopyrlBht , 1S9S , by 1'rwu rubllialnK Cimpany.
LONDON. March 15. ( New York World
Cablegram 'Special ' Telegratp ; ) I was as
sured at the United States/ptnba.tsy toda.
that there Is no truth In the r'lport circulate
that Ambassador Hay Is hurrying home
owing to a serious crisis Impending ne.i
week over Cuba. Ambassador day's tw
months' leave expires tbla wcek and he I
( ' '
now on his way from'VcnL'jj'jto res'ume hi
duties. The view generally obtain * tonlgh
that Amerlco-Spantsb relations are fas
approaching a grave stage , telegrams from
Madrid Indicating great excitement and un
rest.
.
! - - i i r
Spain ( o Send 'More ' Torpeilo Hand
MADRID , March 15. The Spanish torped
flotilla which sailed from , Cadiz on Sunday
last ostensibly for 'Porto Rico Is expectei
afterwards to leave for Havana , A secoa
Spanish flotilla will soon start for Cuba
waters and will probably be stationed a
Porto Rico.
TRIBUTE TO TRUE WORTH
febraska Congressmen Lay Wreaths on Mn.
Thnnton'B Bior.
TOUCHING EULOGIES OF Till DEAD WOMAN
Herenve r Senator In an lll Way to
HlH Omnhn Home with ( he
llemnlnii of llln llclavcd
Wife.
WASHINGTON , March 15.-Speclal ( Tele
gram. ) A telegram from Jacksonville , Fla. ,
talcs : "Senator Thurston and party will
ic In Miami at 4 o'clock tomorrow morning.
The first train leaves ' .Miami at 6 a. m. and
nether at 8:20. : They are en route to Miami
on the steamer City of Kow West. "
This route was undoubtedly selected as
> elng quickest to reach railroad facilities.
So far as Is known tonight It la Senator
Thurston's Intention to come via Washington ,
where a special car ot the Union Pacific will
10 in waiting to convey tha remains of Mri1.
Thurston to Omaha.
There has been a pall over Washington to-
ay on account of the Inexpressibly sad bc-
eaVement which has befallen ( Senator Trilli
on and his family In the unexpected death
f Mrs. Thurston. All day long both State
nd War departments have waited for news
rom Cuba as to the movement of the yacht
'bearing ' the body to the shores of the United
States.
Assistant Secretary ot War Melklejohn ,
ntlclpatlng the landing of the party at
Tampa , at once began arrangements with the
allroad company for a special car through
o Omaha. The Union Pacific sent out from
Omaha tonight "directors' car " 010 , " routed
la the Burlington and Pennsylvania lines ,
or Washington , where It will be held until
ho wishes of Senator Thurston arc learned.
Chaplain ( Mlllburn In the senate today of-
ered the following prayer tauchlng upon the
udden death of Mrs. Thurston : "Oh ,
Sternal God , hearken to our devout prayers
n behalf of thlno honored servant , the
uulor senator from Nebraska , and his chil
dren , smitten by a heavy blow , the death of
vlfo and mother. Grant to them and to us
a simpler , clearer , more vivid sense of the
Ifo to come , of which wo have a sure wit
ness and warrant In the resurrection of
Jcaus Christ , Thy Son , from the dead , who
has opened to us the world of immortality
and eternal life. And so may they and wo
find consolation In the loss of our beloved
ones from earth by the sweet and gracious
consciousness that they still live with all
heir endowments of Intelligence and affec-
lon and that the bond between them and
us Is not severed , but may become more
sacred and tender and beautiful , and earth
ie glorified by the radiance which streams
from the Heaven of Heavens upon our path
and upon their faces. "
EXPRESSIONS OP CONDOLENCE.
The following expressions were obtained
'torn ' the Nebraska delegation In theower " )
house , Senator AHcn having cabled his con
dolences to Havana last night :
Mercer The sudden death of Mrs. Thurs-
lon shocks me beyond expression. The hist
time I saw her , Just prior to her departure
for Cuba , she seemed the picture of health
and strength and death seemed 'farthest
rrom her thoughts. We have little Informa
tion of the events lending up to her unfor
tunate demise , but there seems to bo no
question asto the fact that she died sud
denly find not In America , the country she
loved so much. Her death Is a loss , not
only to her husband , children nnd Imme
diate relatives , but a loss to Nebraska and
the nation. She was a < noble Ionian , full
at kind thoughts nnd deeds and never tired
In her endeavors to relieve distress and dis
tribute generosity. She was an exemplary
wlfo and mother and made her home sacred.
Thousands will mourn her untimely death
ind years will roll by before her place can
be filled on this earth.
Strode The announcement of the death of
Mrs. Thurston In Cuba caused an intense
shock to her host of friends In Washington.
She has been almost constantly with her
iiifband since he became a member of the
senate and by reason of her strong men
tallty , her literary accomplishments her
ability to create pleasure and entertainment
Tor her friends , she quickly made numerous
Frlenda nnd soon became prominent In Wash
ington social and , literary circles. Many
and touching1 have been the expressions of
sympathy for her bereaved husband nnd
children , uttered by those who have had
the good fortune to become acquainted with
her.
her.Greene
Greene The death of Mrs. Senator Thurs
ton la a great shock .to . all who knt'sv her.
She was ono of the. . most brilliant and lovable -
blo of women. Her rare literary attain
ments well fitted her for the position which
she occupied. Senator Thurston has the
sympathy of all In this , his great hour of
trial.
Sutherland Mrs. Thurston was beloved
all ' ho knew her and the families of the
Nebraska members are filled -with sorrow
at the untimely news of her death. Her
recent appeal in behalf of sorrow and suffer
ing show her character and goodness ,
Maxwell One of the pocta says : "Death
loves a shining1 mark , a signal blow , n blow
that while It'executes , alarms and startles
thousands Ity a single fall. " This U emi
nently truci of the death of Mrs. Thurston
In the prime of life , In the full -maturity oi
her powers and1 with the promise of many
yeara of usefulness before her , she was
stricken down. She -was a Christian
woman In the full sense of the word am
her recent appeal for the starving nnd eur
ferlng peopio of Cuba showed her true char
ncter. Wo sympathize with her husband
and children In the great loss they have BUS
talned1. i
Stark While I never knew Mrs. Thuraton
Ha .well aa others of my colleagues , she np
pealed to me as a noble woman. My hear
Bees out In sympathy to 'the senator and
children.
children.FLAG
FLAG NEXT TO HER HEART.
HAVANA , March 15. A correspondent a
Sagua la Grande telegraphs that Mrs. Thurs
tea died at noon yesterday of heart disease
believed to bo hereditary. Mrs. Thurston bad
been much affected at the scen's of suffering
she wltneesed at Matanzas and especially in
the case of the flkeleton-like children.
Mrs. Thurston , conscious that her < nd was
n ar , said : "I art not sorry to go to rest
but I am grieved that my own children wll
be motherlcts. "
Mra. Thurston had worn a small American
flag next to her heart ever since the trip
was commenced and when she died the flag
was clasped to her breast.
Ghe was noted for her great humanity and
when at Matanzas saw a gaunt mother sadly
embracing her dying child. The feelings o
Mrs. Thurston were much excited by tbl
sad scene and probably this Incident helpei
to hasten the end.
The congressional party had made arrange
menta to visit the hospitals of Sagua la
Grande , but the death of Mrs. Thuratou ha
changed all the plans ,
Yncht Aullu llvucheB Key Went.
KEY WEST , March 15. The American
yacht Anita , having on board the body o
THE BEE BULLETIN.
Weather Forccait for Nebrafkn
\ Pair ; Collier ; Northerly Wln < J .
1. Preparing for the National Defense.
Captain Parker Talk * of Cuba.
Tributes to Mr * . Thurston.
Inquiry Hoard Uoe * to Key West
2. ConnrcMlotml Proceeding * .
No More War Ship * Purchased.
3. Nebraska Supreme Court Meets ,
AfTalri at South Oinitha ,
4. Kdltorlal nnd Comment. )
0. Oregon and the Exposition ,
Exploration * In Alaska.
0. Council Illurr * Loral Matter * , j
low * Leglnlattve Proceeding *
7. Clcncrnl Now * of the Further V
Now ItallroaU Equipment.
8. Suit for an Infant's Fortune.
Proceeding * at the City Count'
Ncbrnftka Lumbermen Meet Toil y.
O. Itcvlonr * of Current Publications.
Ilond Cmo Gets Into Court.
Extension of the Water Supply.
Army Headquarter * May bo Moved.
11. Commercial and Financial New * .
12. Andrcc nnd IIM Perllnn * Journey.
Mrs. Thurston , wlfo of Senator /Thurston ,
and the members of the congressional party
vho have been vtait'ug Cuba , arrived here
his afternoon from Matanzas.
SYMPATHY FROM CIIAUHOX PEOPLE.
tenoIutlotiH Adopted nt nil Im
promptu iMn Meeting.
OHADRON , Neb. , March 15. ( Special Tel
egram. ) Upon the receipt of the sad news
of the unexpected demise of Mrs. Senator
Thurstbn In Cuba , an Impromptu mass meet-
ng of republicans was held and the following
resolutions adopted :
Whereas. The pccplo of northwest Nc-
iraska have heard of the uneipccted de-
mlso of Mr ? . John M , Thurston , nnd where
as all Ncbrnsknns , arc filled with admlra-
lon and respect for Mrs. Thurston nnd the
ilBhcst esteem for Senator Thurston , who
s a typical Ncbra&knn and ' .whoso wife
MIS the highest lyps at a. Nebra ' .ca woman
and an American wife ; therefore , bo It
Resolved , That to Senator Thurston and
ils bereaved children go cut the sympathy
nnd love of ithu people of Chndron , who
recognize the fact that another bright star
las been placed In the heavens.
And thereupon the meeting was adjourned.
CHIEF AMONG FAMILY'S FHIKXIIS.
AfiHoclnteii of Scnntor Thiimtoii Ex-
preHH .Much Sorrow for Him.
It has been some time since any event has
cast the gloom over railway circled that nan
been cautcd by the sadden' death of Mrs.
John M. Thurcion , This Is especially true
lm Unlon * Paclflc jclrclcs [ ' 'lliro Senator
Thurefon was so well known as general
solicitor. President Burt is In New York
and General Manager Dickinson U on an in
spection trip on the Nebraska division , but
the EUbordlnato officials who are In the city
expressed tno greatest regret at the sad
event. In their opinion Mrs. Thurston had
been a wonderful helpmate to Senator Thurs
ton , and her death under the almost tragic
circumstances existing at this tlmo wen
greatly to bo deplored. Not only was the
deepest regret in Union Pacific circles , but
In the headquarters and offices of all ot the
otlien lines the sorrowful news formed tbo
principal uubjcct of conversation on Tuesday
morning.
Nearly everyone was anxious to proffer his
services , but was debarred on account ot
the lack of any knowledge ot the plans of
Senator Thurston and his family regarding
the funeral arrangements. There were many
Inquiries at the law officer of Hall & Me-
Cullocb , the partners of Senator Thurston ,
and at the Thurston home during the mornIng -
Ing for some definite Information as to the
arrival of the party here , and there were
as many offers ot assistance as there were
Inquiries. Neither at the office nor at the
house was any news , except that conveyed In
tbo special telegrams and press dispatches
to The Bee , received. The news of Mrs.
Thurston's death was ( broken to her mother ,
Mrs. Poland , during the morning. The
latter Is quite III , but withstood the shock
better than had been anticipated. The home
Is in charge of Mrs. Newman and Mlsa
Dundy. During the morning -Mrs. Poland
received word that Clarence Thurston would
remain at 'Harvard university until he re
ceived word of the time of the arrival ot bis
father.
Mrs. Newman at the Thurston homo In
this city last evening received a telegram
from Senator Thurston confirming the re
port of the Associated Press that the yacht
bearing the rcr.alns ot Mrs. Thurston and
the congressional party had arrived at Key
West yesterday afternoaon.
HnvHnllunn Rccnllcd.
Owing to the death ot Mrs. Tburston the
Thurston Rifles have recalled the Invitations
for their dancing party for Wednesday even
Ing , March 1G.
The invitation to attend the "Ensign" 111
tbo nature of a box party has been declined
and instead the company will ae cmblo at
tuo armory for drill.
Dentil from Hi-art Fulliirr.
Mrs. Poland , Mro. Thurston's mother , re
ceived a cablegram from Senator Thurstcn
at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Senator
Thurston said Mrs. Thurston died of heart
failure , and that lie ; was now on his way
to Tampa , Fla. On arriving at Tampa , be
said , he would telegraph further particulars
to the family hero.
Ship 'ltnll t Klondike.
MILWAUKEE. March 15.-Flfty cars of
rails , to be used In constructing the lll'Ht
railroad to the Klondike cold llelds , were
shipped from the Uayvlew works today by
the Illinois Steel company. They were rolled
In the IJuyvlcw mills and constitute the
first consignment forwarded to fill a laree
order given by the builders' ' of the Klon
dike road. Other shipments will be made
as fast as tliu steel can be rolled.
Mold for Import.
NEW YOIIK. March 13. The Fourth Na
tional bank ot Philadelphia has I350.C03 In
gold engaged for Import. This makes the
total of the present engagement by all Im
porters. J21.KB.000.
Movement * of Oeeuii Vrmeli. Mnr. If
At Southampton Arrived Havel , from
New York.
At New York-S-illed Kaiser Wllholm Uer
Grosse , for Bremen ; Cevlc , for Liverpool ;
Peninsular , for Lisbon. Arrived Pennsyl
vania , from Hamburg ; AVeaternland , from
Antwerp. I
At Boulogne Arrived Rotterdam , from
New York.
At Naples-Arrived Victor ! * , from Ntw
York. . , _ i .
GOES TO KEY WEST
Sudden Change of Base Made by the Board
of Inquiry ,
MAY RETURN TO HAVANA ONCE MORE'
Meantime , the Divers Will Continue Their
Investigations.
NO INTIMTION AS TO THE FINDINGS
Little ia Loft for the Oovrt Ezoopt to Sift
the Testimony ,
CAREFUL STUDY OF PLANS OF THE SKIP
Elnhornte Drimlimx , Prepared hy K
IK" INMvel oii , U'lll lie lined to
Attaint tinllonrd ( u Keuch
a Conclimlou ,
( Copyright. 1SS8. by I'rcus rutilKilnfr Company. )
HAVANA ( Via Key West ) , March 15. New
York World Cablegram Special Telegram. )
The court of Inquiry left Havana suddenly
today at 5:30 : p. in. on the lighthouse tender
( Mangrove for Key West. They will remain
there for a few days and will then return
here , as there Is further testimony to bo
secured from the divers of the Underwriter
and the wrecking barge Chief. Captain *
Sampson and Chadwlck , Lieutenant Com
mander Potter and Judge Advocate Marls
paid their respects to General Leo just be
fore departure. The wrecking tug Under
writer Is expected to leave for the north to
night , to return with a 3,000-ton lighter , and
will then push the work vigorously. During
the absence of the board In Key West the
divers will occupy the barge Chief together.
The divers are now working and say they
will bo prepareJ to lay much additional evi
dence before the court on its return.
( SYLVESTER SOOVEL. '
ASSOCIATED PRESS DISPATCHES.
HAVANA , March 15. The aiangrove. with
the court of Inquiry on board , stalled tonlKht
for Key West. Captain Sampson , president
of the board , assured the- Associated Proas
correspondent that the decision to leave
lavana was not reached until this afternoon ,
after a consultation of the members. It was
leclded that while further testimony might
be obtained here this was not sufficiently
Ikcly to Justify a longer stay. The court
can return If the divers or wreckers 'learn
anything new. The plans of the submerged
wreck , In the preparation of which Ensign
Powelson has bad a large share , are very
elaborate and Captain Sampson says the
testimony and records of the divers are very
full.
Captain Sampson hopes * the . .courtwlH bo
allowed to resume Its.sittings.on the battle
ship Iowa , now near Key West , with ttiw
New York.- All the officers of the court ex
cept Judge Advocate Marlx , are stationed :
on the Towa or the New York , and on thn
former the court could bo absolutely free
from Interruption. The greater part oj tno
Investigation that remains will consist , un
less the court returns here , of a careful
study of the plans. It is not thought that
It will bo necessary to summon the sur
vivors of the Maine , officers or men , now at
Key West or scattered throughout the fleet.
Captain Sampson said , however , that any-
such would bo summoned it the revision of
the testimony showed missing links In tha
chain that they could supply.
The court has no prophecy to make as ta
the further duration of Its sittings , or as
to when or where the fndlngs will bo pro
mulgated. Captain Slgsbeo will probably re
main hero with Lieutenant Commander
Walnwrlght to superintend the wrecking on
behalf of the government. Chaplain Chid-
wick Is expected to remain to care for anyi
bodied that may bo recovered. At least no
orders had been received to the contrary
who * this dispatch was sent. The court
called upon Consul General Lee this after
noon to bid him farewell , cad subsequently
Captain Slgsbce said adieu to the court.
STICIC TO THE 'ACCII1EXT THEORY.
SuunliirdiT Still Clnlm Hint theEx
plnnlon Wii * Internal.
( Copyright , 1S08 , by 1'rcsn rublls'.ilnRCompany. . )
HAVANA , ( via Key West ) , MUrch 15.
( New York World' Cablegram Special Tele
gram. ) I have interviewed a lending Spani
ard connected with the official Investigation
ot the Maine hull from the outside. His)1
statement covers the total extent of Spanish
progre.-s. The result of tbo work today of
the Spanish divers practically settles tha
matter for them , ho said , but they will con
tinue their labors * until every possible means
has been taken to strengthen tbo evldenca
of an Internal explosion.
From official plans of the Maine thla man
explained that the hull from the forward !
coal bunkers partition separating them from
the magazine aft , to the stern Is intact , while
fcruurd tbo port and starboard sldea above
the water line are blown outward with tha
light upper work resting on the mud , The
plates examined show n bulge outwards with
bolts and nuts loosened and easily removed
from the outside. The foremast has toppled
to port and Is Imbedded In th ? mud. This
man also states that the bow plates and the
forofoqt are blown outward from just abnvo
the tip ot the ram. Ho cUilma that the
keel , 5 far as It has buu examined , has
been found Intact. I had observed tbo
diver the other day working twenty yards
oft to tbo starboard. When I requested an
explanation he eald :
"Wo are searching for the forward ten-Inch
turret , which must have been blown soma
dlatcnco by the terrible force of the large
magazln ? , but a yet wo are unable to local a
It. H Is pvobably burled deep ! ci mud como
distance away. TUe divers are unable ta
make a caroful'search. The mud Is to deep
that they sink up to the helmet. They feet
around with hands and feet and are tliea
drawn up and dropped down further on. "
This proceeding evidently proved tcdioua
for I afterward observed tha name men
sound'HR in different places , trying to locate *
any mass ot debris. I did not tell my friend )
that the turret of the Maine waa already }
found and a wrecking tug was moored directly ,
over the alto to prevent the Spaniards from
finding or investigating. The turret prcienta
poattlve evidence ( bat the large magazine *
did rat explode. An cxploslciv would have/ /
blown off the top as a projectile is fired from ]
a cannon. Tbo top was not blown off. id
was found lying on Its silo almost Intact *
Neither did I inform him that sounding *
completely disproved the etateineut that tb
bow was blown outward.
Forward of the plates showing abovtf
water the lead failed to show any great dif
ference in depth that would Indicate that tb
forward part U still intact. Io fact ,