—¥"‘- -.-..\_ . ' planation. — ‘ 7 vs- if y... want the best . * goods for the least money read the advertisements (11 the Gazette. voL. VIII. No. 1807 NORWALK, ooNN., THURS DAY EVENING EEEETTAEY 17 ,-1898. PRICE ONE CENT 4., ~I-.~..».: . . familylpaperthe Gazette’s advertising columns will. prove its value to. you. i WU . BELIEF IN WASHINGTON THAT THE EXPLOSION 0N THE MAINE WAS DUE To SPANISH TREACHEBY. 253 SAILOHS WERE . KILLED. ; . om. SIESBEE’GNBLES THAT THIS NUMBER AIIE 111111 on lllSSlllfiu-GFFIGIILS TALK HESTIIAIIIT’IIIIIILIALI, IIIIT PNIVATEIT HINT . AT THE POSSIBILITY or INAII. New official report from Havana about the Maine disaster places the total killed and missing at 253. Tu enty—fom officers are uninjured The “oundéd are divided among the \1 .1161 Line steamer, the city hospital and hotels. Nothing was saved by the crew. Officers Jenkins and Merritt are still missing, the cable says, and there is little hope of their safety. 'Capt.Sigsbee advises thatawrecking vessel be sent at once, as the Maine is all submerged except the debris. He is preparing a complete list of the wounded and saved, to be sent by tele- graph; The officers uninjured went by steamer Olivette yesterday to Key West. Great excitement exists in Washing- ton. Spanish treachery is openly talked of in Qhe‘ departments. Naval officers find it difficult to account fo1‘ the disaster by accident. The Presi- ' - " dent" hasv’il'ectded :azgamst-ssending an» other warship 51:0 Havana. for the pres- . ~ent. Senators and Represenmtives are much mflamed over athe macaw-cad opinion that the warship‘was sunk ‘by a Spanish torpedo. "They advise calm ness, but say war is inevitable if it is found the Spanish are responsible fo1 , the disaster. One authority thinks there was ‘ spontaneous combustion in the coa‘ bunkers, which exploded the powdel in the supplementary magazines. Had the forward magazine explOded the ship would have been blown to flind- crs. Rear Admiral BroWn. the highest of- ficer in the navy till his retirement York, Feb. 17.—The very latest. patches from Captain Sigsbee «the. other hand, he should report thai scare-for the‘time at least. ~ that the-fisstmction v of the *Mai ne wa: summoned. ation has not yet been made public Until it is the American people will continue to, guess and to conjecture a: to the cause of the disaster. Waiting for Sigsbee’s Final Report. Washington, Feb. 17.—4Further 'disA are awaited with the greatest anxiety. 11 is known that the President gave or- ders when he retired last night that hc was to be awakened if anything fur- ther came from Havana from eithei Consul-General Lee or Captain Sigs bee. It is the personality of the latter however, that public interest is cen- tred. It is now conceded that upor his report to the President depends al most entirely the peace of :two nations If he reports that the Maine was, sunk by design there is‘ little doubi that- the almost immediate outcome will be a declaration of wai If, or the (destruction of the'Maine 4788 due to an‘accident, it would settle the wow At thl sameftime, if Captain Sigsbee reports ‘due -to an accident, it will probably mean that a court of inquiry will be The gravity of the situation cannm be wexaggerated Captain Sigsbee’ s 1e- i port will settle the matter, and it is pointed out by those close to the Pres ‘ ident that the latter feels much wor _.| ried over the fact that Captain Sigsbee ! has not announced that he thinks the , deStruction of the Maine was due t1! an accident. suspicion that the explosion was de signed. _ The feeling, not uttered above 2 whisper, but undoubtedly entertainec- in the department, is that the explo sion was not an accident. The ofli cers familiar with all the conditions or board the vessel cannot conceive the possib1lity of an accident occurring nor do they think that the explosiox- could have been caused by a bemb 01 torpedo being exploded on deck. Another thing which makes stil- more doubtful the story of accident is I that the Maine, unlike other~ vesSel: in the navy, did not have on bbard he) complement of high explosives. 0m suspicion is that a drifting torpedo wa: intentionally exploded under "the bow It has been understood here that'thi - Havana harbor is a checker—board 02 torpedoes, and while there can be m official hint of such a thing, there ha: been a constant fear of treachery -- menu: firm-r. A .The feeling is =verzy- general, both .711 the department and many is Cbngress, that .ourfleet. faiths South ern waters shoulé be at once dis- patched to Cuba. . The decis!on of- th( Secretary not to Send a fleet is re ceived with disfavor and is known t( be against the...judgme,nt -of- some 01 the most capable. men in the depart ment. It is rega1ded by Some aé iindiscite . to permit the situation to remain as i is now, with the survivors" of th - Maine's crew on shore and the con- sulate unprotected. The fact that (.‘apt. SigsbeL did get ask for yeseels M ~‘- ‘.s~§.ea‘; "WV/’1 -1'" an?“ s1 '1'" :fif'fi‘" Mr 'lHE MAINE IN HAVANA HARBOR. up by a torpedo. There are no sub- merged torpedoes in the Havana har- bor. It woul have had to be sent from the sho l, which he regards out of the questi. High naval officers seen in this city are inclined to the opinion that the Maine was blown up by. her magazine and that the Spaniards had nothing L ’10 do with the disaster. At the Cuban Junta the affair was excitedly discussed. They do not open- (y charge Spaniards with the treach- ery, but say it would have been easy for boats to place torpedoes under the Iessel. _ Wreckers, here say that when the 'dlvers get to work they can tell wheth er the explosion came from Within 01 without. Dr. C. E. Pendleton, who has just arrived from Havana, says that he overheard there a conversation in which it was declared that there would there were Wires all around the Maine shortly come a. great sensation; that and that she could be blown to‘pieces at a moment’s notice. . Governor-General Blanco, in- Ha- vana, had a theory concerning .the Maine which he promulgated withir two hours after. the ship was blow: out of the water. Blanco told his owr newspapers and the correspondents o: the Madrid newspapers that a boileI of. the donkey engine connected witt one of the Maine’s electric light dyna mos burst. Following this explosion . " according to Blanca, the powder mag- T‘azines of the Maine, one at‘teif the other, exploded. This is Blanco's ex- 'Ca.-pta}ill Sighbee’s explan- vhdoes not believe the Maine was blowr. ” . dispatch from Capt. TOTAL LOSS Is,272. Captain Sigsbee 'Cables Details of the Disaster. ' Washington, Feb. 17.—After the. Cabinet adjourned at noon yesterday Secretary Long gave out the following Sigsbee, com- mander of the Maine: ‘ “Advise sending wrecking. vessel at. once. Maine submerged except’ debris, mostly work for divers now. Jenkina and Merritt still missing. Little' hope for the safety. Those known as saved are: Officers, 24; uninjured crew.,18;‘ woundednow on board Ward steamer in City Hospital and hotels, 59, so fa1 as known. All others went,down or board or near the Maine. Total loss. or missing, 253. WASHINGTON IS UNEASY. Officials Say “Accident” in Puplic, but Privately Declare Otherwise. ' ' Washington, Feb. 17. -—The efforts of Secretary _Long to discourage assumption that the explosion was designed is precautionary. The Sec- retary has no means of judg- ing- the cause of the explosion, othe1 than that sent the general public, ex- cept the knowledge of the precautiom taken on shipboard to guard against accidents. To intimate that it had been anything but an accident would "c a grave indiscretion on his part and he must necessarily assume thai t \ as an'accident. At the same time izr-f nurses lased upon the meagre in .rth on received and the knowledge .f the department as to the locatior 1nd contents of the magazme and the Lilotfzttién aft'oxded. lead to the strong 71". [in the Navy Department to be sefi't, 'B'Ehé‘r th‘a‘n ‘the lendersf‘is not regarded asvsufficient warrant for Life Set-ertary‘to assume that the Cap— tain does not regard the presence of a fleet as desirable. ‘ The fact that Capt. Sigsbee suggests in his dispatch .that public opinion should be suspended until further re? port, is regarded as showing, not that he regards the explosion as accidental, but that he is suspicio s of something worse. .. The reports are coming Tin , to - the .Navy Department unofficially in re- gard to the eXplosion, one of them be- ing that the. Maine did not sink until two hours after the explosion. AThis is causing the naval officers 0. good. deal of speculation, and they are now of the opinion that the explosion was from the inside, and Qhat it was caused by treachery. It had been a well-known fact that this method of smuggling explosives on . board vessels has been attempted by the Spaniards before, especially in Ha- vana. ' One very prominent naval officer, in giving his theory, said that the great- est care has been , "exercised lately in shipping coal, because of the fact be- ing known that an effort was made by Spaniards last year to blow up mer- chent vessels by concealing‘high' ex- plosives in large lumps of coal, the method being to cut open a lump, in- sert dynamite and seal it up again. This was known to have been‘tried on one or two vessels of a passenger ' line recently. and the official said that they had to watch almost every piece of coal put into the' bunkers. ' _~ I [CONTINUED ON men 3,3 THE BANQUET Commodore Sanford Enter iains‘ Nine Officers of _ 111A Yacht» c1u11. An Excellent Dinner Served by Mine Host Walz. The dinue1 giv on to the officers and governing committee of the Norwalk Yacht. club by Commodore P. G. Saul-v ford, ' todk place at the Mahackemé h0- tel last night. and lasted from 8 o’clock until 11. Nine ' guests occupied seats at. the table as follows; Commodore P. G. sanford, rear commodore John H. Fer- secretary D. W. Raymond, George A. J ennings’,_G. E. Bogart, H. E. Mathew- son and A. J. Meeker of the governing committee and Samuel Lyne’s of the regatta. committee. The menu prepared by Landlord Wdlzwas a most. elaborate one and was written on a. cardboard fourteen inches in length with red White and blue rib- bone tied 1n the upper right hand cor-7 ner, and was as follows: DINNER , Given to the Officers ' and Governing Committee . of the , , Noriizalk Yacht Club . -- ‘ . ’ ' by ’ A Commodore P. G. Sanford ' at the New Mahackemo Wednesday, ”Feb. 16, 1898. Celery, Olives,- Salted Almonds. Blue Points on Half Shell Sautcru. ' Cream of Pears, Sherny Vol au Vent, a la. Emanuel: Roast Turkey Graph Spinach, , Champaggikew Roman Punch; Cigarettes: Game on Toast, Saratog-a; Chips; Champagne. - - Lettuce Salad, French Dressing, Champagne. ‘ Orange Ice Cream, Champagne. Biscuits, Bonbons, Fruits, Cofl’ee, Cheese, Champagne. Champagne. The menu wasfserved in‘courses- and- the guests did ample? justice to the well cocked viands. At the close cigars Were lighted and Commbdore Sanford read several let- cakes, Cigars, _, to be the following: .H - \ NEW YORK, FEB. 16 ’98. Dear Commodore:—Circumstances over which 1 have full control prevent. my attending your banquet. Having attended a. prior dinner given by you to my subsequent sorrow, .I must. this ”time say NIT. J. C. GREEN. So. NORWALK, FEE 16 ’98. Dear Commodbi 9 :—-Thanks for the kind invitation to attend your banquet but. the memory of that. 16 I put. up foI the pleasant e of others OVBL comes me like a. summer night’ 3 d1 cam and I am forced to decline. G. R. VAN ALSTYNE. After reading the letters of regret the Commodore spoke as follows: “Gentlemenz—It gives me great. pleasure to meet you all here this even- log. I had expected to make a..few re- mai ks upon ‘How to soothe the 8.11eg with a. squaie meal,’ but the lettei 3 just read to you will. I hope, give you an inkling as to why I have nothing to say upon that. subject. However, what’s left. of us will proseed Wit-h the, love making. LI now have the pleasure of inm oducing to you Mr. B03311. who will Tespond to the toast, .‘Why I fell overboaid. ’ " Mr. Bogart. arose and adjusting ' his sea legs spoke in part. as follows: “Mr. Commolore and Gentlemen:—— It gives me a. pain to speak upon a. sub- ject that is so pe1 5011211 to myself, but I confess the charge is true. I did fall over-board; not, however. on my own volition but. because my spinnaker fouled my jib and I took a tack in an optosite direction from that. in which my couzse Wasltitl. I am glad to be with yout to—uiuht as a. member of the governing board, and I can promise that. I will always be, with you in that capacity it we are allowed to name the nominating co nmitt. e. ” (Loud up- 1 planes from Secretary Hatch.) At. the coaclumon of Mr. Bogarts add; 688, the Commodore called upon, tiers of regret, among which were said‘ ris, ‘secretary H. S. Hatch, assistant 5 i i L the usual proxies. .still with you. structed to vote every proxy received , . .H. A. Mathewan to respbnd to the toast, “How I came .to place myself on A the governing committee. ” He spoke as folldws’": “Mr. CommodOre and Gentlemen: - ‘What. man dare, I dare.’ Beinga pol- itician of no small degree I have be- come inoculated with the old slogan, ‘no the victor belongs the spoils,’ and by,the grace of our genial Commodore I found myself placed in a position where it. was only necessary to reach out my hand and grasp the spoils. N ob being a. reformer or a 16-to 1 crank I grasped to my heartwith hooks of steel the position, and here I am. And, like Mr. Bogart, I hope miremadn with you untilthe trumpet of Gabriel calls us hence.” Mr. Mathewson’s address consumed some time and the reporter was unable to catchit all. What he did secure, however, will be of value to 1111 Who may inthe future desire office, as well as to perpetuate Sandy Knapp’s well ‘knownand oft repeated motto, “Every- body for himself.” The Commodore next called upon Secretary Hatch 'to respond to the toast, “Why proxies should be sent to me to keep the faithful in.” Before Mr. Hatch, began his address several waiters appeared with buckets and sponges to catch the expected flow of tears. Mr. Hatch addressed the company substantially as follows: , Mr. Commodore and Gentlemenz~1 will first state that I to-day hustled oil“ the new list. of officers together with This statement will, I hope, free your mind of any suspicion of unfaithfulness as to duty on my part and at. the ' same time prove that I am As you know I am in— in your favor, and as ‘no one else 15 rautborized to get. proxies. ’ we are the people. At ouranuual meeting I ex- *pecito'vote enough proxies to carry i the faithful through and you need ha y e no fear of defeat. As I said before, v.- e are the people, See!” Other toasts were responded to but. Earring unlock of space we are unable to print. them;- The banquet proved a complete suc- cess, andall saidgoodnight with one "voice to'th'e‘ genial Commodore :15 he 1left. to take his brain? for home. i. ‘1‘ -m" ,‘v' An Evening of Music". Gracechnrch choir gave an Evening :of Music authef residence of. Mrs: Bob- ert Van Buren- in; West. avenue, last. Cevenmg'. On the - programme carried out. under the. direction of Mr. James Baker were some choice bits of melOdy. Miss Vera Wood sang a solo in a clear sweet. veice. Miss Grace Adams also rendered sclos. Rev. J. McClure Bellows gave log interspersed with piano and ’cello accompaniment. Clinton Baker sang a solo and there were several beautiful selections rendered by the church choir. The evening proved a delightful one and had the weather been more favor- 4' able no doubt more would have availed taemselves 10f the pleasure of being present. ~ 1*. : ~—-——4¢-o> ~AA- - .A_ Club Banquet. The. Catholic club banquet will take place to-night. at the club headquarters. The toasts to be responded to are an- nounced as being as follows; “The Church,” Rev. J. J. Furlong; “The City of Norwalk,” John S. Seymour; “The Medical Profession,” Dr. W. J. Tracey; "The Law,” Attorney‘John J. Walsh; “Societies. ” Joseph L. O’Brien. A fine musical programme has been provided and among the'voices will be those belonging to Messrs. W'ehle, Whittaker, Hands and others of the same pleasing tenor. ' Little Georg": Scofield Dead. After along fight with those dread diseases, scarlet. fever and diphtheria, Georgie, the bright. little 5-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Scofield, died at an early hour this morning at his home 011 Concord street, South N orwalk. He was a sweet and winning little child and his parents havc't-he sympathy of a host. of friends in thi.» their bereavement. He was a. grand- son of Frank Foster of this city. - Soot on Fire. The soot ' in a. chimney at the Union hotel, South Norwalk, was fanned into a. blaze by the high wind yesterday- but. the fire was extinguished before much damage had been done. Progresuve Euchre. A progr. seiVe euchre party will meet at. the home of Miss Louise Stevens ~i11 Rowayton to-morrow night. Miss Agnes Gibbs and a I cad-1 11011111111. _ A Well KNOWSII'WMK: B’uSiA ness Man Suddenly Expires: Camp Street. Smith had suddenly expired at. his lhome one Camp street, atfi an early hour this morning, could at. firs? hardly be credited by his many friends who had met him the evening befOre in ap- parently his usual health. But such was the fact. last evening and he then seemed to be all right, indeed, during the evening, he made some changes about a. room in which he expected plumbers would commence work at. an early hour to— day. I ' 011 gettingrup at about 5:30 this morn- ing, he complained. 01a severe pain in his chest, and his wife applied such remedies aswere at. hand, as it was thought that; he would soon gain relief. The pain, however, continued-to such an extent that. he, in order to gain re- which room he had hardly gained 'be- fore he dropped to the floor. “ It was quickly seen that he was dead and he was so pronounced by the phy- sician who was summoned. ' Coroner Burke was notified and gave his verdict that death was caused by A ngor Pectoris. The deceased came here from West- port several years ago and with his brother purchased the hardware busi- ness at that. time carried on by the'late George Marvin. They later! disposed of the same to a man named Hindley. Later Mr. Smith became identified. with the foundry business on Hoyt dry, in which busmesshewas. engaged. at the time of his.§udden death. . He was a member of Temple Lodge. F. 81 A. M. of Westport, Washington Chapter R. A. M. of Norwalkaud Bate ,ler Lodge, I. O. O. E, of South N011- ‘walk, and if the» writer mistakes not, of the Baptist: church. He was universal- ly respected as email of keen business .~j11dgme of. and had scores of friends. A wife andjseveral children. survive him. No arrangementshave yet been made for the: funeral, _ The deceased was about 58 years of age. ==v : Fire on Belden Avenue. A still alarm of fire was sent in by John H; Greenwood last night asking sent. to the building occupied on that avenue by S. C. Horton as a grocery store. Assistant .. chief Fred Smith. ordered out. the truck, but. when it, ar- rived at the scene it was found that the fire which was in the chimney had been Sill t. it Mr. Layton Enteriains. South Nor-walk Congregational church to the number of fifty were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob M. Layton at their home 011 Fairfield avenue last evening. The session was one 'of much programme of exercises having been arranged and a. palate pleasing feast of eatables provided. It. was with reluct- and hostess good-night. Roof Blown Off. of tin roofing was ripped from the roof of the Winnipauk Mills. 'Workmeu are engaged in repairing the damage to-day. The Weather. 1. Fair to-night followed by rain Friday afternoon; Friday evening warmer; DEATHS. " 1‘ DUNNING—In South N01 walk Feb. I, ear of her age. SCOFIELD—In S 1111b Norwrlk Feb. 16, George, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen The announcement. that. Theodore E. - street. known as" the Arnold & Co. foun- ' The Sunday-school teachers of the‘ pleasure to all present a pretty little ance that. the guests bade then-hes? Theodore E. Smith Dies at His Home on A Baptist social was held at his home ' lief, got up and walked in another room that the Hook and Ladder truck be quenched by a liberal application'olf - . 1n yesterday’s gale about 1,000 feet ,. 15. Mrs. Flora N. Dunning in the 95th Scofield of ‘Co'Ipord street, aged 5 years. 5 _ :?
Norwalk Chronicler