The Great Round World and What Is Going On In It, Vol. 2, No. 11, March 17, 1898, page 9 by Various Authors
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s, acting for themselves and not in touch with the Government, probably "assassinated" the boat--if she was "assassinated." In that case, the United States can with justice claim an indemnity.
If, however, it can be proved that Spanish officers knew that there was a mine under the Maine, and did not take the trouble to tell Captain Sigsbee, the United States would undoubtedly consider it a casus belli (that is, a cause of war), unless Spain promptly agrees to make good the loss.
As we told you last week, it is said that no dead fish were found in Havana harbor after the explosion. Another significant report is, that there was no large wave directly after the explosion took place. If these reports are true, they would almost preclude the possibility of its having been an outside explosion.
It was reported that Weyler, while Captain-General of Cuba, had caused Havana harbor to be filled with mines and torpedoes, and that he alone had the plans.
In a letter to a New York paper, however, General Weyler absolutely denies this, and he writes that he has had nothing to do with the mines and torpedoes in Havana harbor.
One sensational report printed in a New York paper was that, shortly before the explosion took place, the guard on the Maine noticed a very distinct ripple on the water, as if a small boat was being propelled close to the vessel.
Many similar reports have reached the United States, and it is hard to know what to believe. One of the New York papers has been telling so many lies that the Government was compelled to stop this particular journal from sending any messages at all over the cable from Havana to Key West. This paper then sent its news to Europe, and from there cabled to New York. Over this circuitous route came most marvellous tales, and it is needless to say that most of them were lies pure and simple. The editor of one enterprising journal is reported to have wagered $50,000 that he will cause war between the United