Current History


The _Maine_ disaster is to the public almost as much of a mystery as
ever. Little of absolutely reliable information has been made known, and
until something is officially stated by the court of inquiry, judgment
must be suspended.

The court of inquiry began the investigation almost immediately after
its arrival at Havana. The sittings were held on the lighthouse tender
_Mangrove_, and lasted for a number of days; the court then adjourned to
Key West.

The investigation has been a secret one throughout, and though the
numerous correspondents have done their best to obtain information, very
few facts have been ascertained; and fact and fiction have been so mixed
in the newspaper accounts that it is not safe to accept as final any of
the statements.

In some foreign papers it has been hinted that the disaster resulted
from an accident due to lack of discipline on board the vessel. The
utter falseness of this statement is shown by the facts. Just think of a
crew, or what was left of it, mustering without confusion on the deck of
a sinking, burning vessel, and this vessel likely to be blown to pieces
at any moment! Could any better evidence of perfect discipline and
heroism be given? Every man took his place without comment; each order
was given quietly and coolly, and obeyed with precision. Is it possible
that an accident could have happened on that ship through lack of