experience many times before. His first reports were worded with the
greatest care, for had he let slip one ill-advised remark it might have
plunged this country at once into the horrors of war. You will remember
his despatch, and how he advised the country to await facts before
forming a judgment. This despatch did more than anything else toward
making the proper investigation possible, and the final action will in
consequence be based upon facts carefully ascertained and deliberately
considered.

The latest news with regard to the movements of the board of inquiry is
that it went to Key West for a few days only, and with the intention of
returning to Havana for further sittings.

* * * * *

On February 23d, Secretary of War Long completed arrangements with the
Merritt and Chapman Wrecking Company, of New York city, and with the
Boston Towboat Company, to undertake to raise the _Maine_. It was agreed
that they were to be paid $1,371 a day for their work, $871 a day for
the use of their regular appliances, and $500 a day in addition for the
use of the great floating derrick _Monarch_. On the delivery in New York
of the hull of the wrecked vessel, $100,000 will be paid. It is,
however, provided in the contract that the total cost of the work shall
not exceed $200,000.

The question as to the amount of the indemnity to be paid for the
destruction of the _Maine_, in case Spain is held liable for the
disaster, has occasioned considerable comment in the press. It has been
asserted that the Government should demand at least $10,000,000, and
even so large an amount as $30,000,000 has by some been suggested as the