Page:Messages of the President of the United States on the Relations of the United States to Spain (1898).djvu/119

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February 25, 1898.

Keyes was buried on 17th. Spanish law forbids exhumation bodies before expiration five years.

February 26, 1898.

Most of the bodies buried. Some over week ago. Many unrecognizable. Against Spanish law to exhume until expiration of five years. Neither steamers nor authorities permit shipment bodies unless at once embalmed and in metallic cases. Cost between $600 and $800 each.

February 28, 1898.

Arrangements made both Governments conduct independently investigation Maine disaster.

Havana, February 28, 1898.

With reference to my telegram of this morning, which I now confirm, reading: "Arrangements made, both Governments conduct independently investigation Maine disaster,: I now have the honor to transmit copies of the correspondence with this Government on the subject.

I am, sir, etc.,

Consul-General.

Havana, February 28, 1898.

In order to terminate the expediente (proceedings) of investigation initiated by the Spanish Government regarding the causes which produced the catastrophe of the Maine, it is only lacking to proceed to an examination of the exterior and interior part of the vessel where the explosion occurred, for which it is deemed indispensable for the better accomplishment of this object that our divers, upon performing the examination, be accompanied by those of the American Government; and inasmuch as no conclusive answer has been received from you to proceed to same, I beg you will please direct or request whoever it may concern to the effect that said divers join the Spanish divers for the purpose of making the report of the examination. I also beg to ask you to name a period of time as soon as possible.

God guard you many years.

2em