v. John P. Chidwick,--"Father
John," as the sailors call him.

From the first he has devoted himself night and day to his
work--spending part of his time with the poor fellows maimed and dying
in the hospital, making their hours of suffering brighter, and from this
work turning to that still more difficult task, the identification of
the dead. He was one of the last to leave the vicinity of the wreck that
terrible night. It was only after the last sailor had been picked up
that he went ashore, and only then because he could be of assistance to
the poor fellows who were suffering. Greater heroism is required to face
such scenes of suffering and death as he had to face, than is necessary
to storm a fortress in time of battle. His name will never be forgotten.

Captain Sigsbee, too, has shown a wonderful amount of self-command in
this time of great trial. Cool and deliberate at the moment of the
disaster, he gave his orders with absolute self-possession, doing the
very best that could be done to save his ship and men. The magazines
were flooded to prevent further damage, and every available step was
taken with as much judgment as if he had had the same terrible
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 o