The careful way in which the statement is worded shows how uncertain has been the information relative to the testimony before the board of inquiry. As a matter of fact, on the day when this article is being written we are very much in the dark as to what information the inquiry is really developing. The secrecy maintained by the board is, of course, very necessary, for at this time it is most important that, until the facts in the case are absolutely established, our Government should do its best to keep back any news tending to inflame public opinion. An unconsidered and hasty step by our authorities in this matter might plunge us into war. It will be time enough for us to think of war when we know beyond a reasonable doubt that we have been injured by Spain and that Spain refuses to make amends for the loss. Even if the _Maine_ was blown up by a mine, that does not by any means prove that the Spanish Government was guilty of the dastardly act. If Spain does what is right toward redeeming the loss, we will have no just cause for a declaration of war, and our Government will without doubt use every honorable means to avoid a conflict. In connection with the _Maine_ disaster there was no greater example of heroism than that of the chaplain, the Rev. 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.