While "OHiggins" was nearing completion at Elswick in the winter of 1897, tensions were growing between Spain and the United States of America over the ongoing rebellion in Cuba. Rumours circulated that Spain was trying to strengthen its navy in case of war with the United States by purchasing warships from other countries. The rumoured targets for Spain included "OHiggins", the newly completed Chilean armoured cruiser and the protected cruiser also nearing completion for Chile at Elswicks. As the outbreak of the Spanish–American War became more likely, the United States also attempted to supplement its fleet by purchasing, amongst other ships, "OHiggins", but the negotiations did not result in the sale of the Chilean warship, and "OHiggins" arrived at Valparaiso on 25 July 1898.