The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1898-04-23
"Patriotic Committees with Un-
limited Power Of Murder
Named by Blanco.
RED FLAGS AND SIGNAL GUNS
Bnffarms Fill the streets and Ladies
Go 0nr to Gaze at the
Invading ships.


ciated PreSs.)
SIS HAVANA, April %, 1S9S-S:3O p. M (de-
llayed in transmission).- 4:l5 O c. .ock this
(Friday) afternoon the semAphore sig
nailed that a fleet had been sighted on
the Eastern side of the island. 1t was
said to be without any colors showing it's
Nationality.
From the front of Morro Castle the cor
respondent of the Associated Press saw
smoke in the distance, and soon after
wards he made out three vessels on the
horizon.
At that time La Punta, the fort on the
side of the harbor opposite Morro Castle
was crowded with curious people, includ-
ing many ladies. In addition, crowds of
people could be seen at various points of
vantage, many of them gathering on the
roofs of houses.
AT P. M. the semaphore signalled that
it was the United States fleet which was
in sight, and at 6:15 P. M a red flag was
run UP at the Signal Station, warning
guns were fired from Moro Castle, and
afterwards from Cabanas Fortress, ad-
joining it. This caused excitement
throughout the city and was the first real
mote Of war.
|
semaphore station, British schooner
which was in the harbor put to sea. She
was Immediately followed by the German
steamer Remus. Some time afterward
the American steamer Saratoga put to
sea.
The cannon shots from the fortresses
stirred up the regular troops and volun-
teers throughout Havana and its vicinity
and there was rush to quarters. The
signal guns from the fortifications echoed
to the Palace and through the streets,
causing people to rush from the houses,
with the result that all the thoroughfares
were soon crowded with excited inhabi-
tants.
Captain General Blanco heard the shots
while at the Palace to which the generals
and commanders of the volunteers
promptly reported, full of excitement and
warlike enthusiasm. Some time after
wards the Captain, General, accompanied
by his staff, the generals and others, left
the palace and was warmly acclaimed BY
the soldiers and populace. Then general
then made a brief final inspection of the
Notifications and went to a spot where
he could see the approaching fleet.
There certainly was no sign of alarm
anywhere. The Spaniards are confident
that Havana is prepared for any eventual
ity and they have great faith in the
strength of their forts, batteries, etc., and
in the effectiveness of their heavy artfl-
lery. In fact, there was a feeling of satis-
faction at the warlike trenors which
spread everywhere when it was seen that
the hour of battle was apparently APP
preaching and that the Spaniards were
soon to give battle to their enemies Only
those who witnessed the demeanor of the
people, military and civilians, can UNDER
stand the enthusiasm which prevailed on
all sides.
AS the time passed more and more
people crowded to the spots from which
the fleet could be most favorably seen
BY $50 p. M there was a great move
ment Of the masses through all the
streets and on all the squares. The
coffee houses and clubs were crowded
with excited people, discussing the ar
rival of the American warships. The
Spaniards expressed themselves as anx-
jous to measure arms with the INVADERS
and there was no expression of doubt as
to the result.
Many of the stores are closed as their
owners and employers are VOluNtee ana
have, therefore, been called to the defence
of the city,
AS this despatch is sent the civil and
military authorities of Havana are in
consultation at the palace and every pre-
caution possible to the Spaniards has been
taken to guard against a night surprise,
and to resist an attack if the lombard
ment is commenced.
Throughout the evening the scenes of
enthusiasm continued in the harbor dis
tricfs and San Lazaro avenue was full
Of people, who shouted dehances at the
distant American fleet, yelfing:-.S Shoot
away!s' ssWhy don't you shoot?" etc
When the news of the capture Of the
Spanish steamer Buena Ventura by the
United States cruiser Nashville, twenty
miles Off Key West. reached here Admiral
Mon.terola, the Spanish Naval Command
er. wished to prevent the sailing of the
American steamer Saratoga, but Captain
General Blanco was opposed to- this step
and she was allowed to sail.
1t was estimated this evening that there
were from 1900 to $4,000 men under arms
in Havana proper. The district outside
of Havana at the same time, was held |
By the battalions Of engineers.
Everything breathed war. Armed men /