The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1898-01-26
Her AITIVd SIgEQ|IZed BY S0Iu|eS
from The Forts.
NAVAL OFFICERS SHOW THE USUAL COURTESIES
Crew Will Be Kept on board M a Pre-
cnuttOnnry Mensurc-NIndrid Pm.
pers Regard tho visit rs Inoppor>
tune Spanish shlpst Visit hnicr>
icRn Ports.
Havana, Jan. %, 1898.


The battleshp Maine, commanded by
Charles d. Sigsbec, which left Key
West, Fla, on january q, arrived here
at IL O'Clock this morning, and was sa-
luted by the forts and war vessels.
A report IS current that the Untst
S1tait:s Consul General. Ftzhugh Lee.
and Dr. Congosto. Secretary General OF
the Government have had a slight mis-
understanding.
After forwarding this bulletin refer
Ting to the report in circulation Of a
slight misunderstanding between Cen
elal Fitzhugh Lee and DR.. Congos;o the
correspondent of the Associated Press
called upon thd Consul General and was
informed that nothing unpleasant had
rappen,,d tnt the interview which took
place between himself and DR.. Con-
gosIto, when rumor had 1T the misunder-
standing occurred.
Shortly after 'th5 arrival here of the
Maine Lieutenant -tlh-mt Mcdrano,
representing ithe captain lc,f the port
Vice Admiral Jose Pastor, visited the
United States battleslrip ..nd extended
the customary courtcsicS. The arrival
OF the war ship caused much surprise
and excited considerable curiosity.
a naval lieutenant OF hhc Spanish
cruiser Alfonso MI, the Spanish flag
ship. visited the Nj Maina early in ithc af-
ternoon, as did also an officer of the
+ e4ssssts tssltfi sci.utser Gneiscnau, tha school
ship. Both visits were returned by Cap
'badn Sigsbee, who, at O'Clock called
upon Rear Admiral Vicente MarteoIa.
ait the admiralty Office, and upon Vice
Admiral F'akiuor. after which he had n
prolonged conference with Consul Gen
eral Lee. The Consul General will re-
turn Captain Sigsb:lc's visit tomorrow
afternoon. He is arranging for Il visit
by Captain Slgsbee to Acting Captain
General Parade.
The officers and sailors OF the Maine
Will not go ashore 1T present, in order
ITO avoid possible friction; and iiho
limited States squadron will remain a..
Dry TGrtugaS or in the vicinity The
Nia!ne came to Havana to live orders
from Consul General Lee, and will prob
thnly remain here for some tima Cam
taln SiSSoee has expressed himself as
much gralhii.u by the reception given
l'hm and the courtesy and d.n,!alLiy
shown. The NIains bears a peaceful
mission.
The American newspaper CORRESPOND
clhs Will give q banquet Ito Captain Sigs
pee, Consul General Lee and n number
OF Spanish officers
As Secretary of State Day, on being
SHOWN the above dispatch said merely
mat the department had heard moth
ing of ii so far. but would probably
be notified by Minister Woodrord in
case il were true
Spanish Minister Dupuy dc LONE
stated that he had no adviccs from his
nome Government that any Spanish
war vessels were to visit this country
t. a
CENTRALLY comment upon Secretary
Longs explanation of the visit of the
Marine TO Havana, and agree in express
ing the opinion that her visit is inop-
polEune ANA calculated tlo encourage the
insurgents. 1t is announced that. "fol-
towing WashingtOn's example," the
Spanish Government will instruct
spanish war ships to visit few Amcri
can ports"
l'he impartial expresses fear that the
denAlsch OF the United States ba;rleship
Maine TO Havana will proyl,ke n con-
fEct, and adds: Europe cannot doubt
iNihelHca ntti&luda toward Spain, but
ihe Spanish people, if necessary. will
DO their duy with hclor."
1'he Epo@a asks if the despatch OF the
Name TO Havana is intended as n
sop 10 the jingces," and adds: 1--WE can-
ht'' suppose the American Govcrnm -mt
- 1870 VI pauly llllorfncQ CS 10 i'm
asine that the presence Of American
war vessels at Havana will be n cause
OF satisfaction 70 Spain or an indic,-
tion of friendship"
admiral Glaeon the admiral or tbs
meet. arrived here to-day and had
long conference with Admiral Bcrmeio
the minister of marine. He asserted
mat the recent evOlutions had demon
strated the perfect condition of the fleet
fhe next cabinet council will decide
which American ports the Spanish men
of-war are to visit
In official circles the tendency is to
accept the argument that the United
States IL friendly, and that II Is needless
to attach importance to the visit of an
American vessel to Havana
The DEPARTMENT officials have heard
nothing officially of any trouble or mis-
understanding between Consul General
Lee and Secretary Gem:Irl Congnst.o,
and att'aCh Hhtle Importance to the ru-
ngors TO that cfftrit. tt is suggested that
the basis may be the~report current sew
tral days ago THAT Dr. Congospo had ex-
pressed displeasure because General
Les had declined ito State officially that
re had not predicted failure for the au-
'tcnomy plan.
It is said at this Navy Department.
l.fiat as matters Stand there Is no call
n>r further instructions alt present to
CAPTAIN Sigshee. who Is permitted to
use his own discretion in dealing with
the events of 1.-THE. day q ahEhouch he has