The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-24

and went to spot from which he could ses
the approaching fleet. There certainly was
no sign of alarm anywhere, The Spaniards
are confident that Havana is prepared for
any eventuality and they have great faith
in the strength of their forts, batteries, etc.
and in the effectiveness of their heavy ar
tillery In fact, there was g. feeling of sat
isfaction at the Warlike tremors which
spread everywhere when 1t was seen that
the hour of action was apparently approach
ing. and that the Spanards were soon TO
give battle to their enemies. Only those
who witnessed the demeanor of the people,
military and civilians, can understand 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 $3.50 D.
m. there was a great movement of the
masses through all the streets and on ali
the squares. The coffee houses and clubs
were crowded with excited people, discus
sing the arrival of the American war ships.
The Spaniards expressed themselves as
anxious to measure arms with the 'in-
vaders, and there was no expression OF
doubt as to the result. Many OF the stores
are closed as their owners and employees
are volunteers, and have. therefore, been
called to the defense of the city,
As this dispatch is sent the civil and mil
itary authorities are in consultation at the
palace, and every precauton possible has
been taken to guard the Spaniards against
surprise and TO resist the attack If =
bombardment is commenced
Throughout the evening the scenes OF en-
thusiasm continued III the harbor districts
and San Lazaro avenue was full Of people
who shouted defiance at the distant Ameri-
can heet, yelling, Shoot away" why
don't you shoot?" When the news of the
capture Of the Spanish steamer Buena
ventura by the United States cruiser Nash
vile twenty-seven miles from Key West
reached here Admiral Manterola, the Span
lsh naval commander, wished to prevent the
SAILING OF the American steamer Saratoga.
put 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 $1,000 men In arms In
Havana proper. The district outside Of
Havana at the same time was held by the
oattalions of engineers Everything
oreathed war. Armed men were TO be seen
on all sides the batteries We're alive with
artiilerymen carriages and pedestrians were
not permitted to pass certain places ana
outside of the Vedado district no moye-
Hlsht at al was allowed. Scout boats Were
sent out from the harbor always in a
straight line, and they will be coming ana
going throughout the night Coasting
steamers have been forbidden to leave porta
on the north coast OF the island
General Arolas, the military commander
or Havana has issued orders for the egtab-
hshment of patriotic committees to prevent
criminal acts In case OF a panic during the
siege or should the city be hombarded. The
local authorities and the priests have. been
appointed on these committees which win
nave run power TO pass sentence on law
breakers and TO carry out the sentences i'm
posed. Indeed the only thing neeessar. +.