New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-04

~ tha United States and an indemnity was en-
ter,ained The changed sentiment is significant
as rejecting the feeling in Madrid. 1t is inter
nreted here as sign that the Sagasta Ministry
canno. save the monarchy except through yield
Ing Cuba by war
The Spanish population continues TO have Its
annette whetted for hosti,ities through the talk
~ those in authority close 10 Blanco. They
charge that the "faithless Yankees" now ex
posed to the world that after SPANS concession
~ autonomy unwillingness OF the United States
70 give 1t further trial is proof Of territorial
greed When sentiments Of this kind are put
forth by high officials. their influence or al
classes is bad.
DEPARTURE OF THE WARSHlPS.
The nearest approach to overt act toward
bringing on hcsti,!ties is the sailing OF the war
ships Vizcaya and Oquendo. The ground for be-
lieving the final destination Of these vessels TO
ba. Porto Rico Is strong Spaniards in Havana
are led 10 think they have gone TO meet the tor
pedo flotfla. and that this fotilla is capable Of
DESTROYING the squadron at Key West. II they
do not hear OF naval fight before long they
Will be disappointed. and will lose some of their
confidence IN SPANS naval proves. Some Off
GERS are very positive that on Friday night they
discerned three American war vessels of the
coast That is one reason given. and not bad
one for the Oquendo and the Nizcaya putting
out 70 sea instead OF allowing themselves TO he
bottled I'D in Havana Harbor; but It will not
serve as an explanation for the voyage 70 Porto
Rico Captain Sampson, at Key Nest. was
promptly informed when the vessels sailed
While there is no positive knowledge here. the
impression is that the Oquendo and the Vizcaya
putting 10 sea would be followed by precau-
tionary movement Of some OF the vessels at Key
w.. patrOlIcQ
et night by one Of the Spanish gunboats which
has been lying in the Navy Yard.
Other evidences of Captain-General Blanco's
r-eparations for war are numerous, though per
hans no, as effective The Volunteers are now
.he most enthusiastic supporters or hostile
measures. They petted even more than the
army To see several hundred boys. recently en-
rolled. drilling nightly. as is now done. does not
impress one with the idea OF their utility as
soldiers though IL may cause unpleasant renee
lions as 10 the wisdom of putting weapons in
their hands II should be said that General
Blanco in his conferences with the colonies OF
the Volunteers has made them feel a sense Of
responsibility in maintain crder In Havana
as well as their share in defending Spanish in
terests The defences around the city have been
strengthened. While some OF the many batteries
and forts are Anticipated defences. in their en-
tirety they are not to be despised by great
efforts enough material has been procured 10
make them Of utility. Ammunition Is no longer
lacking Should the point be reached where
these forts and batteries are 10 he tested II
would be a question Of persons rather than OF
material The officials are more apprehensive
of Matanzas than Of other ports. The Military
Governor there has been In consultation with
General Blanco. but Matanzas is exposed to IN
vasion and hostile troops could be landed with
little opposition.
THE SAFETY OF AMERICANS.
C-orsul-C;eneral Lee has received no hint from
Washington 10 arrange for Americans 10 leave
ravana or 70 prepare for his own departure.
The Fern is In the harbor with steam up. and
Two or three tugboats are available in case Of
emergency However no immediate emergency
IS anticipated and Americans are not apprehen-
sive OF their personal safety. The consuls IN
the different parts Of the island do not report
danger. While the loyal Spanish feeling Is high.
I. has not yet taken the form Of demonstration
against individual Americans. In Havana the
authorities think they find some bad symptoms
among the ignorant popu!ace, but they are
warned IT. tine. and declare they have taken
necessary precautions. The guard around the
American Consulate has again been increased.
and General Lees movements are also guarded
~ special detail Of police but without often
The action Of the Florida State authorities, In
compliance with the Treasury Department or
ders. advancing quarantine one month. works
g-ea, hardship toJersons wanting to leave the
ISLAND From the standpoint Of health there
is no justification for it, yellow fever has prac-
tically died out. and no danger Of carrying con-
,agion exists. The Federal authorities are ap-
parently doing nothing 10 modify The Florida
regulations. which are put in effect by direction
Of the Treasury Department.
LAST GASP OF AUTONOMY
The political situation has no bearing on the
relations OF the United States and Cuba. The
Autonomist Cabinet has probably fulhlled It's
last function in approving the plea made by
Galvez 10 President Mckinley against inter
vention unless II BE- 10 uphold Spanish sover-
eighty under the guse Of autonomy. That doc
umcnt meant for reading OUTSIDE OF CUBA
Here, where he conditions are so well known
&, exc!tes ridicule among the supporters or inc
Government Autonomy is dead and Spanish
sovereignty paralyzed 40 further comment
'can be made On Galvezs statements. and notn-
irg further remains for the AutoEomis; Cabinet
that its last manifesto has been issued.
II the war pendulum swings back and a period Of
peace prospects with negotiations for Indemnity
comes into view. hat would have to be through
Madrid. The members Of the Autonomist Gov
eminent realize that their day is past Ihey
know that so far from Gomez and the insurgents
seeking armistlcc. proposition VIII ne
received By the insurgents for an armistice I'M
less Il is accompanied by the concession Of inde-
pendence.
at first II was thought that the Autononist
Cabinet might be useful a foil In making
pre,ence Of carrying out Blanco's order permit
ting the reconcentrados 70 return to their homes
III The country. The hollowncss Of that order
was apparent so quickly that the prctence couid
not be made. The reconccnrados will receive