The news & observer., 1898-06-28

Copyright 1898 by Associated FressJ
Key West, Fla, June 2710:58 a. m.-
The most authentic and reliable news
yet obtained of the true condition of
Affairs in Havana was to-day furnished
to a representative of the Associated
Press by a British subject who left
Havana on board the British cruiser Tai
bot, and who arrived here yesterday. He
says a reign of terror exists at the Gu
ban capital. Captain General Blanco
Las issued a proclamation announcing
that any one daring to express an un-
favorable opinion of, or suspected of be-
ing dissatisfied with, the present policy
of the government will be summarily shot
without trial or investigation. This
proclamation, it appears, caused dissatis-
faction among the members of Orden
Publico, or police force of Havana, who
threatened to revolt if full rations We're
not served out to them. Serious trouble
was expected, as the 0rden Publico is
numerous and we'll armed body of
men, The result is that to-day the
Orden Publico patrols Tx. city, and its
infantry and artillery soldiers mounting
guard over them at every corner.
Famine, it seems is imminent, and
thc stories Of the arrival of supplies at
Havana via Batabano are pronounced
to be untrue The informant of the As
sOciated Press thinks Havana cannot
possibly hold out six weeks longer. The
city is pronounced to be panic-stricken,
its inhabitants expecting every moment
to be bOmbarded by the American feet,
as they realize that Captain General
Blanco's attitude releases the United
States from the obligations of giving
the necessary bombardment notice. I'm
der such conditions the Captain Gen
eral cannot much longer keep up the
military forces, and a rebellion is likely
to devastate Havana before the city is
captured by the Americans.
Captain General BlancO admits that
the situation is desperate. He recognizes,
it is pointed out, his inability to con-
troll his troops, goaded by hunger much
longer, and he is reported to have said
that he will never leave Havana alive
as he is prepared TO take his own life
when the outbreak occurs.
Senior Calban Rio, prominent
Spanish merchant, the refugee continues
in his statement to the Associated Press
had 5000 bags of flour hidden at
Gueniados, n suburb of Havana, and
was retailing it to the public General
Arolaz, the military governor of Ha-
vana, was informed that Senor Calban's
trucks had traces of fresh flour upon
them, and he caused the vehicles to be
followed. The store being thus disclos-
ed, it was seized and distributed among
the ravenOus soldiers.
Referring to the strength of the
Spanish forces, the Briton says there are
100000 men under arms at Havana,
but that the great majority OF them
are ready to surrender rather than die
of hunger.
In conclusion the gentleman says he
credits the report that the gunners at
Morro Castle and at other Spanish bat
teries were taken from foreign warships
and he says the cOnsuls, including Mr..
Gollan, the British representative, are
strong Spanish sympathizers. British
VieeCOnsul Arestigoi, he continues, is
a Spaniard by birth and reporter for
La Iucha, the mOuth-pieee of the |
government. Mr.. Gollan, the British |
consul general. he further remarks, gave
a dinner on the Queens birthday at
which all the guests were SpanIards. |
and three British subjects prominent
socially and financially at Havana, it
is alleged, were relegated by Mr.. Gollans' |
orders to the fOrcastle of the Talbot /
when she left Havana, because they /
were Cuban sympathizers. 1t is said
that a' result Of the energetic protests of
to the British Foreign Of
ice, and the Governor of Jamaica. that
the Talbot will shortly return to Havana
with Mr.. Gollans' successor.