The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-07-21

West three deserters from the Spanish
gunboat Aguila, now in the harbor OF Ha-
vara. These men are SpaniardS not
Cubans. and their desertion and volun-
tary surrender 10 the American forces
is perhaps the best indication Of exist
ing affairs in Cuba They arc Jose Fer
nandez. Antonio Gonzalez. and Antonio
Capelegastegen, the latter being the most
intelligent and acting as spokesman for
the three. They served on the g1nooat
Aguila in tho capacity OF seaman, rrs-
man. and stoker, and are apparently rep
resentative Spanish sailors. Bad treat
ment, poor food. and the general despair
prevailing in the Spanish naval force
caused their desertion.
on the night OF July 18th these men were
on guard on board their vessel and at mid
night quietly lowered one OF the ships
boats and pulled out OF IN harbor straight
for the blockading lines. They were dis
covered by tho Terror at daybreak on
the 18th. and taken on board. They car
ried with them their rides, cartridge belts
and bayonets.
Capelegastegen sage there are at pres
ent in Havana harbor the Alfonso XII.
second-class cruiser; Marquis de la En-
senada. Condo do Venedito and Infanta
Isabel, third class cruisers; Marquis de
Molina. Mar IN Alonzo Pinzon. Vincente
Yanez Pinzon and Nueva Espana, torpedo
gunboats; Aguila and F'lecha, gunboats.
and the transports Le Gaspi. merchant
steamers. Wilma Madrileno. Julia, Cosme
Hervera, and the Aviles; also several sail
ing vessels.
The people OF Havana are depressed
by the news OF the loss OF Cervera's
squadron. and for this reason the fete
10 have been held on July 10th. and for
which great preparations were made.
was given up. The feeling OF depres-
sion i5 very marked among the regular
troops, although the volunteers are still
very bitter. Hatred OF everything
American increases and tho feeling now
extends 10 English residents. An Eng
lishman passing through tho street ia
likely TO be hailed with cries OF Hang
the spy and go out and tell your
Yankee friends that we are starving"
English officers from the Talbot were
booted in the streets.
The famine Is increasing rapidly and
provisions grow scarcer and dearer daily
There are now comparatively few stores
selling meat or rice. The reports from
other parts Of Cuba. as received in Hav-
ana, Indicate a worse state OF affairs than
has been reported. In CienfuegOs. FOR
instance. It is reported that the recent
extension Of the blockade has made the
importation OF food impossible. and there
being no supplies in store. starvation Is
close AT ndIu. Inc same Is Sdit OF
Cardenas and MatanZas
The reported escape Of the steamers
Slnto Domingo and Montevideo through
the lines Of blockading ships of Havana
IS confirmed The escape was made soon
after midnight on the morning OF June a.
They carried a large number OF refugees
20 Vera Cruz, and az once loaded with
cargo 20 carry back into Havana. The
Santo Domingo was the first 20 make tho
attempted return trip. and was frightened
off by the Maple on the night OF July
18th. Her superior speed enabled her 10
escape the Maple, and her one attempt
was apparently enough 10 satisfy her
that IL IS easier 20 pick a favorable mo-
ment and run out OF the city than 20 run
the bockadlng squadron from outside.
After her escape she kept along the north
coast and rounded tho western cape In
an effort 20 land her cargo at Cienfue-
COS. About forty miles from Cape San
Antonio she was sighted and chased by
two American gunboats. The Santo Do
ringo carries guns, but did not attempt
10 use them Upon being fred Into she
ran on the coast, after tho fashion Of
spanish ships. and Is now a total loss.
The Montevideo IS expected I'm Havana.
and night signals 70 guide her in are
made nightly
News bulletins OF events IN Havana are
now posted for the people 10 see. and
news is apparently given out with more
truthfulness than formerly The destruc-
| ton OF Cerveras fleet was given 20 the
publlc: the orders 10 Admiral Camara
directing him 20 return and meet the
! American squadron sailing FOR Spain. and
! news from Manila are known and have
created a very unfavorable impression OF
the chances for hnal Spanish success. II
! Is believed In the city that Havana may
| be bombarded any day. and great dread
| e. openly expressed OF the Vesuvius a2d
and her destructive powers. Work on the
! Notifications continues night and day
| New York sun.