The age-herald., 1898-04-24
THE FLEET BEFORE
 MORO CASTLE Several Guns Were Fired to Sound the
 Alarm WHEN SHIPS WERE SIGHTED
The SpaniardS Have Confidence in Their
 Batteries.
ARE ANXIOUS TO MEET THE FOE
People Thronged the Streets ard CIubs-tn- thusiasm and Patriotism Ran High and the Dons Are Ready
 for the First Batt'e.

Havana, April 22, S:2O p. m Delayed in transmission).-At 4:40 o'clock this (Fri- day) afternoon the semaphore signaled that fleet had been sighted on the east side of the island. It was said to be without any colors to show it's nationality From the front of Moro Castle the corre- spondent of the Associated Press saw smoke in the distance and soon afterwards he made out three vessels on the horizon. At that time La Punta, the fort on the side of the harbor opposite Moro Castle was crowded with curious people, including many ladies. In addition crowds of people could be seen at various points of van tage, many of them gathering on the roofs of houses.
 At D. m the semaphore signaed that it was the United States fleet which was in sight, and 6:15 W m. red flag was raised at the signal station, warning guns were fired from Moro Castle and after- wards from Cabanas Fortress, adjoining it. This caused excitement throughout the city and was the first real note of war.
 Steamers Getting Out of the Way
 When the first signal came from the semaphore station British schooner, which was in the harbor, put to sea. She was immediately followed by German steamer. Some time afterwards the Ameri- can steamer OdrdtOSd put tO Sed
 The cannon shots from the Actresses stirred up the regular troops and volun- teers throughout Havana and its vicinity, and there was a rush to quarters. The signal guns from the Qualifications echoed to the palace and through the streets, causing people to rush from the houses, with the result that all the thoroughfares were soon crowded with excited inhabi- tants.
 Captain General Blanco heard the. shots while at the palace, to which place the generals and commanders of the volunteers promptly reported full of excitement ana war-like enthusiasm.
 Some time afterwards the captain-gen- eral, accompanied by his staff. the generals and others, left the palace and was warmiy acclaimed by the soldiers and populace.
 The Final Inspection
 The general then made a brief final in- spection of the Qualifications and went to the spot from which he could see the ap- preaching fleet. There certainly 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 effectlve- - ness of their heavy artillery. In fact, there was a feeling of satisfaction at the warlike tremors which spread everywhere when II was seen that the hour of battle was ap-
  iards 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 meets could be more favorably seen.
 People Thronged the Streets
 By S:30 D. m. there was great movement of the masses through all the streets and on all the squares The coffee houses ana clubs were crowded with excited people discussing the arrival of the American warshps.
 The Spaniards expressed themselves as anxious to measure arms with the "invad- ers'' and there was 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 mi itary authorities of Havana are in consult tation at the palace and every precaution possible to the Spaniards has been taken to guard against night surprise and to re- sist an attack if the bombardment is com- menced.