Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-04-24
GREAT ENTHUSIASM PREVAILS
sPANIARDS ANXIOUS TO GET AT
THE INVADERS"
Are Taking Every Precau
ton to Guard Against n Night
Surprise and to Resist At
tack-FrOm $4,000 to
10000 Soldiers in
Havana.


transmission.) At 4:45. o'clock this tFri-
day) afternoon, the semaphore signaled
that feet had been sighted on the East
ern side of the island. 1t was said to be
without any colors to show its nationality.
From the front of Moro castle the cor
respondent Of the Associated Press saw
smoke In the distance. and soon afterward
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, includ-
ing many ladies. In addition, crowds of
people could be seen at various points of
vantage, many of them gathering on the
roofs of houses.
At 6 p. m. the semaphore signaled that
it was the United States fleet which was in
sight, and at 6:15 red flag was run up at
the signal station, warning guns were fired
from Moro castle and afterward from
Cabanas fortress, adjoining it. This caused
excitement throughout the city and was
the first real note of war.
When the first signal came from the
semaphore station. British schooner
which was in the harbor put to sea- She
was Immediately followed by the German
steamer Remus. Some time afterward. the
American steamer Saratoga put to sea-
The cannon shots from the fortresses
stirred up the regular troops and volunteers
throughout Havana and its vicinity, and
there was rush to quarters. The signal
guns from the Notifications echoed to the
palace and throughout the streets. caus-
ing people to rush from the houses. with
the result that all the thoroughfares were
soon crowded with excited inhabitants.
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 and
warlike enthusiasm. Some time afterward
the captain general, accompanied by his
staff, the generals and others, left the pal
ace and were warmly acclaimed by the
soldiers and populace. The general then
made BRIEF final inspection of the forti-
fications and went to a spot from which
he could see the approaching fleet.
anywhere. The Spanards are confident
that Havana is prepared for any eventual
ity. and they have great faith in the
in the effectiveness of their heavy artillery.
In fact, there was a feeling of satisfaction
at the warlike tremors. which spread
hour of battle was apparently approaching
and that the Spaniards were soon to give
battle to their enemies. Only those who
witnessed the demeanor of the people, SOL
diers and civilians. can understand the
enthusiasm which prevailed on all Sides
AS the time passed, more and more peo-
pie crowded to the spot from which the
fleets could be seen favorably. BY $50 D. M
there was a great movement of the masses
squares. The coffee houses and clubs were
crowded with excited people, discussing
the arrival of the American warships. The
to measure arms with the invaders" 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 mill
itary authorities of Havana are in consul
tation at the palace and every precaution
possible to the Spaniards has been taken
| to guard against a night surprise and to
| resist an attack If the bombardment is
| commenced.
Throughout the evening the scenes Of en-
| thusiasm continued in the larbor districts,
| and San Lazaro avenue was full of peo-
pie who shouted defiance at the distant
American feet. yelling, Shoot away"
| ''Why don't you shoot?" etc.
When the news of the capture of the
| Spanish steamer Buena Ventura. by the
! United States cruiser Nashville. twenty
miles off Key West, reached here. Admiral
Manterola, the Spanish naval commander.
wished to prevent the sailing Of the Amer
ican steamer Saratoga, but Captain Cen
eral Blanco was opposed to this step and
| she was allowed to sail.
1t was estimated this afternoon that