Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-08
ALL QUIET IN HAVANA
Gen. Lee Informs Blanco of Coming
Of the Montgomery.
LATTER LEAVES KEY WEST TODAY
Spanish Gunboat ArdiIIa Captures
an American Schooner.
DIRK OF THE DIV ERS]

Special Cdblegram From STAFF Correspondent.
HAVANA, March S.-Everything con-
tiDues quiet here today. General Lee has
informed Blanco that the Montgomery
will arrive here shortly. PEPPER.
Spe cal Cablegram From a Staff Correspondent.
HAVANA, March All is quiet here
There is no basis for the exciting reports
current in the United States. Americans
are not leaving and the newspaper corre-
spondents are not in danger. Gen. Lee is
attending to his official business as usual
PEPPER.
Montgomery Under Sailing Orders.
KEY WEST, Fla, March S.-Orders have
been issued to the United States cruiser
Montgomery, which has been coaling, to
sail at pm.
Commander Converse was ashore during
the day and had a long consultation with
Rear Admiral Sicard.
American Schooner Seized,
By Associated Press
HAVANA. March S.-The Spanish gun
boat Ardilla has captured in an inlet near
Casilda, on the south coast of Cuba, tn.
American schooner Esther of Edenton N
e., bound from Pensacola to Jamaica. The
captain of the schooner was asked to give
the reason for the presence Of his vessel in
the inlet and claimed that his rudder was
broken. No further details of the affair
have been received but If the statements
of the captain of the Esther turn out to be
correct the schooner will be liberated The
captain has protested against the seizure
Of his vessel. The Esther is of 1l.31 tons
gross register.
Montgomery Stil1 mt Key West.
KEY WEST, Fla. March s-The United
States cruiser Montgonery is still in the
harDor. The work of coaling that vessel
from a barge was resumed early this MORN
iig. The Marblehead is coaing al the
COCK. -.-..
The tug Right Arm arrived here from
Havana this morning. Captain Everett.
the diver of the Merritt & Chapman Der
rick and Wreckirg Company, who was on
board, said the Right Arm was bound for
Norfolk. and would proceed there as soon
as she can be cOaled.
Cap ain Everett was very reserved con-
corning the work he has done at the wreck
OF the Maine; but he expresses the opinion
that it is now doubtful if the big guns cal
be saved, so fast is the wreck sinking in
the inud of Havana he rbor.
Lee Always Persona Gratu.
MADRID, March S.-A semi-official note
just issued declares that the Spanish gov
ernment has not received any complaint re-
garding the attitude of General Fitzhugh
Lee tHe InlteQ states consul general at
Havana, adding:
"On the contrary, Captain General Blanco
afrnas that General Lees behavior has
always been correct. Nevertheless, the in
cident serves to explain the origin of the
i'll will between the two countries.
This is proved by statements attributed
to Secretary Sherman by which the jingoes
have created the belief in the United States
that Spain is trying to provoke war, while
m 10 rtnor hn
in Spain that ii is the United States which
demands the opening of hostilities. 1t is
essential that this double game should be
ended in order to prevent the two coun-
tries from going to war without motives,
and without either of them desiring it,
Court Continues Its Work.
HAVANA, March s-The United States
naval court of inquiry into the loss of the
battle ship Maine, which is at present in
session here, pursued, in some respects, n
different course from that adopted upon the
occasion of the former visit of the court to
Havana. 1t is now not uncommon to see
members of the court on the wreck person.
ally directing the navy divers and obtain
ing from them direct reports on the struc-
tural condition of the submerged portions
of the wreck and making individual notes
for future consideration.
All sorts of excuses are made to get on
board the wreck. but only authorized per-
SOILS, American OF SDailiSn, are dHoWeu 10
set foot on the remains of the battle ship.
VIII Leave With COlors Flying.
NEW YORK, March S.-A copyrighted
cablegram to the Evening World today
from George Bronson Rea at Havana says:
General Lee said last night to me: If
Spain wishes to declare any or all of US
persona non grata it is her privilege to do
so, bat II we must leave town we will
leave with the An .erican flag flying and
brass band at the head of the procession. !"