The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1898-09-16
Consents to Speak Of the War for
First Time Since Signing Of
the Peace Protocol.
APPRECIATES couRAsE OF OUR BOYS.
Nevertheless He Calls Us an Arrogant
Nation and Hopes We Will Meet
Our just Deserts - No Hitch In
the Cuban Evacuation Proceed-
lngs.


the Herald from Havana says that for
the first time since the peace protocol
vas signed, Capt. Gen. Blanco has con-
sented to speak Of the war. This is
what he said:
i am naturally inclined to be char
table and am incapable of hating
anyone, but confess to feeling Of
deep resentment against the United
States, whose conduct toward Spain in
declaring war against US, without mo-
tive or pretext, just at the time when
they were receiving from us the high
est marks of our friendship and re-
spect, can never be condemned too se-
verely.
1T ought never to be forgotten that
Just when the United States was am
nouncing Its intention Of coming to
Cuba to establish firm government,
It was in reality directing hostili-
ties principally against Puerto Rico
and the Philippines.
"Since the beginning Of this war 1t
has always been my heartfelt desire,
as commander in chief OF the army, for
the day to arrive when could match
my armed strength against theirs, and
die, It necessary, among the ruins Of
Havana, If fortune were not favorable,
but ! was unable to realize my hope
My government has signed the
peace protocol, and her decision must
be complied with. Nevertheless, have
an eternal confidence in divine justice,
and have therefore hope that this ar.
rogant nation will receive it's just de.
serts, and God knows that the day
when this act of national despoliation
tis accomplished and the stars and
stripes float from the walls of Havana,
that day may perhaps mark the be.
ginning of the decay of the American
nation.
Before it is all over wish to put
myself on record as having no dislike
Tor the army of the United States.
On the contrary, have the highest ap-
probation of its noble and coura.
geous BEHAVIOR
The COMMISSIONS Work.
4 Havana, Sept. IA, via Key West, Fla,
Sept. 15.--The rumors to the effect that
strained relations exist between the
Spanish commission and the United
States Cuban evacuation commission
are absolutely unfounded. There have
been little incidents, but no real
bitches.
For instance, when the United States
transport Resolute, with the American
commission on board, arrived here on
Saturday morning she did not fire a
salute on entering the harbor, but later
she fired the regulation salute when
visited by the British consul, who has
been acting for the United States.
This action was commented upon at
the palace, in conseqd6hce of which
explanations were exchanged during
the evening, with the result that the
Resolute on Monday morning flew the
Spanish colors in honor of the birth
day of the princess of the Asturias,
and at noon the same day, when the
Spanish flagship Alfonso XII. fired a
salute in honor of the royal birthday,
It was answered by the Resolute.
On Saturday morning shortly after
the arrival of the Resolute shell ex-
ploded in the ordnance park, killing
two soldiers. The local newspapers
were not allowed to publish anything
In connection with this Incident, so as
to avoid misinterpretation upon the
part Of sensational newspapers. The
explosion was purely accidental.
Another little incident occurred on
Sunday. When the commissioners ar
rived at the palace of the colonial gov
ernment, where their first meeting
took place, they were ushered into the
state Boom, where, on table in the
center, were displayed maps of Spain
and Cuba. The members of the COM
mission and staff removed their
swords and, in SO doing, inadvertently
placed them over the map of Cuba,
covering the whole length Of the Is
land. One of the Cuban attaches pres
ent noticed this, approached the table
and quickly removed the arms. The
incident, however, did not pass unob-
served by the others present, who have
since commented good-naturedly on
the occurrence. No Importance or
Significance is attached to either Of
these incidents by the officials here.
The true reason for the delay in the
meetings is the absence of instructions
from Madrid, which, although an
nounced us coming on the last mail
steamer from Spain, did not arrive as
expected.
The Spanish steamer Alfonso XIII,
which left Puerto RICO for this port
Wednesday, is expected to, have on
board the instructions from the Span
fish government. The reason, that the
first formal session of the commits
sioners took place Oh Sunday was the
understanding that the commission