Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-05-20
STRENGTHENING THE CIfY'S DEFENSES
Steamer Lafayette Landed Her
Cargo. but Reloaded 1t.
SPANISH OFFICER DESERTS
Copyright. 1895. by Associated Press,


sort of holiday appearance The parks are
almost deserted and there are very few
people TO be seen en- the Plaza de Arinas
at night. although the band plays there
and everything possible is done to keep up
the spirits CT the people
There is a feverisn desire to leave the is
land. AMI over 5000 people booked at the
office Of tine consignee5 of the French
steamer Lafayette. which leaves here to-
day for Vera Cruz. Mexico, with this let
ter. which will be posted at that port.
A Panic Prevails.
In fact. an actual panic now prevails.
while when the blockade commenced there
a feeling almost of serenity among all
classes. But things have changed. The
grim earnestness of the Americans is stead
lily forcing Itself upon the minds of even.
the most hot-headed Spanish officers,
though the latter are working vigorously
at the fortified lions. which have been con-
slderably strengthened and improved since
she war began. The Spaniards. it must be
admitted. are preparing to fight as desper--
ately possible under the circumstances.
Many families without means are striv-
ing to emigrate. trying to borrow money
from more fortunate people. in order to be
able to pay their passage money. But it
is hard to see how their condition will be
improved to any great extent even if they
do succeed in leaving the blockaded city.
for they have been rendered penniiess. and
their chance of earning a livelihood in n
foreign country is very slim.
There is considerable feeling against the
men who ale desirous of leaving the city,
and posted on The corners of houses all
over the town you can see such notices
the following:
men who are abandoning the Island OF
Cuba"
No Disorder in the City.
There has been disorder in this city
or in tho provinces, 50 far as known
though II is true people here are entirely
ignorant of what is Transporting at Santiago,
no mail having been received from there
for some time past and the cable being in
the hands of the government and almost
exclusively devoted to further the military
operations, which are about limited to
evacuating the interior towns and concen-
trating the Spanish forces at or about the
large cities.
1t is reported here that Santa Cruz del
Sur, on the south coast of the province of
Puerto Principe, has fallen into the hands
of the insurgents. If this is the case, the
latter now have port at which their
CdH ldHu
supplies without interference
Other important events are said to have
transpired at Santa Cruz del Sur.
The officers of the Spanish gunboat Cuba
Espanola have reached Sanct Spiritus.
province of Santa Clara. by land. and are
Oh their way to Tunas. and from there by
coasting steamer to Cienfuegos. One
port has it that the commander of the
Cuba Espanola blurred or blew up his ves-
sci In order TO save it from falling into
the hands OF the insurgents. Another YER
sion of the affair says the gunboat may
have been captured by the insurgents.
Spanish Evacuate Cities.
Confirmation has been received here that
the Spanish troops have evacuated Jiguni
and Bayamo. in the province of Santiago
de Cuba. and that they have been occupied
by the insurgents. The Spaniards say the
troops destroyed those two towns before
leaving them. but this is not believed. The
troops from those places retreated upon
Manzanillo. and some of them have reach
ed other coast towns by this time.
Although the prices of provisions here are
very high. 1t is calculated that there is
food enough obtainable to last about five
months. because, it is claimed, considera-
bic stores were laid in before the blockade
and no provisions are allowed to be sent
from here to the interior towns.
Eggs cost 10 cents each.
glass OF milk costs from % to % cents
and the size Of the loaf of bread has been
reduced one-half. This. however was done
before the blockade began.
There are thousands of men from the
cigar, tobacco and other factories out of
work. and the authorities are employing as
many of them possible on the fortified
TONS The wharves entirely cleared of
merchandise. not a box, barrel or sack be-
ing seen. and there the idle people con-
gregate and enjoy the fresh air while talk
ing over the war.
Idle Men Cause Anxiety.
The number of men idle is a matter
which causes the authorities considerable
anxiety. Up to the present they have been
provided WIFI food in one way or another,
Eaiuly by their former employers being
compelled to contribute toward their main
tenance. but the time must come when
these men will feel the pangs of hunger
and then riJting is sure to follow
People here are looking forward with ap-
prehension 10 the eventual triumph of the
insurgents, as 1t is believed they will wreak
terrible vengeance upon the Spaniards and
upon those who have sympathized with the
latter
the bulk OF the Spaniards. however, are
filed with warike enthusiasm, and are
looking forward with confidence to an
eventual triumph over the American forces
They have great faith In the strength of
the Spanish feet and the valor of the Span
ish soldiers. and are looking forward hope
fully to the blockade being raised by the
naval force sent from Spain As soon as
few cannon shots are heard from the forts
the shores of the bay. San Lazaro avenue
and the roofs Of the houses are Immediately
crowded with people, who cheer wildly
when shot is seen TO fall anywhere near
one Of the American warships.
Strategic Points Occupied.
The Spanish officers say all the strategic
points about the coast have been occupied
by troops and that 1T will be difficult to
effect landings. Ambuscades nave also
been prepared at various points, and thew
say Havana Is so well fortified that an
army of 5000 men will be needed 70 re-
duce the place.
Navx ir-r.