The San Francisco call., 1898-03-06

HAVANA, March 5-The city rose earlier than usual by hours to-day to greet the Almirante Oquendo a sister ship of the Vizcaya, whose arrival has been anxiously awaited for days. A discharge of rockets from all parts or the city at : o'clock announced that the battle-ship had been sighted. Almost immediately La Punta, opposite green old Morro, was crowded with excited thongs, anxious to give vent to pent-up enthusiasm. The morning was clear, and the Oquendo had been sighted far cut. For some reason it was full hour before she came into view ot the gathered thrOngs. The mouth Of the harbor was crowded with small boats, which were kept from going outside by the high sea that was running. Among these was a cutter from the Vizcaya filled with officers, who were vociferous in joy over the appearance of the sister ship. From the moment the OQuendO came into sight until she had come to anchor at the buoy along side the Vizcaya the crowds, reaching from La Punta to La Machinas, maln- tained an incessant roar of greetings. A few cries of "Abajo la Americanos!' were heard. but the main cries were: Viva Espana." Viva Oquendo!' and Viva Weyler!"
 It was a noticeable fact when the carriage of Captain-G n-General Blanco was driven up to La Punta there was ab- sOlute silence. Not cheer was given. Maybe it was without meaning, but to a few Americans who were present 1t looked as though the crowd resented the captain generals order prohibiting a demonstration of any sort this morn ing. The volunteers had desired to turn out in force, but this plan had been promptly vetoed. When the Oouendo turned into the channel OppO- site Morro Castle small boats ran down the harbor and took a position about the Vizcaya, gathering in such swarms about the great fighting machine as to look like host of marine pigmies at tacking a giant.
 The crew of the Oquendo was at quarters when Morro was passed, but not a gun was fired until the battle ship had entered the berth alongside the Vizcaya. Then the salutes to the port and captain general were beloved forth from the ships big guns. An hour later MOrro made answer, and inn mediately an exchange of official cOur- tesieS began.
 It was noticed that much interest was taken in the wreck of the Maine by the Oquendo, and the ship had hardly been
 
 Maine appeared to be alive with off cerS and men. Captain Sigsbee re- mained aboard the Fern last night and did not leave that ship this morning until after he had received a call from the captain of the Oquendo. That off cer, following the example of Captain Eulate of the ViZcaya, knowing Cap s.fn Sigsbee had lost his wardrobe of uniforms, appeared upon the Fern in undress uniform. He offered sympa- thy to Captain Sigsbee in the loss of the Maine and crew. Later in the day Captain Sigsbee returned the call, but remained aboard the OquendO only a very few minutes. While the Almi- rante Oquendo is a sister ship of the Vizcaya she looked much larger as she came into the harbor to-day.
 It was remarked the Oquendo rested deeply in the water, particularly at the stern, as though carrying a heavy load of coal and ammunition. This feature was not overlooked by the crowds along the water front. Canes were pointed at the Oquendos stern, and remarks were accompanied by signifi- cant shrugs and smiles. In this con- nection it was reported this morning that the Vizcaya, after renewing her coal supply, would leave Havana and cruise outside, perhaps paying a friend ly visit to Key West, but this is un- likely.
 The volunteers have renewed their re- quest that they be allowed to parade when the CriStobal Colon arrives. These volunteers still present a most important problem in Havana. De- spite General Parado's written assur- ance that the organization of volun- teers is not to be disturbed and their arms not to be taken from them they feel that Blanco is playing fast and loose with them. They feel that if (rOn1PZ WOnl6 n with the Madrid Government after their organization had been plotted out they would not exist as an organization twenty-four hours.
 This may be true or they may not be sure of their organization, as Colonel Parade has so solemnly declared, but at all events the colonePs volunteers have been unable to obtain an audience with the captain general every afternoon since February 26, when delegation of officers of the volunteers called at the palace and requested to be allowed to see Blanco.
 One day the captain-g general was so busy with affairs connected with the inauguration of an aggressive move ment in the eastern provinces that he was unable to see them. The next day he was about to close the mail for Ma drid and could not be disturbed. Since then he has been sick" In vain the volunteers have protested that General Blanco is seen driving along the Prado each afternoon.
 He is officially sick" to them, and that ends it. Meantime the rank and file of the volunteers is growing more and more sullen and threatening. For the time being their anger is turned from Americans to the present Gov ernment. and it is anticipated they may gather at the palace and shout their utterance to Blanco. This will amount to little unless the rabble gathers and starts riot, turning the attention of the mob from Blanco toward the Amer jeans. If this can be done demon stration toward the American consulate is feared, though General Blanco has assured Consul General Lee that all foreigners will be fully protected.
 Another matter that angered the vol unteers is the request of General