Worcester morning daily spy., 1898-02-22
sPANlARDs INDIFFERENT.
Stories Tod BY Americans Just Home
From Cuba.


New York, Feb. 21.-The Ward steam
er Seguranca arrived this afternoon
from Havana.
C. P. Holcomb of Newcastle, Del,
general manager of a street railroad in
Philadelphia, one of the passengers on
board the Seguranca, was outspoken in
his belief that the investigation at Hav-
ana would reveal some startling circum-
stances.
'"The contrast between the bearing of
| the Spaniards and Cubans is strong, "
said Mr.. Holcomb. cat the funeral of
the Names seamen, the Cuban women
in the streets were almost all dressed in
mourning, while the Spanish women
wore colors The only American flags
saw in the whole procession were two
small ones about by inches. 1 went
on board the Alfonso XII and was re-
ceived politely.
There can be no mistaking the diff
ference of the Spaniards in Havana
over the loss of the warship
and those on board. On Thurs
day. while driving to the ceme-
terry with two American friends, I was
assailed with jeers, and some one threw
a large stone at our carriage"
F. w. Bobbett of this city, who said
that he was with Mr. Holcomb in the
carriage, added: That's perfectly true.
In fact one or two children yelled after
US that they had blown up the Amer
icano,' and they were glad Of it."
Frank Weinheimer of this city, an eye
witness of the explosion, told the fol-
lowing story: "On Tuesday evening [
strolled down to the river front for
breath of fresh air. A number of per-
sons were walking about the pier near
the custom house. Out in the harbQr [
could see the dim outlines of the Maine,
and close by the Spanish warship. / was
about 800 yards from the Maine. The
first intimation I had of an explosion
was a crushing sound. Then there came
a terrible roar. Immediately pieces of
debris flew skyward from the Maine.
Some of them must have been thrown
at least 300 feet 1t looked as though
the whole inside Of the ship had been
blown out Many persons on the pier
were nearly thrown from their feet by
the force of the explosion. The air be-
came sitting with smoke. The crowd
on the pier rushed back toward the
city.
THE wreck burned about two hours,
and by its haring light we could see the
work of rescue in the bay, but were un-
able to give any assistance"
Mr.. Weinheimer said he heard am ex
cited Spaniard declare shortly after the
explosion, that if the "Americanos' sent
another warship it would also be blown
up.
NJ J. Naghton am insurance man of
Chicago, who was staying with his wife
at the Grand hotel, Pasajo, said he
was seated in front of the hotel when
the explosion occurred. 1t was followed,
he stated, by another, and a much loud
er one. 1--WE thought the whole city
had been blown to pieces" said Mr..
Naghton. "Some said the insurgents
were entering Havana. Others cried out
that Moro Castle was blown up"
Continuing his description Of the panic
which existed in Havana shortly after
the explosion, Mr.. Naghton said.
"On the Prado is large cab stand.
The minute after the explosion was
heard the cabmen cracked their whips
and went rafting over the cobblestones
like crazy men. The fire department
turned out, and bodies of cavalry and
infantry rushed through the streets.
There was no sleep in Havana that
night The Spanish officials We're
quick to express their sympathy, and
acted very well as whole.