Daily Kennebec journal., 1898-12-08
Captain General CastilIanos'
Reception Of Americans
In Sharp Contrast to BIanco's Dis
courteous and Rude Treatment.
Spanish in Cuba Loyal TO the Queen. Gen.
Henry In Porto Rico.

IanOS, al the palace, lnlS morning, was
marked by display of official and
military courtesy and honors fully in
keeping with the rank of the visiting
officer and in sharp contract to the
system which prevailed during the
regime of the late Captain General
Blanco. when these ceremonies were
totally disregarded.
During the latter's term of office
visiting generals and admirals of the
United States on reaching the palace
entrances were forced to elbow their
way through the groups of lounging
soldiers always abounding about the
palace doors and court yard. Their
exit heretofore has also been as un-
ceremonious as their entrance.
The reception accorded to Gen. Wade,
today, however, was a revelation in the
matter of official ceremony and Spanish
gallantry. At the conclusion of the in
terview Gen. Castellanos in person de-
scended the stairs with his visitor and
conducted him to where his carriage
was in waiting at the curb, remaining
there until the American general drove
away. The palace guard, drawn up in
double file, presented arms as Gen.
Wade and his party passed through the
grounds and the arrival of the Ameri-
cans had been heraled by shrll bugie
blast. Gen. Wade's visit was merely
an official call on the new captain gen.
eral and was of brief duration. 1t was
required by military etiquette but the
meeting OF the two officials was OF
most cordial nature and the express
sions of mutual regard were exchanged.
Gen. Wade was accompanied by his
entire staff. all attired in full dress
uniform and the party presented bril-
liant and imposing appearance.
One of the interesting things of the
hour is the changing of the name of
Weyler street to its former name of
Obispo street. 1t appears that upon
motion of the city council Gen. Blanco,
several days before his departure for
Spain, signed an order authorizing the
removal of the plates bearing the name
of Weyler, which during the latter's
regime, had been fastened at every
corner of Obispo street to perpetuate
his name. Gen. Blanco in signing the
order, however, made an express pro-
vision that the change in names was
ilOl 10 pt elGCleu after he HdQ
sailed.
The vessel bearing the former cap
tain general had weighed anchor but a
comparatively short time when the
gang of workmen, bearing hammers
and ladders. were busily engaged in
tearing down the Weyler plates amid
the shouts, yells, curses and execrea-
tions of hundreds of students and
passers by. Spaniards and Cubans en-
gagged in violent disputes which threat
ened disturbance of the peace. When
the matter was reported to Gen. Cas-
tellanos he was greatly incensed at
what he termed trick of Gen. Blanco
to apparently make him answera BILE
for the desceration of the name OF
Weyler. his old friend and companion
in arms.
Local newspapers publish the follow
ing petition addressed to the Queen
Regent of Spain by the Spanards in
Cuba: THE Spanish residents of Cuba,
wishing to preserve their nationality,
ignore totally the guarantees for the
preservation of their lives and property
by the American government which is
about to take control of the island.
They do not at the present moment
believe that the guarantee of their own
nationality is sufficient as their country
finds itself in a perdicament being un-
able to defend its territory and forced
TO abandon it. Therefore, it could not
De expected to raise its stiffied voice
here to defend its ehildren's rights IT,
oy chance, they are prosecuted or
trampled upon. The example in Porto
Rico of what daily occurs in the differ
ant towns and villages coupled by Uni
ter States troops shows clearly what
would bes our future of not forewarne1
and forearmed and if the government
of our country does not demand with
firmness solid and responsible guar
antee from the United States or does
not make an alliance With some Euro
pesn power to insure our protection.
The latter solution we consider the
most honorable and as more reassuring
as TO our personal safety and in respect
20 our rights of property. We cannot
trust the United States authorities, who
being our future judges and law givers,
have neither known how nor wished to
fulfill their promises of absolute pro-
lection for this island or Porto Rico.
We, therefore trust your most gra-
cious majesty. that this petition will
be heard and that your sympathies will
be enlisted for the Spaniards, who.
numbering over 100000. will remain
here and who. after defending ana
maintaining the sovereignty of Spain
with such faith and enthusiasm for
so many years. will be deprived after
the evacuation of the Spanish army,
of all means of defence and shelter"
The United States armored cruiser
New York. which left Newport News,
Dec. 3. arrived off the harbor, today,
at $50 P. M.
Immediately after her arrival the
New York saluted and Capt. Chadwick
paid visit to Admiral Manterola and
Gen. Castellano. A naval lieutenant
promptly returned the visit on board
the New York. Great crowds as
sembled on the wharves to see the
much admired cruiser.
The United States transport Florida
arrived at noon. today. with quarter
masters supplies and animals.
The Giguel Jover sailed, this after
noon, for Spain. carrying troops.
The local press shows sharp divf-
sion in the comments upon President
McKinley'S message to Congress-