Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-28
Warning Sent From Madrid to the
Spanish in Cuba.
TIE WORK ON HAVANA'S DEFENSES
Officials Now Acknowledge the
Refusal of Autonomy.
WILL TRY TO ENFORCE IT

Special From a Staff Cores ondent
HAVANA, March 20. via Kew Vest
Spain's representatives in Cuba were told
from Madrid Thursday night to prepare for
war. 1t was more than a warning. 1t was
definite instructions from the Sagasta cab
met. 1t was known to few officials outside
Captain General Blanco, but the represen-
tatives of London financial interests had
an intimation of it.
Beyond this statement the Spanish au-
thoriti,s have less knowledge than might
be supposed of the purposes of the nome
government. They know European inter-
vention is to be sought, and that the find
ing of their own board of inquiry is to be
made the basis of counter case, present
ing the claim of an accident, as against the
American contention that the Maine was
blown up by design. They also know that
their own report is regarded in Madrid as
incomplete and inconclusive, but as fur
nishing sufficient basis for seeking delay
and in forcing the position that the subject
Is one for international arbitration.
AS to war, the preparations which have
been going on since the message came
little has been done that was not previous
ly planned. By means of the new floating
dock the Alfonso XII has had the Barna-
cles scraDed Off Her boilers are said to
be in good repair now, so that she could
put out to The Viscaya, Oquendo and
two or three gunboats are still in the har-
Dor.
Work on City's Defense.
Work on the defense of the city contin-
ues un :easingly. but the results are unsat-
isfactory. The authorities talk in the usual
manner about the war preparations being
the means of insuring peace, but their
anxiety is ill-concealed. Apparently all
they hope for Is further extension of the
time before the crisis. in the relations be-
tween Spain and the United States is
reached.
No definite news is known regarding the
Spanish torpedo fleet, but the populace has
been led to believe 1t has left the Canary
Islands and Is likely to appear off Havana
within a week or ten days.
Information regarding the changes in the
command of the American squadron at Key
significance.
The appearance of the Italian training
ship Amerigo Vespucci in the harbor is
used to create the impression that it means
European friendship to Spain, but little eff
feet has been produced in that direction.
The enthusiasm shown over the last ar
rival of recruits from Spain was neither
greater nor less than that which has mark
ed previous arrivals. The state of the pub
lie mind in Havana while awaiting Presi-
dent Mckinleys message, though one of
expectancy, is no more excited than 1t has
been for month past. There have been
no anti-American demonstrations.
The departure Of Captain Sigsbee and
other officers Of the Maine today was made
the occasion OF testimonial by Americans
in Havana, but there was nothing in it To
arouse Spanish susceptibilities.
While labor continues on the wreck it is
fully understood that the investigation So
far relates to the cause Of the disaster
is closed.
Reported Military Operations.
The reports of military operations by
Spanish troops this week of the usual
order. They come whenever the necessity
crises for ere ating the belief in Spain that
progress is being made by the army toward
putting down the insurrection. At present
they are m can't to show activity in both
Santiago and Puerto Principe provinces.
From Official information it is possible to
gather that there has been some desultory
fighting, in which the troops have held
their own. That they have won important
successes cannot be claimed. Meanwhile
Gomez keeps sending small bands of in
surgents west to Matanzas and Havana
provinces, while he receives reinforcements
Of men who cross Jucarro Moron trocha
from Calixto Garcia.
The complete and final rejection by Co
mez Of ampliiied autonomy is now admitted
in government circles. The statement is
made that hereafter armies will be the re-
lance for enforcing the system. A little
.ot<, IL
but 1t is impossible to excite interest in
any subject except the probable course
which will be taken by the United States.
The coast towns are showing anxiety
over a possible blockade. Information is
on the north coast that plans for their de-
Tense were carried into effect by Blanco a
fortnight ago.
Anent the Food Supply.
Inquiries regarding the food supply In
Havana show that there is enough to en-
able the city in case Of a blockade to live
Oil short rstions for thirty days. Efforts
are made to quiet these and similar appre-
tensions and official assurance Is given
that diplomacy has yet many resources for
averting hostiities.. Actually Blanco's gov
eminent knows little of what may happen.
In some places in the interior of the island
reports have been circulated and credited
that the United States had recognized the
independence of Cuba. They have caused
no outbreak on the part Of the Spanish
classes. Instead. the tendency has been
for them to put on more friendly terms
with the insurgents. Reports Of dissen-
sions between the Red Cross Society and
| other agencies for the distribution of food
from the United States should not discour-
age further contributions. The Red Cross
has not been success, but a system IL
now perfected under which food and other
| supplies reach the suffering
CHAS NJ DEDDEro