Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-04-20
THE FEELING IN HAVANA.
Many Residents Do Not Believe War
lmminent-ProvisiO Rising
In. De-.


in Price.
Havana. April 19.-Many residents Of Ea-
vana do not believe war imminent, though
doubtless they would like to think SO. The
full details OF the diplomatic negotiations
have not yet arrived. to form basis of
definite Judgment, but 1t is safe to say that.
as soon as the full situation is ascertained
from Washington, this, together with the
beiiicose and patriotic reply from Spain.
will provoke the whole loyal population to
great Indignation and stimulate the desire
for war. They are convinced that victory
over the Americans is assured. The press
of the entire island attacks the "jingoes"
and sensational American press" espe-
cialiy singing out General Lee as RESPONSE
bic for the destruction of the harvests and
Plantations in Cuba, for the prolongation
OF the war, the shedding of blood in the
present campaign, and the blood that is TO
De shed in the conflict that is coming. All
the articles are written at high tension and
are full of bellicose ardor. The writers re-
call the history of Spain and particularly
the diplomatic victory over Prince Bis
marck in the Carolines. The Spanish are
easily excited TO enthusiasm at the prospect
placed before them by these infiammatory
articles OF adding to the countrys glorieS
triumph over the powerful American peo-
pie. They take it as an insult if American
superiority is suggested. even in a joke.
Senor Ramon Calban, a leading mer-
chant, said. in the presence OF this coz
respondent:
Il wish there were war tomorrow, and
| I would give my life to see a victory over
| the Yankees.
Others say. for instance: THE YANKEES
| will not take Havana, but, il they should,
| they will only find ruins
Some emphatically declare that they
| would prefer to blow up their own houses
rather than have them taken by the
1 Americans. There is good deal said
| along this line.
Exchange is still falling. Provisions are
rising in price. although still abundant.
| There is great activity in military centers
and much enthusiasm in carrying on the
work of completing the defenses. The
generals come and go after conferences
with General Blanco. Everything indi-
Gates the beginning of the end. Local com-
mittees have placed thirty-nine districts OF
Havana In an offensive and defensive po-
sition, without the aid of the troops or the
volunteers.
Ell Correo publishes a telegram from Ma
tanzas saying that the news of the coming
conflict with the Americans has been re-
ceived there with great enthusiasm. The
night before a thousand patriots made an
imposing demonstration, marching past
General Molina, acclaiming Spain, the
queen regent. the king. the army and the
navy. General Blanco, General Molina and
the chief officers Of the three Maria Chris
tina battalions will give up months sal
ary each in aid of the navy fund.
FL Correo, commenting on the trip Of
the parliamentary commission to confer
with the insurgent leaders, says:
TI,o
days ago. 1t Is now stormy and they may
get wet
Ell Commercial advises that the clothing
received for the concentrates by the steam
er Bergen should be burned.
The newspapers of Sagua la Grande crit
| icise the charity of the United States to-
| ward the reconcentrados. One newspaper
says:
THE effects remitted by Van Bergen
were old clothes, dirty and rotten, which
| appeared to have been picked up on the
streets, and which were full of microbes,
The shoes were like the damaged bargen
Texas and Iowa"
Continuing. the newspaper quoted re-
marks: IF the United States does not de-
clare war. Spain ought to do 30 imme-
diately."