Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-14
CIR EAT DISTRESS IN HAVANA
People Drop Dead OF Starvation in the
streets Blanco Attempts suicide
Revolt Planned.

Key West, Fla. July 13-According 10
advices from Havana received here to-
day, Governor General Blanco attempted
t. commit suicide when he learned be-
yond doubt that Admiral Cervera's squad
ron had been annihiated.
Long before the Spanish admirals gall
liant dash out of Santiago harbor all Ha-
vana had been boasting of his ability to
outwt the Americans, and when mislead-
ing dispatches gave tho impression that
he had euded the American fleet, the
demonstrations of joy in the Cuban cap-
tai partook of the nature of Il festival.
When the true story of the defeat came
1t was discredited until definite conlirma-
ton from Madrid no longer left room
for hore. Gloom settled upon the city, all
gaieties were stopped and every public
and many private buildings were hung
with crepe and other black draperies.
Blanco was in his palace when the intel
ligencc reached him, and he became al
most frenzied
lie was closeted with his staff and Gen.
Arolas of the Spanish forces, discussing
the news. when he made the attempt on
his life After q struggle he was subdued
ana disarmed but the shock was so severe
that he was prostrated and compelled to
keep to his bed for several days When
he arose his first order was to prohibit
any food supplies leaving Havana for m
terror towns. where the distress is most
poignant and where many are starving
daily.
This and other valuable information
was brought by Jose Pauline Blanco, who
Indignantly repudiatos a suggestion of
kinship with the governor general. lie
says he is a loyal Cuban and escaped to
avoid the necessity Of lighting against his
cause as every male In the island who is
able TO Eear arms Is being pressed into
the Spanish service. He obtained Usher
mans permit to so outside Morro, and at
Il o'clock Monday morning put off in a
small boat.
The United States gunboat Bancroft was
stationed six miles out and he rowed to
her the Cojmar batteries, east of l1a-
Vana firing two shots at him when he was
observed passing beyond the prescribed
limits. The Bancroft transferred him TO
another vessel and he was brought here
where the local junta will care for him.
The sailors Of two American ships made
up liberal money subscription for him
and gave him some new clothing.
Banco says the living conditions in Ha-
vana are constantly growing worse, the
greatest distress necessarily falling on the
Cubans because nearly all the food is
seized for the troops. OF these there are
about 10000 In the city consisting of vol
unteers. mobilized troops, militia and reg
, ulars. Their rations are largely rice and
beans without even bacon. Jerked beef,
! Blanco says sells for 20 cents a pound
bread of poor quality for fifty cents; lard
one dollar. meat 75 cents, corn meal %
cents and rice 20 cents. Shark food Is
even eagerly sought, and the day before
Blanco left the city one shark caught in
Havana harbor sold for $13.50.
Those Of the reconcentrados who have
sufficient influence with the dispensing
authorities some times contrive to get one
wretchcd meal day but the others
ctarve, and 1t Is no uncommon thing, says