The record-union., 1898-04-24
OUR FLEET AT HAVANA.
It's Arrival Causes Much Excite
ment Among the PopuIace.

HAVANA, April 22.-(S:30 p. m-De-
laYed in tranSmiSSion).-At 4 40 o'clock
this (Friday) afternoon the semaphore
signaled that a fleet had been sighted
on the eastern side of the island 1t
was said to be without any colors to
show its nationality From the front
of MorrO Castle the correspondent of
the Associated Press saw smoke in the
distance, and soon afterWard he made
out three vessels on the horizon At
that time La Punta, the fort on the
side of the harbor opposite Moro
Castle, was crowded with curious peo-
pie, including many ladies. In addi-
ton crowds of people could be seen at
various points of vantage, many of
them gathering on the roofs of houses.
At p. m. the semaphore signaled
that it was the United States fleet
which was in sight, and at 6:15 D. III.
red flag was run up at the signal sta
ton, warning guns were fired from
MORO Castle, and afterward from Ca
banas Fortress, adjoining it. This
caused excitement throughout the city,
and was the first real note of war
When the first signal came from the
semaphore station a British schooner
which was in the harbor put to sea.
She was Immediately followed by the
German steamer Remus. Some time
afterward the American steamer Sara
toga put to sea- The cannon shots from
the fortress stirred up the regular
troops and volunteers throughout Ha-
vana and it's vicinity and there was a
rush to quarters.
The signal guns from the fortifica-
tiOnS echoed to the palace and through
the streets. causing people to rush from
the houses, with the result that all the
thOroughfares were soon crowded with
excited inhabitants.
Captain General Blanco heard the
shots while at the palace. to which
place the Generals and commanders of
the volunteers promptly reported. full
of excitement and warlike enthusiasm.
Some time afterward the Captain G en-
eral, accompanied by his staff, the Gen
erals and others, left the palace and
were warmly acclaimed by the soldiers
and populace The General then made
brief examination of the Notifications
and went to a spot from which he
could see the approaching fleet.
There certainly was no sign of alarm
anywhere. The SpaniardS are confident
that Havana is prepared for any event.
uality and they have great faith in the
strength of their forts, batteries. etc.
and in the effectiveness of their heavy
artillery. In fact, there was a feeling
of satisfaction at the warlike treInors
which spread everywhere, when it was
seen that the hour of battle was appar-
entity approaching, and that the Span
iards were soon to give battle to their
enemies Only those who witnessed
the demeanor of the people. military
and civilians, can understand the en-
thusiasm which prevailed on all sides.
AS the time passed more and more
people crowded to the spot from which
the fleets could be seen favorabIy. BY
$50 p. m. there was a great move
ment of the masse through all the
streets and on all the squares Coffee
houses and clubs were crowded with
excited people, discussing the arrival of
the American warships The Spaniards
expressed themselves as anxious to
measure arms with the invaders. and
there was no expression of doubt as
to the result Many stores were closed,
as the employees and the owners are
volunteers, and have been called to the
defense of the city.
AS this dispatch is sent the civil and
military authorities of Havana are in
consultation at the palace and every
precaution possible to the Spaniards
has been taken to guard against any
surprise and to resist an attack if the
bomibardment is commenced
Throughout the evening the scenes of
enthusiasm continued in the harbor dis
tricts. and San LaZaro avenue was full
of people who shouted defiance at the
distant fleet. shouting Shoot away!'
.Shoot away, Why don't you shoot ?'
When the news of the capture of the
Spanish steamer Buenaventura by the
Nashville, twenty miles off Key West,
reached here, Admiral Manterola, the
naval commander, wished to prevent
the sailing of the American steamer
Saratoga, but Captain General Blanco
was opposed to this step, and she was
allowed to sail
1t was estimated this evening that
there are from 40.GG0 to 10000 under
arms in Havana proper The district
outside of Havana at the same time
was held by the battalions of engineers.
EVERYTHING breathes war Armed
men were seen on all sides The bat
teries were alive with artillerymen
and carriages and pedestrians were
not permitted to pass certain places.
Outside the Vedado district no move
ment at all was allowed. Scout boats
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