The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1898-01-28
WHITE SQUADRON READY
Battleships Are Anchored Off
Key West.
ARE CONVENIENT IF NEEDED
Alarming Rumors Concerning the Situ-
alton in Havana-American Consul
ate Strongly Guarded.

Alarming Rumors Concerning the Situ-
alton in Havana-American Consul
ate Strongly Guarded.
Jacksonville, Jan. 25.-A special to
the Times Union and Citizen, from
Key West, says:
There has been much excitement in
this city during the last "a hours, due
to an alarming telegram from Havana,
stating that the streets had been flood
ed with anonymous ultra-Spanish cir
culars, calling upon all anti-Americans
to mobilize and raid the American col
ony. Csptain-General Blanco, fearful
that the rabid element of the city might
attempt such violence, has placed an
extra military guard around Consul
General Lees office. Many of the
Americans of the city, who believe
they are in real danger, have prepared
their affairs for any emergency.
This news is what gave rise to the
rumor that Consul Lee had been assas-
sinated. The feeling of uneasiness
felt here because of the proximity of
Cuba to this city, has been allayed, es-
pecHlly since this morning at 10
O'Clock, when Admiral Sicard's impos-
ing fleet of battleships, consisting of
the New York, Indiana, Massachusetts,
Iowa and Texas, arrived off the bar.
The Maine, Montgomery and Detroit,
and the torpedo boats Gushing and Du
pont. left the harbor at 10 o'clock and
joined the feet, the whole making an
impressively formidable appearance,
and one inspiring confidence in the
strong right arm of Uncle Sam. The
squadron will sail for Tortugas in the
morning.
The Spanish consul here was uneasy
over the repeated rumors to the effect
that General Lee had fallen a victim
to assassins, and wired to the authori-
ties of Havana for the truth.
An important message was received
here at IL o'clock for Admiral Sicard,
but there is no way of transporting it
to the fleet.
The commander of the naval station
received message from General Lee
this afternoon. He says the city is
safe, but there is suppressed excitement
in the American colony. The white
squadron is anchored at Key West and
will sail for the Tortugas tomorrow.
Great Excitement in Madrid.
Madrid, Jan. 25.-The report that
American warships have been ordered
to Cuban waters has caused great ex
citement here. The, impartial, in the
course of violent article, says:
.sWet see, .eew@the seagerness of the
Yankees to seize Cuba.
A grand banquet was given at the
palace this evening in honor of the
,name-day of the king. The members
of the cabinet and the principal mem
bers of the diplomatic corps were pres
ent.
The cabinet met afterwards and de-
cided, so it is reported, to address a
manifesto to the country. One min
lister, in the course of an interview,
said the government was quiet and
tranquil respecting the movements OF
the American warships which were
fully known to the minister of marine.
Lack of omcia1 News.
Washington, Jan. $3.50 far as
could be learned, the administration
has no advices from Havana today.
Both the state and navy department
affirm that nothing had been heard from
General Lee, and professed to look
upon the lack of news as good sign.
On the other hand, the city was full of
rumors, ranging in Importance from the
statement that the white squadron had
sailed from Key West, to that of Lee
being assassinated in Havana. Inquiry,
however, failed to find any basis for
the sensational reports.