The herald., 1898-04-24
AS AFFECTED BY ARRIVAL OF
THE FLEET
WIDELY VARIANT TALES TOLD
OF the Wild Wave Of Patriotism and
Z, of the Search for Safe
Hiding Places
Associated Press Special Wire

HAVANA, April N, S:3O p.m.-At 4.40
o'clock this (Friday) afternoon, the Sema-
phore 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 Cas-
sd tie the correspondent Of the Associated
Press saw smoke In the distance and soon
afterwards 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
people, including many ladies'. In addi-
tion, crowds of people could be seen at
various points Of vantage. many Of them
gathering on the roofs of houses.
At 8 pm. the Semaphore signaled that 1t
was the United States fleet winch was in
sight, and at 6:15 pm. a red flag was run up
at the signal station, warning guns were
fired from Morro Castle and afterwards
from Cabanas Fortress adjoining 1t. This
caused excitement throughout the city and
was the first real note of war. When the
first signal came from the semaphore sta
tion, 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
Saratoga put to sea. The cannon shots
from the fortress stirred up the regular
troops and volunteers throughout Havana
and its vicinity and there was rush to
quarters.
The signal guns from the fortifications
echoed to the Palace and throughout the
streets, causing people to rush from the
houses with the result that all the thor
oughfares were soon crowded with excited
Inhabitants.
Captain General Blanco heard the shots
H.
generals and commanders of the volun-
teers promptly reported, full of excite
ment and warlike enthusiasm. Some time
afterwards the Captain General. accom-
panied by his STAFF the generals and others,
left the Palace and were wermly ac-
claimed 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 any
where. The Spaniards are confident that
Havana is prepared for any eventuality
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 tremors which spread every
where when 1t was seen that the hour of
battle was apparently approaching and
that the Spaniards were soon to give bat
tie to their enemies. Only those who wit
messed the demeanor Of the people, mill
tary and civilians. can understand the
enthusiasm which prevailed on all sides.
AS the time passed more and more peo-
pie crowded to the spot from which the
fleets could be seen favorably. By $3.50
pm. there was great movement Of the
masses 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
Spanards expressed themselves as anx-
ious to measure arms with the "in-
vaders" 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 Pal
ace and every precaution possible by the
Spaniards has been taken to guard
against any surprise and to resist an at
tack If the bombardment is commenced.
Quite Another Story
NEW YORK, April 23-A dispatch to the
Herald from Havana, timed Friday, s D
M, says:
From the hills of Guanajay saw United
States warships this afternoon. They are
advancing on Havana from the westward.
The news has reached Morro Castle. There
all is alert, but fear Is in the hearts of the
city's defenders
Havanas weak point lies dead ahead of
the American fleet
The course of the ships is in direct ac.
cordance with the plan Of war which the
Herald first published.
1t means-and everybody here admits 1t
the bombardment of Havana unless the
city surrenders in sight of a superior force.
General Blanco, in full uniform, which
he has worn about two days in the las.
two months, Is at the Santa Clara battery,
the strongest of the city's defenses. With
him are all the officers of his staff and the
chief officers of all the regular and volun-
teer regiments.
Orderlies are rushing through the city
shouting the call to arms and carrying or
ders to the batteries and reports to the
Captain-General.
Ominous is the situation. Everybody
grants that fact. but everybody is rush.
ing out of the city or to it's fortifcations.
The number who have sought the latter
places to fight is enormous.
The United States ships could not possi-
bly, select better place for landing men
than they can find in the neighborhood
to which they are pointed.
Banco realizes the danger and has
rushed large bodies of troops to the Santa
Clara battery. He has sent others in a
hurry by railroad to Vedado and Carmel.
The garrisons are weak there and even
with the reinforcements could not last
long because the defenses are not strong.
Troops could be landed there with little
more than a skirmish and 1t is thought
this will be the first place at which the
Americans will strike.
Then, too, Blanco is fearful lest the first
of the invaders come up the little river A..
mendarez, where they could make an un.
disputed landing q few miles to the west
ward Of the city. The armament there is
Insignificant. The chief defense is the old
castle De Alares.
Several regiments have been sent to the
Plaza de Mariana, where there is an i'm
rortant but undefended landing place.
From that point railroad runs to Ha-
FAna.
Arolas, the military Governor is acting
with Blanco, and both went out and made
q reconnaissance in the direction of Mar
iano. The two after leaving Santa Clara ;,
went to the Relana battery.
All the gums at all Of the fortifications
ere manned. The men have orders to
stand by them all night. The attack II
k-I