The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-20
PREPARING TO FIGHT
GEN. BLANCO AND HIS AIDS GETTING
READY For THE CLASH.
Military Activity in Havana-Jingo
Talk by Spaniards-Provtsion
.r Rising in Price.

HAVANA, April 19.-Many residents of
Havana do not believe war imminent,
though doubtless they would like to think
SO. The full details of the diplomatic nego-
tiatfons have not yet arrived to form
basis OF definite Judgment, but it is safe to
say that. as soon as the full situation is as
certained from Washington, this, together
with the bellicose and patriotic reply from
Spain, will provoke the whole loyal popu-
lation 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 the Sensational American
press" especially singing out General Leo
as responsible for the destruction of the
haryests and plantations in Cuba, for the
prclongation of the war, the shedding of
blood In the present campaign and the
blood that is to be shed in the conflict that
is coming. All the articles are written at
nigh tension, end are full of bellicose ardor.
The writer's recall the history Of Spain, and
particularly the diplomatic victory over
Prince Bismarck in the Carolines. The
Spanish are easily excited to enthusiasm at
the prospect placed before them by these
infiammatory articles of adding to their
countrys glories triumph over the power
full American people. They take it as an in
suit if American superiority is suggested,
even III joke.
Senior Ramon Galban, a leading merchant,
said in the presence of this correspondent:
IT wish there were war tomorrow and
would give my life to see victory over the
Yankees" Others say, for instance: "The
Yankees will not take Havana, but if they
should they will only find ruins" Some en-
phatieally declare that they would prefer to
blow up their own houses rathen than have
them taken by the Americans. There is a
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 enthusias1a in carrying on the
work of completing the defenses. The gen.
erals come and go after conferences with
General Blanco. Everything indicates the
beginning of the end Local committees
have placed thirty-nine districts of Havana
IN an offensive and defensive position with
out aid of the troops or the volunteers.
El Caro- published a telegram from Ma
tanzas saying that the news of the coming
conflict with Americans has been received
there with great enthusiasm. The night
before a thousand patriots made an impos-
Ing demonstration. marching past General
Molina, acclaiming Spain, the Queen Regent
the King the army and navy.
General Blaneo. General Molina and the
chief officers of the three Maria Christina
battalions will give up a months salary
each in aid of the navy fund
The Lucha to-day says: "A short time
after the Maine arrived here General Lee
gave breakfast at Mariana to her captain
and other officers. going there on yacht
The papers gave the news and no attention
was paid to the matter. But somebody OBJ
served that General Lee, Captain Sigsbee
and several of the officers went along the
coast sounding at different places. taking
notes and returned three or four times for
further soundings as far as Jaimainta. The
people near Mariana were struck with this
action and did not think the work was
merely distraction"