Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-20
WOULD BURN HAVANA
Cuban Capital Threatened With the
Fate of Moscow.
TALK OF SPANISH ELEMENT
Profess, However, to Expect an
Easy Victory Over Yankees.
W AR SPIRIT RUNS HIGH

HAVANA, April 20.-Many residents of
Havana do not believe war imminent,
| though doubtless they would like to think
SO. The full details of the diplomatic ne
gotiations have not arrived yet to form a
basis of definite judgment. But it is safe
to say that soon the full situation is
ascertained 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 en-
tire island attacks the 'jingoes' and the
sensational American press, especially
singing out Gen. Lee responsible for the
destruction CT the harvests and planta-
tions in Cuba. for the prolongation 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
ticles are written at high tension, and are
full of bellcose ardor. The writer's recall
the history of Spain, and particularly the
diplomatic victory over Prince Bismarck
in the Carolires.
Spanish Full of Enthusinsm.
The Spanish are easily excited to en-
thusiasm at the prospect. placed before
them by these inflammatCry articles of
adding to their countrys glories a triumph
over the powerful American people. They
take it as an insult if American superiority
is suggested, even in Il joke
Senior Ramon Galban, & leading mer-
chant, said in the presence cf this ccrre-
spondent: Il wish there were war tomor-
rev. and l would give ny life to see VIC
tory over the Yankees"
others say, for instance: The Yankees
viii not take Havana. but if they should
they will only fird ruins
Some empha:ically declare that they
would prefer TO blow up their own houses
rather than have them taken by tbs Amer
leans. There is d 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 enthusiasm in carrying on the
work of completing the defenses The
generals come and go after conferences
with General Blanco.
Beginning of the End.
Everything indicates the beginning of the
end. Local committees have placed thirty
nine districts of Havana in an offensive
and defensive position without the aid of
publishes a telegram from MatanZas say
ing that the news Of the coming conflict
with the Americans has been received
there with great enthusiasm. The night
before Thousand patriots made an im-
posing demonstr alton, marching past Gen
Molina acclaiming Spain, the queen regent,
the king, the army and navy.
Gen. Blanco, Gen. Molina and the chief
officers of the three Maria Christina bat
lallons will give up a months salary each
in aid of the navy fund
Ell Correo, commenting on the trip of the
parliamentary commission TO confer with
the insurgent leaders, says:
1.-THE commission should have gone eight
days ago. 1t is now stormy and they may
get wet"
To Burn Charity Clothing.
Ell Concrete advises that the clothing re-
ceiyed for the reconcentrados by the steam
er Bergen should be burned. Three Brit
ish subjects, who were detained in Cabanas
fortress under suspicion of taking notes as
to the Notifications have been released on
the request Of Mr.. Gollan, the British con-
sui general. Today has been very hot, and
unusual meteorological conditions were pre-
sented this ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS clouds
to the north and cum lus 10 the east.