New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-02-18
WAITING FOR THE CRUISER.
THE SPANISH CONSUL-GENERAL INDIG
NANTLY DENIES REPORTS THAT SHE

THE SPANISH CONSCL-GENERAL fNDlb-
NANTLY DENIES REPORTS THAT SHE
WILL NOT ENTER THE HARBOR.
Up to late hour last night the Vizcaya had
not been sighted. Every observer along the
coast was keeping lookout for the vessel The
searchligl.ts at Sandy Hook were in constant
operation throughout the night sweeping the
ocean in search OF the Spanish cruiser.
There were many rumors afoat yesterday
about the arrival Of this vessel. That which
was generally believed was to the effect that
she would not enter New-York Harbor as II
was feared by the Spanish authorities that her
presence here would intensity the feeling against
Spain. owing to the recent disaster to the Maine
at Havana 1t was positively stated during the
afternoon that the Vizcaya would be met out
side by a tug and ordered to proceed directly to
Havana
The Spanish Consul-General Arturo Balda-
sano. when seen at his office last night, indig-
nantly denied this statement. and said:
THE only element OF truth in that statement
is that the Vizcaya will be net by O tug, which
will go out to her with mail for the officers and
crew. know Of reason why the Nizcay a
should not come IN here In common with
others who have a spark Of humanity In them, /
deeply sympathize with the officers and men
the kindness and sympathy shown by the Amer
lean Nation for the loss Of the Reina Regente
off the coast Of Spain several years ago. / have
positively received no instructions TO head of
the Vizcaya. Why should she not come here!
Some say that 1t would be better for her to re-
main away, owing to the excited state OF pubic
opinion; but | consider that the best reason
why she should come to this port. We want to
allay public feeling and show the American
people that We sympathize with Americans In
their grief over the disaster"
The Consul General was much excited While
giving this interview and frequently pOunded
his desk 10 emphasize the points that he made.
He also stated In answer 10 questions that dis
patches would be sent off to the N.Zcaya as soon
as she was reported sighted off the Highlands.
To emphasize the fact that he expected the
war vessel AT this port the Consul-General said
that he had yesterday sent notes TO Admiral
Runce General Merritt ard Mayor Van Wyck
asking them to inform him when ne In company
with the Offices of the Vizcaya could call on
them.
The Mutual Towing Company has usually ham
died the work OF the Spanish Consulate, and
while II had received no orders 10 have tug
I'm readiness last night. II was asserted at the
Office that a tug would oe sent out from fler
No. |. North River. as soon as the Nizcaya was
sighted of the Highlands, and the tug would
bear dispatches FOR the cruiser and would eX-
pect 10 deliver them outside Sandy Hook. Henry
Serruriz OF the Consul-Generars office. Will be
the bearer OF the dispatches.
CAPTAIN Stoddard. Of the anchorage boat Man
haitian said late yesterday afternoon that he
had received no orders from Washington as to
receiving the Vizcaya and escorting her TO an
/ anchorage Lieutenant Garden, who was in
command OF the boat at midnight, announced
that he had lust received orders TO be ready
10 meet The ViZcaya in case she was sighted and
escort her 10 an anchorage. In compliance with
these instructions. steam was kept up on the
| Manhattan ALL night.
II was openly and positively declared by Gu
bans yesterday that they had every reason 10
believe the Vizcaya would not enter TINS port
and that IL she did come inside the harbor her
visit would be brief While they say they nave
had some advices from Washington when
strengthen them I'm this belief their prnclpal
claim for this statement IS based on the fact
that the Consul General Of Spain was Arranging
to have the cruiser met outside by disphtch
boat and they assert that this would not ne
necessary II the vessel was actually coming INTO
he harbor.