The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1899-01-04
In A FIGHTING MOOD.
Cuban Insurgents Angered at Gen.
Brooke's Action.
His Refusal to Allow Them to March
in Havana on Evacuation Day
ArOuses Them to a High Pitch
of Indignation.

are flying about and are given crecence
by excited crowds thronging the
streets. 1t was reported early thurs
day evening that Gen. Mariana Menocal
and his Cuban forces at La Paya had
been asked to take the oath OF allie
glance to the United States and had re-
fused. This action had been advised by
many Cubans. For some time the oath
has been given to soldiers who IN any
capacity performed duty under direc-
ton of the United States military
forces. The news that Cuban soldiers
had refused to take the oath CT allie
glance was cheered by the crowd. and
mounted insurgents clattered through
the town, telling the people in the
street that Gen. Menocal had with
drawn his troops from La Paya and
taken to the field.
1t May Mean War.
This story, regardless of its truth or
falsity, is chiefly worthy of serious at
tention because of the eagerness with
which it was received by the crowds
who insisted upon its truth. They justi-
fed Gen. Menocal's reported sensational
action, which would mean declaration
of war. The situation grows out of the
refusal of Gen. Brooke's permit for the
participation of Cuban troops in the ex-
ercises of evacuation day. What the
outcome of the crisis will be no one
knows. The feeling in Havana is in
tense.
American Flag Torn Down.
The United States flag was tori down
from many houses in the lower districts
CT the city Thursday night. Upper
class Cubans sent cablegrams without
number to President Mckinley Thurs
day, begging him to bride the blum
derers. Cablegrams have been sent
broadcast over the United States ask
ing for public meetings and appealing
to the common sense and justice of the
American people. 1t is certain that the
insurgent army and Cuban leaders, in
Guiding Gomez and other generals, will
be barred from the exercises on Sunday
The bond of sympathy between the peo-
pie of Cuba and those of the United
States has been almost if not entirely
sundered, and Havana is volcano. An
eruption may occur at any time.
The Cuban leaders here are doing
everything possible to prevent en- out
burst, but say that if Gen. Brooke's
command is carried out not only will
they be helpless, but they will think
whatever happens to have been caused
by the arbitrary and unjust action of
the United States "We did not fight
for new Dictator" said Cuban. 1--WE
object to dictators, whether the name
be Weyler or Brooke. We will not be
held with bayonets at our Threats. We
Will shout as we have shouted under
Spanish rule: Cuba Libre,' Cuba Libre
il shall be forever"
Judge Advocate Charles Gould, of the
American commission, cabled to Presi
dent Mckinley that there is intense I'M
easiness in the situa ton here and advis-
ing that the Cubans be permitted to
participate in the evacuation cere-
monies. Late Thursday night no word
had been received from the president
regarding the matter.
The situation grows more grave hour
ly. La Lucha, the leading newspaper
of Havana, urges the Cubans to be
calm and await the decision of the pres
ident, but the feeling is at fever heat.
This subject is the only one discussed.
The more excitable of the population
of Havana's lower districts are begin
ming to boot the American soldiers.
The higher class Cubans are bitterly
chagrined and disappointed at the turn
affairs have taken. They hardly know
what to say or do. Their plans were to
have 1000 picked men, the flower of the
insurgent army, march into Havana
January 1.
Expected to March.
The Cuban soldiers came into camp
at La Paya and Marianao with the I'M
Outstanding that they were marching
to Havana for evacuation day. They
bought new uniforms in honor of the
occasion. The streets of Havana have
been most lavishly decorated. The peo-
pie intended to meet the insurgent SOL
diers at the outskirts and escort them
with music and cheering to the prado.
The soldiers are the popular idol of the
people of Havana. The entrance of the
Cuban soldiers into Havana has been
the dream of the people of the unhappy
island for so years. During the late war
Havana has been the objective point.
Now Spain has been driven out, but the
Cuban soldier must not enter.
The Cubans compromised on the orig
inal plans two days ago. 1t was said
the soldiers might enter on the I'd prox.
Five days rejoicing was planned. Gen.
Lawton said he would arrange regat-
ia. The people of Havana planned a
great feast for the soldiers. Gen.
Brooke, who is supposed to act un-
der instructions from Washington, said
this arrangement could not be carried