The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-03-20
RIOT IN HAVANA'S STREETS.
POLICE SET UPON by AN ARMED
MOB OF CUBAN OFFICERS.

Shots Fired ON Both sides UntiI Am
munitlon Was Exhausted-Some OF
the Policemen and Many in the
Mob Were WOunded--NInny Women
shOt-sOme of the Victims May Die.
Riot started at "a Public MuIRttO
Dance HplI.
Havana, March ia serious conflict
between the police and people of Havana
occurred last night. resulting in much
shooting and clubbing.
From thirty to fifty people were wound
ed, some seriously. Among the injured Is
Police Captain Estampes. formerly a col
onel in the Cuban army.
Ever since the police interference about
a week ago with the demonstration IN
honor of Gen. Maxine Gomez. the police
have been unpopular with the populace
who jeer at them and declare them inefii-
cient. Certain newspapers let no oppor-
tunity escape 10 criticise the force, de-
nouncing the arrests as unfair and charg-
ing the police with "trampling upon the
rights Of a free people"
The police are virtually in the position
of men who have to make the people fear
them in order to secure obedience. as they
have no record to fall back upon for ex-
ample.
How the Riot started.
Last nights trouble occurred at a public
mulatto hall in San Jose street, an un-
savory quarter of Havana Many Cuban
officers, colonels and captains. were among
them, attending the affair.
A policeman on duty in that street. fol-
lowing orders to prevent a crowd collect
ing in front of the building where the ball
was in progress, asked a group of men to
so in or disperse. His request was un-
needed, and, after repeating il, he was
attacked by the group whereupon many
men issued from the building, set upon
him, took away his club and revolver,
and handled him roughly.
The policeman Immediately notified
headquarters, who ordered twenty reserves
to the scene of trouble. The crowd had
prepared for their arrival. II is said they
opened with a revolver fire upon the po-
lice, which the latter returned, the shoot
ing being kept up until the ammunition
was exhausted.
Fired From the House Top.
The opponents of the police acted with
determination in the affray. Many who
were in the building mounted TO the roof
which is comparatively how. and fired upon
the police from that point. They were ap,
parently well assembled, and this fact, to-
gether with the resolution with which they
fought, seemed to confirm the belief that
the attacking party was mostly made up
of Cuban officers, as ordinary civilians
would have fled from the revolvers of the
police.
Many women were wounded A report Is
in circulation this evening that two of the
injured civilians have succumbed to their
wounds, but this is not confirmed. Among
those seriously hurt are Policemen Donate
Aroza, Enrique Munoz and Benigue Vas
quez, and civilians Jose Dominguez. Etouo
Gahano, Alberto Afeja and Irene Rogue.
Public opinion respecting the police is
conflicting Some sustain them and others
charge with interfering with the rights of
the people. AS the facts become known,
however, opinion is increasing in favor of
the police.
Many Were Wounded.
1t is reported on good authority that
many were wounded VINO withdrew has
tly, because unwilling TO have II known
that they were present. American troops
were called to the scene when the trouble
was over and numerous arrests followed
Police Captain Estampes, who is well
known in Cuban military circles, is so bad
ly injured that fears are entertained that
he win not recover.
Police Inspector Raoul Arrange, who
came into notice on the day of the Gomez
demonstration because of his attempts TO
break UP the procession, and who subse-
quently challenged Gen. Alexandra Rodri-
guez, chief of staff of Gen. Gomez, for
having accused him of clubbing a woman,
is credited with bravery and GOODNESS in
his efforts to restore order.
Permits for More Balls.
Numerous permits have been issued for
similar balls this evening, including one
for an affair at the same house. and IL Is
feared that there may be further trouble
Those who ought to know say that they
are really against the law, and that the
permits should be revoked.
Shortly before o'clock 1t was reported
that another conflict between the people
and the police had taken place this even>
ing in the outskirts of Havana, and that
two policemen and several civilians, all
wounded, were conveyed to police head
quarters.
Il is asserted also that two policemen
we're killed and that the reserves had been
called out
There is also a rumor that a policeman
was stabbed to death this afternoon.
Ludlow wants Change.
Maj Gen. Ludlow, military governor OF
the department of Havana, desires to be
relieved Of his duties and to go to the Phil
ippines. II is understood that ne has an.
piled TO the war department for trans
fer and has strenuously urged that 1t be
made. He Is weary OF the details Of city
administration.
The workmen's demonstration in favor
of Gen. Gomez this afternoon was a sue
cessful affair, some 500 men and women
forming on the Prado and marching with
music and banners to the residence OF
Gen. Gomez, where they were Joined by a
similar procession from Guanabacoa.
At o'clock this afternoon the tempera-
ture in Havana was So degree Fahrenheit.
RUSHED DOWN MOUNTAIN SIDE.