ated at American impudence in sending the
_Maine_, do some rash, disagreeable thing, the civilised world will know
too well who is responsible. The American government must know that the
road it has taken leads to war between both nations."

On January 25th Madrid newspapers made general comment upon the official
explanation of the _Maine's_ visit to Havana, and agreed in expressing the
opinion that her visit is "inopportune and calculated to encourage the
insurgents." It was announced that, "following Washington's example," the
Spanish government will "instruct Spanish war-ships to visit a few
American ports."

The _Imparcial_ expresses fear that the despatch of the _Maine_ to Havana
will provoke a conflict, and adds:

"Europe cannot doubt America's attitude towards Spain. But the Spanish
people, if necessary, will do their duty with honour."

The _Epocha_ asks if the despatch of the _Maine_ to Havana is "intended as
a sop to the Jingoes," and adds:

"We cannot suppose the American government so naive or badly informed as
to imagine that the presence of American war-vessels at Havana will be a
cause of satisfaction to Spain or an indication of friendship."

The people of the United States generally believed that the battle-ship
had been sent to Cuba because of the disturbances existing in the city of
Havana, which seemingly threatened the safety of Americans there.

On the morning of January 12th what is termed the "anti-liberal outbreak"
occurred in the city of Havana.

Officers of the regular and volunteer forces headed the ultra-Spanish
element in an attack upon the leading liberal newspaper offices, because,
as alleged, of Captain-General Blanco's refusal to authorise the
suppression of the liberal press. It was evidently a riotous protest
against Spain's policy of granting autonomy to the Cubans.

The mob, gathered in such numbers as to be for the time being most
formidable, indulged in open threats against Americans, and it was
believed by the public generally that American interests, and the safety
of citizens of the United States in Havana, demanded the protection of a
war-vessel.

The people of Havana received the big fighting ship impassively. Soldiers,
sailors, and civilians gathered at the water-front as spectators, but no
word, either of threat or friendly greeting, was heard.

In the city the American residents experienced a certain sense of relief
because now a safe refuge was provided in cas