The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, January 16, 1897, Page 1

VOLUME SAN FRANCISCO, SATURDAY MORNING, JANUARY 16, 1897. NTS. PRICE FIVE CE T 0 the newspapers every anreliable.” extra session of Con- gress?” Senator Sherman was asked. | It is absolutely certain that' we will | | have an extra session, and the earlier 1t is | held the better. It is very necessary that ‘ we should have a prompt readjustment of | and it is probable that the extra | s be confined to tariff legisla- | tion exclusively, though you know Con- | Valuable Propsrties in the | sress cun consider any subject once it is | Provinces Must Be | Abandoned. But at the Same Time Owners Are Expected to Pay Taxes. WEVLER'S CRUEL j | probably succeed you, Sena- | man of the Foreign Relations | ly Senator Cushman K. Davis | nnesota, though Senator William P. Frye of Maine is next in order of appoint- | ment toa place on Frye, I believe, will prefer to rem the head of the Committee on Commerce.” szl JHE FIELD, WEXLER I» e Marching in the Direction of the Forces Under Gomez. An Augmentation of the Misery Caused | NEW YORK, N. Y., Jan. 16 by Crowdiog the Cubans ‘;i_eran:s currcspondf:x( in Jackso! g | Fla,, telegraphs as follows: [ have rece Into Towans. | a dispatch from Havana which says that | General Weyler has z leit that city with his columns for th d. (his time the captain-general marches, °* | Havana advices in the direction of | the borders of Mai and Las Villas, | where Maximo Gc osed to be. The urch in San- | neral Leeto | he believes was John W. Sher- barg ( inter, is also through the consulate vy his CcUBA. | It Is Also Reported That Sanguilly May Be Pardoned. 15.—A dispatch | s the Cabinet counctl, | the Queen ent presided, | ed to immediately introduce re- Cuba. The decree putting the t will be published on fete day. The dispatch also spontaneou: acte: tes, for ~vhich | ant a bill of indemnity. o what exten ed to go, ring the color | elding the rights of | also soon | isposed to make} | th the Cuban | not be realized s with Spain's | material interesta Spaniards look with | impatience and anxiety to the effectthe | reforms will have in Am ! o it | 20 NEGOTIATIONS MADE. Premier Canovas -iuthorizes & Denial of Published Reports. NEW YORK, N. Y.. Jan. 16.—A spectal .| cable dispatch to the Herald from Madrid In rd to the revorted negotia- with the United States to bring peace Cuba, Premier Canovas an interview p bed in the Im- cial yesterday that no negotiations are going on. He authorized the paper to deny the re- poris published both in the Spanish and foreign of for some time, and I the decree to the Gazette when | nforcing them is consi e. | »s will be most ample—more 1ally, than those granted to They will, I trust, satisfy the he railroad | . | ample, nat Going te Fitht for Cuba, HINGTON, D. C., Jan. 15.—Second ant Charles E. Hays of the Eighteenth Infantry, whois a native of Iilinois and rose from the ranks five years ago, has gone to Cuba to accept a n- mission in that army. In his resignation, which was accepted by the President to | | date from January 6, he made no refer- ence to his future movements, but in transmitting the resignation to hiscolonel !he said that he was going to fight for | Cuba’s freedo The Fuerst Bismarck Herself Again. | HAMBURG, Gemaaxy, Jan. 15.—The | Hamburg-American line steamer Fuerst marck sustained no damage whatever . ; | by grounding in the river Elve, where she 1t of their tombs | TR0 0 for w week, and will sail for New i To | York on Monday. f the road as fast as | e ske en o the committee. Mr. | | o — e G G Caid ~Defénses of HAVA gl i A4 Priv(pat Strdets S PoblicBoildinge e HOW HAVANA IS FORTIFIED BY THE SPANIARDS Havana has long bsen rated as one of the most strongly fortitied placesin the world, and certainly as the second strongest if not actually the first in the Western Hemisphere. It has been considered as practically impregnable, and justly so if massive stone walls, frowning fortresses and numbers of guns should count hing, for with these Havana is most abundantly furnished. Its impregnability to-day, however, against attack by modern means and methods is an open question. Since its capture by the English in 1762, when the Morro Castle was mined and taken, no attemnt Las been made against the city, and its powers of resist- ance have remained unproved. Eince that time, too, its defenses have been largely strengthened. At the time of the English attack they consisted of the Castillo de La Fuerza, built in 1530 by Hernando de Soto, on the eastern side of the town, as a defense against pirates who had taken and burned the city two years before; the Castillo de La Punta and the Castillo de Las Tres Reyes del Morro, at the entrance to the harbor, begun in 1589, after a second capture and sack of the city by the pirate Jacob Sores. Though often threatened, for nearly 80 years these partially completed structures served to keep off any attack. In June, 1762, an English fleet of 200 sall, with an army of 14 000 men, under the Duke of Albemarle, appeared off the town. Landing a large force on the coast, east of Morro Castle, they laid seige to it for two months, finally springing a mine and taking it by assault. The city capitulated and was held with the coast from Mariel to Matanzas till the following year, when it was restored to Spain in exchange for the Floridas. Upon their departure the reconstrfiction of Morro Castle was begun under the direction of the celebrated Marshal O'Reilly. Also the erection of the fortress San Carlos de La Cabane, just east of Morro; the fortress of Santo Domingo de Atares, some distance below the arsenal, on the sonthwestern. Castillo de Principe, on a hill about 100 fees bigh, wast.afsbetomne. 774, but have been ST time to time since, and several minor batteries added. San Diego, or Fort Number Four, just east of the Cadana, commanding the land approaches from the east as well as the bay; the Queen’s battery, on the northwestern corner of the new town; the battery Santa Clara, on a considerable eminence further to the west, and San Nasario battery, between it and Principe, as well as the battery of the “Twelve Apostles,” near the Morro, mounting twelve 24-pound bronze guns; a water battery, La Pastora, at the foot of the western slope from La Cabana, bearing directly upon the entrance, and Casa Bianca, near the water’s edge, further east. An old tower, La Charrera, stanas on the coas: some two miles to the west of St. Lazaro cove. . Quite recently new batteries on modern plans and with modern equipments have been constructed—one cn the coast northeast of Morro and another on a hill west of Santa Clara battery. ¥ Morro Castle, being an object of much prominence on entering the harbor, is briefly described, as far as can be seen from the outside, by nearly every writer on Havana, and those few visitors who in times of peace have been able to gain access to the inside have been limited to certain parts of the fortress, commarding fine views, but affording no opportuuities for observing the details as to armament, etc. Its walls are of massive stones and of great thickness, on the scarp being fully 100 feet high and 50 feet wide on top. There are a large number of old-fashionied 24 and 32 pounders strung around, and lately a number of modern euns of Ligh range have been mounted on the west and sea side. The seca coast battery just beyond, in addition to its twenty-four 32-pounders, has been strengthened with some Krupp guns. A covered way leads from Morro to this battery, also one to La Cabana fortress, further to the east. The Fortress de La Cabara is the largest on the island, and said to be one of the best in the whole world. Lige the Morro, the forts are constructed of solid stone and concrete. They are over half a mile long, and have room for an unlimited number of cannon and accommodations for 4500 men. They mount a large num- ber of old-time cannon, many of them relics of special instances of triumph of the Spanish arms—bearing such once awe-inspiring names as “The Thunderer,” *The Peace-maker,” **La Terror,” “La Destrucion,” etc. Newer guns have been added in later years, which sweep the sea to the north, as well as the city to the south, the country on the lower side of the bay and beyond Regla, and even as far as Guanabacoa, three miles to the east. On the southern side of the fortress the walls rise right up the bay side, and on the northern and eastern sides are of great strength and height. San Diego, or No. 4, lies about half a mile east of La Ca- bana, and was once quite a strong fort. It commands the land approaches from the east, and has lately been improved and strengthened with new guns. Of the fortresses on the other side of the bay Del Principe is by far the largest and strongest. It commands not only the approach by sea and the entrance to the harbor, but al<o the country around in every direction. It has been improved and strengthened lately, as have the batteries to the north, intended for sea defense. The new battery to the west of the Santa Clara has only lately been completed. It is said to be equipped with Krupp and Armstrong guns of late mode!, and will doubt- less prove to an attacking force one of the most formidable defenses of the whole lot. Each of these fortresses has its own Governor or commander, who resides within its walls—all beinz of course under the Captain-General. La Cabana ana Del Principe are under the command of bricadier-generals of the Spanish army. Morro has a major; La Punta, San Diego, Santa Clara, San Nasario and the new battery, cantains, and the others, inciuding Atares, on the south of the city, lieutenants. This grading of the commanders gives some idea of the relative importance of the several fortresses from a Spanish point of view. Azainst such appliances as the insurgent armv can command the city is indeed impregnable, with La Cabana and Sin Diego commanding the approaches from the east and southeast; Aiares on the south and Del Principe and the other batteries to the north of it, sweeping the country to the south and west aud southwest; these would render a belt of country encircling the entire city from one and a half to two miles wide untenable by any force, unless advancing by regular siege ap- proaches. Stratogy or treachery alone could put any of these strong fortresses in possession of the insurgents. Swift raids might give them temporary possession of parts of the city, but the whole place is so thoroughly commanded by Del Princips and La Cabana that it could soon be destroyed and burned over their heads. Other provision is 8150 made against such raids. On every road leading into Havana fortifications have been erected, equipped and manned. Miles of earthworks have been thrown up, and on every little eminence commanding a hali-mile radius a fort has been built of stone and earth and roofed with boiler plate, and having a lookout on top. Every little cluster of houses on the outskirts of tie city, and every plantation near has its little fort commanding the place. These are garrisoned by from 80 to 150 men, and many have machine guns. Ths approaches to Regla, scross the way from Havana, and to Guanabacoa, some three miles to the east, are likewise guarded. Thesuzar warehouses of Regla are usel as forts; barricades of barrels and sugar sacks, filled with earth, built across the roads, and barbed wire strung on stont posts all around the towns to guard against sudden raids. Even in the piping times of peece Havana is essentially a military city. The very head of the Government is a soldier, and so on down to the lowest. The officials are mainly military men. At every corner is a soldier, a sentinel stands before every public office. Guard reliefs and patrols traverse the streets at all times. Bugle calls and drum rolls fill the air, and “Quien vive?”” **Who goes there?” is to be heard at all times, day and night. The plain answer, “Espana,” Spaniard, or “Forastero,” foreigner, is not sufficient, especially at night. 1f you have no pass, a full and minute explanation must be given as to who you are, and the object . you have in being on the strest. Formerly the answer “Americano” would be enough to lower the challenger'’s gun instanter and allow you to pass on your way freely, but now it is the very opposite. The American is no longer popular, either with the *‘peninsulares” or Spanish soldiers, or the ‘“‘insulares” or those recruited on the island. Every opportunity of stopping him is seized, and this, with the constant espionage of the detectives who dog the steps of every visitor from the United States, makes one feel that he is a persona non grata in Havana. pid march the trav- painful anguish the the inextin- erant fields, eternal verd i we men can ch surged ot MAY SUON END THE WAR. Senator Sherman Ihinks That t Grant Autonomy. PITTSBURG, Pa., Spain 1 Jan. 15.—Senator gh Piusburg to- 1 to Washing- Cuba Senator s en ro On the su though Spain d of autonomy, If the end the war, sh Government wouid »! Cuba the same rights that a ed to the people of Spain it wo ave much to do with ending the strug- Ao I am in favor of non-interference ‘ fairs of Cubs. About all we ra to do is to buy products of the g 7 - nd and sell Ler all the goods we can. ot believe there is any reliable news ¢ dge of what our representative, Mr. Lee, reported to the President, except as might be inferred ge, and one can readily un- derstand that it might be embarrassing to him, in his relations with the Spanish authorities at Havana, if the full text of his report were made public. We do know, however, that the reports from WATCHER PAY US FELLIES FER: 3 RETRENCHMENT NOW DEMANDED Purchase of the Expensive Furniture Will Be In- vestigated. Meanwhile Warrants for Pay= ment Will Be Withheld by the Controller. Speaker Coombs Says Plainly That the Gr:nd Jury Will Consider the Expend.tures. SACRAMENTO, Cain, Jan. 15.—Ace cording to caucus programme the Assem- bly Democrats and Populists roared to- day on the extravagances of temporary organization. It was acknowledged that there was no law against the chief clerk putting 111 attaches on the temporary roll, but Mr. Shanahan denounced the act as extravagant beyond all precedent. He said that the present term was his fifth in the Assembly. During the session in which he last served ths cost of tempo- rary organization was only $600, which sum was $500 more than ought to have been allowed. The obviousdeduction was that the present Legislature in allowing $4000 had exceedea a just allowance by $3900. While the members were storming about expenses aiready incurred and paid, TrE CALL arrived, containing an exclu- sive account of the reckless squancering of the contingent fund for the purchase of costly furniture. Two years ago commit- tee-room furniture sufficient to last the Legisiature for twen rs was p chased. Already this session ten expen- sive desks, costing about $30 each, have been bought for the Assembly, and as many more for the Senate. The expose in THE CaLL prompted Ase semblyman Emmons of Kern to imme- diately prepare and introduce the follow= ing resolution to investigate the trans- actions: troller to withhold all warr, purchased during this thir of the Legistature, ostensibly said purchase can be inves mittes appointed for that purpose. The resolution was not referred to a committee but was immediately adopted by the Assembly, and in accordance with mentof furniture will not be author:z:d until all the facts are presented to the House. Action of a similar character will probably be taken by the Senate. During the discussion on the subject of the roll of temporary organization Speaker Coombs announced that he had taken steps to present the matter to the Grand Jury should the Assembiy fail to investi- gate. Subsequently the Speaker, who had called Judge Dibble to the chair, said on the floor that the announcermen: he had made with reference to Grand Jury inves- tigation was not ntended to prevent in- quiry by the House. Assemblyman North of Alameda sug- gested that the best thing todo was to wait until the committee of five to whom the subject was referred should present a report. Mr. Shanahan raised the point of order that the committee of five represented a caucus unknown officially to tne Assem- b 1y. Mr. North did not acknowledge that the committee referred to was appointed by the Republican caucus; neither did he deny it. The discussion ended by sending the Dryden resolution, calling for an investi- gation to the Committee on Attaches. The Speaker indicated that the commitiee would report next Monday. There was another breeze over the S ford resolution to thank Congress for de- feating the funding bill and to ask t Governor to proclaim a iegal holi honor of the defeat. This resolution emanating from tbe union caucas of Democrats and Populists was concocied for political buncombe. The Republicans perceived this point yesterday and re- ferred the subject to the Committee on Federal Relations, Mr. Goodhue, chair- man. To-day the committee reported the following substituce: Resolved, That the Assembly of California congratalates the people upon the defeat of the refunding Dill in Congress, and earnestly protests against the passage of any other biil of like import whatever now pending or to be introduced hereaiter; that it is opposed to titioning the executive o declare Saturday a legal holiday in honor of the passage or defeat of any bill pending in Congress; that the ex- ecutive is vested with power, under section 10 of the Political Code of Calitornia, to deciare fegal holidays and suspend genersal business, including all industrial pursuits, and should the executive of this State deem that such occasion has ari upon the de- feat of the funding bill, or shoull he deem such occasion arises upon the passage of & protective tariff upon the lines of the former McKiniey tariff law, the executive of this State, fu the exercise of his discretion, will doubtless prociaim a holiday; that this Assembly will adjourn atsuch tim, deem proper in view of the pu which may be impo: time and will remain in session wh best subserve the interests of the people of Caitiornia. 8. E. GOODHUE, Chairman. The reference on the substitute for a legal boliday in honmor of a protectiva tariff bill riled Shanahan and other Popu- lists. Mr. Caminetti asserted that the minority on the floor had had no opportunity to study the substitute. Besides, h tested against the action of the com In his judgment the language of the reso- Jution was not respectiul. He thought the Assembly should show muore respect to the Governor. He moved that thereso- lution be recommitted tothe committee. Assemblymer Bridgford, Caminetti, Shanahan, Sanford and Emmons partici- pated in the discussion. On the motion to recommit it Norih of Aiameda called tha previous question. The question was ordered and the recommittal denied. The report of the committee was adopted. Mr. Sanford changed his vote and gave notice of 1econsideration. This indicates that the minority will renew the fight next Monday. Assemblyman Emmons was allowed to file a protest 1n the journsl to the effect that the original resoiution introduced by Sanford was not sent to the committee. Chief Clerk Duckworth was aliowed to insert in the journal that he sent the original resolution to the State_Printer in obedience to the rules of the House and the law of the State. - In the field of real leadership Judgze Henry C. Dibble has been accorded the