The Spanish public, however, were not disposed to view the matter in the same light, as may be seen by the following extracts from newspapers:
“If the government of the United States sends one war-ship to Cuba, a thing it is no longer likely to do, Spain would act with energy and without vacillation.”—El Heraldo, January 16th.
“We see now the eagerness of the Yankees to seize Cuba.”—The Imparcial, January 23d.
The same paper, on the 27th, declared:
“If Havana people, exasperated 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 naïve 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.”