Havana is also highly excited. The report that General Lee had asked for warships set the Spaniards afire. They threatened, and raged, and became so angry and indignant that the Marquis de Ahumada, the governor of Havana, was afraid that riots would break out.
He therefore sent for the colonels of the various volunteer troops in the city, and assured them that the reports were altogether false, and that Mr. Cleveland and Mr. Olney were the faithful friends of Spain.
Despite the governor's proclamation, the Spaniards openly declare that if an American man-of-war enters Havana harbor they will attack the American Consulate, and declare war on the United States.
Meanwhile, people are wondering what turn Cuban affairs will take, after they are in the hands of the new President.
The Spaniards declare that Major McKinley will follow in the footsteps of Mr. Cleveland and Mr. Olney, and do nothing at all.
In Washington it is said that great changes will be made. While war will not be declared on Spain, warships will be sent to Cuba to protect our citizens there, and the United States Navy will no longer be kept doing police work for Spain by preventing filibustering.
One thing, however, is sure. Dr. Ruiz's death will be closely inquired into.
General Lee's prompt and manly action has been of some little help to another poor American confined in a Cuban jail.
This second prisoner is a Mr. Charles Scott, who is accused of having some postage stamps in his possession that were issued by the insurgent government.
It is the custom of the Spaniards to keep important prisoners in solitary confinement until they have been examined by the judge. Their law says that a prisoner shall be shut up thus closely for seventy hours, and during that time he shall be completely cut off from the rest of the world, and therefore at the mercy of his jailers.