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Newspaper
Monticello Express
Location
Monticello, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Apr 28, 1898
Page
3
Washington April 22 details the sequence surrounding the Cuban question as the United States issues an ultimatum to Spain. The note to Minister Woodford demands Spain evacuate Cuba and respond by Saturday while passports are granted to Spain’s minister.
Washington reports the state department sent identical notes to foreign representatives and cables to American embassies outlining U S neutrality rules. The government will not employ privateering and preserves exemptions for neutral goods not contraband under an enemy flag.
The proclamation declares a blockade of Cuba's north coast from Cardenas to Bahia Honda and the south coast port of Cienfuegos, to be maintained under U S law. It states an efficient force will prevent vessel entry or exit and warns neutrals must have notice of the blockade to avoid penalties.
The queen regent opened the Spanish cortes amid a packed senate, with the king beside her. She warned that Spain may break relations with the United States if American threats persist, praised the pope and great powers, and urged the nation to defend the throne and the boy king as she pledged to stand by them.
A US note to Spain demanded immediate relinquishment of authority over Cuba and withdrawal of land and naval forces. The president warned of further steps after April 28 if Spain failed to respond satisfactorily, while Woodford reported breaking diplomatic ties and transferring legation duties to Britain before departing for Paris.
Gen. Stewart L. Woodford United States minister to Spain and his party faced projectile attacks and stone throwing at Valladolid and Segovia while crossing toward the French frontier. Civil guards protected the carriage as windows broke and crowds cheered at stops. Woodford remained outwardly calm despite the danger.
The president sent the nomination of Charles Emory Smith of Pennsylvania to the senate to be postmaster general replacing James A. Gary who resigned. White House says Gary's resignation was for health reasons not related to foreign issues. The senate confirmed Smith's nomination as postmaster general.
A destructive tornado four miles southwest of Avanta on Friday killed Max Jackson and Mrs. Jackson. A man named McDuffie died later from injuries with several others seriously injured.
The article notes contraband articles vary with inventions and are defined by each belligerent nation. It warns neutral states would intervene if a prescription violated treaties, and cites Spain declining to conform with Paris declaration on neutral vessels and goods. It discusses enforcement by belligerents and the need to consult treaties for neutral trade.
Havana reports Captain General Blanco confirms prior decrees and declares war across the land, annuls pardons for insurgents, and places under martial law all treason crimes, espionage, acts against independence, seditious revolts, and disruptions by printed material. London dispatch notes armistice in Cuba ending.
The Spanish minister and six staff members departed Washington at 7:30 PM on Wednesday signaling the termination of Spain's diplomatic presence in the United States. They traveled north by the Pennsylvania Road to Buffalo and Suspension Bridge toward Toronto, carrying passports issued by the state department after the president's ultimatum to Spain was delivered.
Col John S Mosby a resident of San Francisco wires Gen Miles seeking authority to raise a battalion or regiment of volunteers for special service in the front.
Chicago April 23. Christopher Merry was hanged in the county jail corridor at noon. Merry died game making no scene on the scaffold as had been predicted.
Brookville Indiana April 20 Republicans of the Sixth district nominated James I Watson for congress. He is described as the man who beat Holman.
The article notes a warning by blockade forces commander with endorsement on vessels’ registers and penalties for future entry into blockaded ports. It cites a 99th day of April 1898 proclamation signed by William Mainley and Secretary John Sherman. It mentions Cuba blockade limits and a rationale tied to insurgent control of the eastern island.
Capt. Gen. Blanco issues a stirring Cuba appeal urging locals to fight for Spain. The manifesto warns the United States and declares Cuba will never yield to strangers. Crowds cheer, pledging to shed blood for Spain amid rising tension.
Augustus C. Widber treasurer of San Francisco faces embezzlement charges involving 160000 dollars. Investigations by Mayor Phelan and Auditor Broderick after reports of missing funds reveal sealed gold bags in the treasury vault opened without breaking seals. Gold was removed and silver reinserted, with strings hidden in canvas bags.
April 22 dispatches report the German press blaming America for the war. The Iconische Zeitung says the American plea of humanity is nullified by the declaration of war and fears a U S Spain conflict could cause more bloodshed than the Cuban rebellion.
The queen regent addressed the Cortes praising territorial honor and national unity. She forecast a difficult future in the Philippines but promised strength from a glorious army and navy, divine support, and determination to endure foreign attacks without dishonor. Cheers of viva Espana followed.
Off Sand Key light in Florida the gunboat Nashville fired a warning shot at the Buena Ventura, then boarded and formed a prize crew led by Ensign T P Magruder. Captain Sacarraga claimed no surprise at war, while Marines patrolled the deck and the crew lounged. Disposition will be decided by the US district attorney under prize laws.
In St Louis on April 20 the Todd pulley and shafting works and the Todd & Stanley II Furnishing company were signed to the Mechanics Bank of St Louis as trustee with Attorney George F McNulty of East St Louis named as assignee. Liabilities are estimated between 75000 and 100000 but assets are said to cover the amount and business will be resumed.
A London cablegram reported by the Commercial Advertiser states continental powers will remain strictly neutral between the United States and Spain until bloodshed appeases Spanish honor. Then they may pursue a concerted plan to ease Spain from its troubles as gently as possible.
Washington reports the volunteer army bill was sent to the president for signature at 2 20 p m and signed by the president at 3 40 oclock on April 23.
Madrid April 25 Spain formally recognizes war with the United States and breaks off diplomatic relations. A royal decree grants U S ships 40 days to leave ports and reserves the right to employ privateers with an auxiliary cruiser force under naval control. The decree outlines maritime law changes, blockades, and consequences for neutral trade and enemy ships.
Detroit dispatch reports Commander Gilbert Wilkes of the Michigan naval militia ordered to proceed to Norfolk Virginia with his command. After a officers conference the division will be ready to move within three days. In Chicago Illinois the Democratic state convention has been postponed from May 17 to July 12 and Republicans are expected to follow with similar action within weeks.
Erdie Fox died hours after being shot by her lover George Miles in Oshkosh Wisconsin. Miles then shot himself in the breast and is said to be dying. The couple’s quarrel was cited as the motive. Miles is described as the son of a leading Oshkosh resident.
Reports from Biloxi to Key West to New York describe the capture of the Spanish steamer Catalina near Havana and the Miguel Jover by diversions, while the Detroit and other U.S. ships enforce a blockade. Details include bombardment rumors, Cuban defenses, and reinforcements as Gen. Gomez moves toward Havana and Sampson tightens the blockade.
Washington correspondent reports an interview with President McKinley who sent a message to England via Mr. Smalley in the Lime, stating America cannot forget England's goodwill. An Italian warship Giovanni Busan entered Havana harbor to an ovation per Madrid dispatch dated Saturday.
The British ship Aighburth reports losing Chief Officer Evan Richards and seaman John Miller during a typhoon in the Indian Ocean on December 7 while sailing from Java. In St Louis four men working amid the Wabash building ruins at Seventh and Market streets were trapped by falling debris. two were injured and one fatally.
President McKinley issues a proclamation calling 125000 volunteers to serve for two years to support the Cuba resolution and war aims. Mobilization plans target state quotas with governance and War Department coordination, and national guardsmen preferred where possible.
Fire raged through the Great Western Printing company building at 511 and 613 Market street gutting the four story structure. Loss placed at 60 000 with 40 000 insured. The plant housed 12 modern printing presses two lithographing presses and large stocks of wooden type. Nearby La Clede and Imperial hotels caught fire but were saved with no damage.
Boone Spencer, jailed for horse stealing in Murray Kentucky, and his wife visited Saturday. Inside the cell she cut her throat with a razor and Spencer killed himself with a knife. Both deaths occurred before the jailer, who could not intervene.
Washington April 25 diplomats say the United States may declare a blockade with no question raised. They hold that once the right is conceded foreign powers will accept it as binding.
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