their enemies.

As the time passed, more people crowded to the spot from which the
fleets could be most favorably seen. By 8:30 p. m. there was a
great movement of the masses through all the streets and on all
the squares. The coffee-houses and clubs were crowded with excited
people, discussing the arrival of the American war ships. The
Spaniards expressed themselves as anxious to measure arms with the
"invaders," and there was no expression of doubt as to the result.
The civil and military authorities of Havana were in consultation
at the palace, and every precaution possible to the Spaniards was
taken to guard against a night surprise and to resist an attack if
the bombardment commenced.

SPAIN'S DAYS OF GRACE EXPIRE.

When President McKinley sent his ultimatum to Spain, he indicated
that it was to expire at noon on Saturday, April 23, and at that
time the period allowed Spain to give up Cuba peacefully was
ended. Spain, however, had not waited to take advantage of this
time limit, but by her own preparations during the days that had
passed, as well as by her diplomatic actions, had indicated
plainly that war was to come. The action of Minister Polo in
demanding his passport and leaving the United States, and the
action of the Spanish government in ejecting Minister Woodford,
were sufficient notifications of the policy which was to be
pursued. It had been unnecessary, therefore, for the fleet to wait
for a more explicit answer before investing Havana. Not until the
expiration of the time allotted by President McKinley to Spain,
did he take definite action which committed the country to a