9

on this morning's train at 8 o'clock with his family. The Cadets with the University band -- about 100 cadets -- marched in from the University to the depot and saw him off in good military style -- He made a short speech bidding them good bye -- This is the first war incident for Reno -- Spain refused the ultimatum at Madrid this morning, first giving Minister Woodford his passport -- He left for France, at 4 o'clock PM -- The President sent notifications to all other nations that a state of war now existed between the US and Spain, without war being formally declared. The "White Squadron" from Hampton Roads is ordered to Porto Rico to intercept the coming Spanish flotilla -- The Key West Fleet ordered to strictly blockade Havana, keeping about 7 miles outside, lying off and on-- This evening the University students or cadets marched the streets

Spain -- Sagasta Hanged and Burned in Effigy -- 1898
"Arbor Day" -- Havana Blockaded!!!

carrying a sort of hay-stuffed ragbaby or effigy marked "Spain" on one side and "Sagasta" on the other, all singing "John Browns Body." They hung it by the neck to a telegraph pole, beside the railroad track, at crossing of Virginia st and Commercial Row amid the shouting hilarity of a huge applauding crowd, and left it there for the night --

Friday April 22

Same -- "Arbor Day" -- no school -- tree planting observances as usual -- Sampson's Key West fleet sailed this morning and 8 hours later blockaded