Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 37, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 January 1899 — Another Letter From Havana. [ARTICLE]

Another Letter From Havana.

Camp Columbia Havana, Cuba Dec. 27, ’9B. Editor Republican: Since writing the last letter I have seen many strange and interesting sights. We left the transport about 9 A. M., Saturday Dec. 17tb, and marched through an immense ware-house and were halted in a narrow dirty street and relieved of our heavy knapsacks. It was well that they were hauled to camp for very few mes could have made the march of nine miles through tLo heat and dust and carried them. Our first view of Havana life .was uot very inviting Jbut as we advanced farther into the city things changed for the better. Houses of Spanish style, shop windows filled with queer wares aud groups and crowds of the dark skinned natives were all interesting to us. The soldier*’ eyes were every where but straight to the front. Officers as well as privates stared at the strange scenery. As a rule the streets are narrow and dirty and s horrible stench penetrates your nostrils in almost, every part of the city, “that is,” along our line of march. I am not able to judge on all parts of the city yet because I have not been permitted to visit it yet. But from all reports the place is very Dead dogs and cats are left lying on the streets, and in fact, all kinds of refuse matter. Spaniards feed their ponies on the walks and in the doors while they, themselves are eating, drinking and smoking within. Our uaroh was oue continual 11 Uli through the city. The streets most of the distance were literally lined with people. The sight of our flag never failed to bring cheer after cheer and in many cases tears. I saw old and wrinkled gray haired women kiss their fingers to the old red white and blue, with tears streaming down their cheeks. Even the children almost go wild' with enthusiasm. I imagine the parents and the children here have feelings something similar to the feelings of our old Revolutionary parents and children. Both American and Cuban flags were very numerous in some parts of the city while- in others none were to be seen. Near the suburbs of the city we .passed several thousand Spanish soldiers who were quartered there temporarily. They have since all been removed. And by Jan. Ist, there will be only a very few left on the island.. The weather here reminds one of July and August weather at home exeept that in the evenings and nigh ts it gets quite cool. Monday and Tuesday have been very cool. The squall came from the ocean. I have been bathing twice in the ocean since arriving so you can see the weather must be warm. Must close now. in time to get this in the mail. In the next letter I will describe our Christmas and speak of the happenings since. Very Truly Yours,

WILBER THARP.