Concentration order in February, 1897—Monthly death rate.
| January | 78 | August | 645 |
| February (concentration) | 114 | September | 630 |
| March | 333 | October | 884 |
| April | 524 | November | 1,037 |
| May | 539 | December | 1,011 |
| June | 531 | ||
| July | 655 | Total | 6,981 |
Sample month, December, 1897.
| Number of deaths. | Number of patients. | |
| Civil Hospital | 143 | 170 |
| Military Hospital | 23 | 790 |
| San Lazarus Hospital | 2 | 10 |
| Buried in poor carts | 228 | |
| Buried by family | 553 | |
| Prison | 2 | |
| Total | 951 | |
Mr. Lee to Mr. Day.
No. 747.]
Havana, January 15, 1898.
Sir: I have the honor to confirm the following cipher telegram to you:
Spanish officers with a mob at their heels make an attack upon four autonomist newspapers. The rioting continued until 1 p. m.
Apprehend serious disturbances as consequence of intense prevailing excitement. Antiautonomists began trouble, confining their attacks to autonomists. Rioting ceased, but many rumors, Consulate-gereral and palace heavily guarded.
Reports condition of affairs quiet. City under guard. Mobs yesterday cried, Death to autonomy and Blanco, and long live Weyler. The conflict is between Spanish factions. Some of the rioters proposed going to United States consulate. Ships not needed now, but may be later.
Spanish officers and mob attacked three newspaper offices, not four (as reported yesterday). Soldiers joined the mob when sent to defend the newspapers, and outside the palace shouted death to Blanco and autonomy. If Americans are in danger ships should be ready to move promptly for Havana. Uncertainty and excitement widespread.
A few casualties. Disorder last night and this morning and crowds shouting death to Blanco and autonomy. Fears nothing very grave at present.
(Noon. All quiet.)
Quiet prevails.
I have also the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the following cipher telegram, received yesterday from you:
Lee, Consul-General, Havana:
(Instructs him to maintain frequent communication with United States squadron in Key West as to state of affairs at Havana. He should also frequently advise the Department of the situation.)
I am, etc.,Fitzhugh Lee.
