3-086-102 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Spanish-American Crisis: views of the Islands of Grand Canary and Teneriffe, now being stocked with military stores by Spain, 1898. 'Fort near Las Palmas, Grand Canary. Among the preparations for war made by Spain since the situation between herself and the United States reached its most critical stage, has been the taking over by the Government authorities of all the chief public buildings and warehouses in Teneriffe and Grand Canary for the use of troops if need be, and the storage of ammunition and provisions. Large cargoes have already been landed on both islands, and further supplies are on the way...The fortifications, which have been some time in progress, are being pushed on apace, and even churches are being converted into barracks and store-rooms at points where other suitable buildings are scarce. Las Palmas, capital of Grand Canary, and the most important town of the Archipelago, is protected by a mountain of some height, from the top of which a powerful land battery now commands the spacious harbour, which has been constructed within the last few years...The Canary Islands...now seem likely to afford a very valuable stronghold to Spain in the event of war'. From "Illustrated London News", 1898.