New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-08-04
THE CUBAN REVOLUTION.

THE JoURNALs-FIGHT AT CHICO VILLAS.
HAVANA, Aug 3.-The journals arc discussing the
increase Of the cOntraband trade between Havana
and the rebel forces and urge strong measures for
its suppression. The steamer Washington, of the
Transatlantic Company's line, arrived this morning
from ST. Nazare, and sailed at 2 D. IN. for Vera Cruz
detachment of Spanish troops, while engaged in
reconnaissance near CincO Villas met party of in
surgents. fight followed, in which thirty Of the
rebels were killed
HOSTAGES IN THE HANDS OF THE CUBANs.
WASHINGTON, Aug. Shelters have been received
in this city from the leaders of the Cubans dated
the Goth ult These letters give the following items
of news from the insurrectonary districts:
The recent engagements have placed in the hands
of the Republican leaders large number of prison
ers, and they are now in position to prevent the
wholesale massacre Of Cubans and their friends,
which have taken place through the power of the
Volunteer organization it is understood that the
prisoners in the hands of the RevOutiOnists would
be held as hostages for the proper treatment OF the
Cubans who might be captured in battle This fact
has caused a cessation of the instant execution Of
prisoners which has hitherto been the policy of the
Spanish commanders.
NEWS FROM PUERTO PRINCIPE-sPANIsH LOSSES.
Gen. Quesada has completely destroyed all COM
munication between Puerto Principe and the coast
and the teegraphic communication with Havana,
and were it not for the unhealthy condition of the
city he would have occupied it some time ago. Every
effort of Gen. LetOna to open communication has
been defeated and in these attempts the Spanish
loss has been treble that of the Cubans The loss OF
the Spaniards in these encounters is great that it
is reported the effective force of Gen. Letona at
Nuevtas and the entire district does not exceed
1900 men, while that of Gen. Quesada is 1900
in ipli nd nd fuil ~
prepared for forward movement when the healthy
condition of the country adjacent to the coast will
permit
RECENT CONTFsTS-CUBAN SUCCESSES.
There have been number of minor contests in
Gen Jordan's district In each the Spanards have
been the aggressor, but in every instance they have
been repulsed with great loss while the Cubans have
suffered but little At Villa Clara the loss OF the
Spanish was over 200 together with their arms am
munition- wagons, ordnance and provision trains.
In another engagement near Trinidad the regular
and volunteer troops, who had been sent out to take
possession of certain marked" plantations, were
driven back, and the forces almost destroyed The
number of killed aud wounded is reported at S. and
that of prisoners SOO The number Of Spanish troops
engaged in this fight was 800, while that of the
Cubans, who were guarding the plantations. num-
bered only eco men,
ENCOURAGING REPORT FROM GEN. JORDAN.
Gen. Jordan reports himself and troops in excel
lent condition, and asserts that his command is
equal to three times the same number Of those who
oppose him. They are well organized well drilled,
and fight like demons His force is daily increasing
by recruits from the former slaves and the Spanish
regular troops. He expresses entire confidence in
success.
PRELIMINARIEs OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES AND SPAIN RESPECTING
CUBA.
LONDON, Aug. 3.-The london Times this morning,
in its money article. says there are strong rumors
that the Fprelminaries of an agreement between
Spain and the United States with respect to Cuba
have been arranged.