The New York herald., 1873-10-27
RevivIng Prospects OF the Cubans.

the Havana Journals and government OFFICIALS,
which invariably misrepresent military events
and movements in order to deceive the world
and to make it appear that the insurgents do
not amount to much, have been compelled to
admit the vigorous action and success OF the
Cubans. While they repeat the old story OF
comparatively small losses to the Spanards
and great losses to the insurgents in killed
and wounded, it is admitted that bold attacks
were made by the Cubans and severe fighting
occurred at Chaparral and Santa Cruz del Sur,
the latter place being fortified one, and
also an attack upon the town of Baive on the
18th inst by five hundred insurgents, under
Maxine Gomez, though. it is said, they
drew off after four hours fighting with q
loss of four killed and thirty wounded. A
Spanish journal of the island says that in the
affair at Santa Cruz the insurgents had force
numbering, probably. thousand cavalry and
infantry; that the assault on the town was
made simultaneously from three different
points, and that the assauling party carried
and sacked the warehouse belonging to the
arsenal, taking away arms, ammunition and
military clothing in spite of resistance by the
Spanish troops Further, it says, the enemy
not only rifed and set fire to all within his
reach, but also murdered the Spaniards in the
streets; that the cavalry trotted through the
streets firing upon every one at windows and
doors, while the infantry marched to the
square, and that finally he retreated, leaving
one-third of the town in ruins. Now, from this
Spanish account it is evident that the
insurgents acted with military skill and
were very successful. Retreating after they
nave accomplished their object is in accord
ance with the tactics Of the Cubans. In this
case the military booty must have been worth
great deal to the insurgents, and they were
wise in making it secure. But our Havana
correspondent throws more light on these
events than the Spanish papers do. he ascer-
that on the 26th ult strong Cuban force,
under General Calixto Garcia niguez, gobbled
up column of some four hundred Spaniards,
and that when disarming the prisoners the
General told them they were at liberty to re-
turn within the Spanish lines or remain with
him as soldiers of the Republic Of Cuba.
Nearly all chose to join the Cuban ranks.
Shortly after q brisk engagement took
place between the force under this Cen
eral and the Spanish troops, under
Colonel Esponda. The Spaniards had to
retreat, leaving sixty-one dead on the field.
The affair at Santa Cruz. referred to above.
occurred on the 2sth ult, two days later.
The Cubans were commanded by General
Maximo Gomez. After the success and OBJ
tanning the large amount of booty spoken of
the Cubans deliberately withdrew later on the
morning of the day in which they attacked
and sacked Santa Cruz. For years the
Spaniards have been reiterating that the in
surrection was on its last legs, yet it is clear
the Cubans are more active and daring than
ever, have more resources and operate with
greater military ability At the same time
Spain is in too much trouble at home to make
vigorous war against the insurgents; its fnan-
cial resources are at the lowest ebb; trade is
paralyzed to great extent in Havana; gold is
at high premium and going up all the time,
and the Spaniards of the island are becoming
demoralized more and more
This, after five years of war, is the result.
Gradually, but surely, Cuba is loosening the
hold of Spain upon her, and to all appear
ances her independence cannot be prevented.
There is scarcely q Spanish statesman who
does not see that Cuba will become inde-
pendent, and some of the most prominent
public men Of Spain have admitted that,
though they only venture to speak of it as an
event in the distant future. The fact is, none
of the rulers of Spain, under all the changes
of government, dare take the initiative to
solve the problem. They know Spain cannot
hold Cuba long, yet they are wasting treasure,
sacrificing life, carrying on fearful system Of
bloody warfare that is disgrace to this civil
lied age, and running the most beautiful and
productive island in the world, because they
have not the courage to meet the question. It
would really relieve the Spanish government
of great embarrassment and prove blessing
to Spain if the United States and the other
American Republics would unite in forcing
solution of the difficulty. The Cuban ques-
ton is pre-eminently an American one, and,
in view of the proximity Of the island to our
shores and our vast commercial interests with
it, the government at Washington ought to
take the initiative to end the horrible war. At
all events it does seem that the Cubans are
entitled to be recognized as belligerents.
Such recognition was seriously thought Of at
Washington four years ago, and certainly the
Cubans have proved that they are more en-
titled to it now than then. There is little
doubt that if they were recognized as bellig-
erents the island would become independent
and the war be closed within two years. Hu-
manity, the highest considerations of public
policy, and even regard for thu .,,s1ifs.ro Il
Spain, prompt such t~.,sJiv oct;on presi.
den' uian' ana o,ngress have been extremely
iorDearinR.. but let us hope some decided
xyil ha to1y