The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-15


views to the Spanish officers and they were OF my
opinion, and they adduced the fact as proof OF
THE INABILITY OF THE CUBANs TO MEET THE
STANDARDS
in anything like an open fight. All the points OF
vantage along the line were occupied by little
wooden forts, which appeared at O distance like
huge pigeon boxes. In some instances they
were surrounded by shallow ditch, and at
others weak and totally ineffective chevdtr
dc Jrtse OF bamboo had been constructed. Small
openings were left to enable the soldiers to fire
through. and on the top OF each was square frame
with shutters, capable OF being raised or lowered
at will by the sentinel who from this elevated
point kept watch and ward over the country.
The first impression made on the mind by one OF
these structures was tinged with sense or the
ridiculous, for they almost certainly suggested llv
ing jack-in-the-box. AS matter Of experience,
however, they have been found to answer admira-
bly, the purpose for which they had been con-
structed. was assured BY every Span
ish oIflcer to whom I spoke on the mat
ter that In no instance had one Of
these towers been captured by the enemy when
defended by the tr0ops--a circumstance which
appears to me very strange as most OF those
which saw could not fail TO be destroyed by q
determined and intelligent attack. Perhaps the
explanation Is to be found In the fact that they
VERY UNPROFITABLE SUBJECT5
as they contain little else than few days pro-
visions for the garrison. and the insurgents may
think that e jeu ne vaut pas Ia chandesIe.
By the time we arrived At st. Luis the morning
was far advanced, and the sun shope out with
Colonel ordered the MONDAY halt, in order that
the men should be able to breakfast and repOse
during the great heat Of the day. had now ample
opportunity to observe
THE APPEARANCE AND CONDITION OF THE MEN.
For the most part they worn, but still strong
and vigorous. The effects of the climate and the
constant fatigues to which they were exposed
were, however, visible In great number or faces,
whose expression showed clearly that the consttu-
ton was already undermined. For the most part
these men had suffered from the fevers OF the
climate, brought on by exposure to the weather,
sleeping in the damp woods without any other pro-
lection than blanket afforded, for the troops are
wholly unpr0vided with tents. / was sur
prised also to notice that although we were
within two hours ride by rail Of ST.
Luis the troops were obliged to eat
biscuit-a circumstance that reflects very little
credit ON the administration OF the Spanish army.
In connection with this subject have since made
many inquiries and have been informed that, bad as
the Commissariat Department is at present, 1t Is
immense improvement on what 1t was some time
ago. In all countries the Commissarlat Depart
ment Is the favorite refuge Of r0gues; but doubt
II the soldiers Of any other army would continue to
support the great fatgues to which these Spaniards
are exposed ON such poor food.
THE FAULT IS NOT WITH THE REGIMENTAL OFFICERS,
for believe they symathize with the men whose
suerings they were often obliged to share, but with
the higher officials, who grow rich at the expense
Of the poor fellows who are daily exposing their
lives in defence of the honor and integrity OF SPAIN
1t has always appeared to me strange contradic-
ton that while the private soldier who prompted
by hunger steals, Is severely punished, the well
paid official who rObs him not alone escapes hang
ing, but is received as an honored AMI worthy
member Of society. have been informed by many
credible persons that more than one Commissary
General has returned rich to Spain after
sufficiently short term OF ONCE, yet no
inquiry has been instituted as to how
he managed to acquire fortune while living in
a style that must have absorbed the whole Of the
revenue to which he was honestly entitled. 1t
is true that in own war this kind of dishonesty
was very prevalent, but the soldiers were so much
better paid that they did not suffer absolute priva-
ton from the thieving Matters had reached that
stage when change becomes q necessity when
the late commander, General Riqueme, arrived,
and as he was convinced that unless the soldiers
were fec they would die he introduced considera-
BILE reforms, which while they leave much to be de-
sired, are yet an immense Improvement on the old
supply department.
On leaving the train the men stacked arms and
rested in the shadow of the houses until their SIM
pie meal was cooked. There was no hurry, and the
officers informed me that, except In Of neces-
sity, they always allowed the men to
RErosE DURING THE NooNTIDE HOURS,
a ich oJIo orit
of the climate. Colonel Sostrada, having some
matters to attend to in relation to his command,
LEFT me in charge OF the doctor OF the Battalion
Patriotic de la Corte Baez, whom found an agree
able and intelligent companion. With him had
an opportunity OF seeing the sick. Some few
men were suffering from fever, and had 10
be left in the hOspital others were suffer.
ing from old wounds or accidents, In all
cases the men seemed to receive careful at
tention and humane consideration. What struck
me most was the absence from the Uisite of the
cayroter class, those feigning sickness. Nearly
every man who appeared bore in his face the con
frmatiOn OF his story, and there we're many men,
even in the ranks, who, from appearance, thought
OUGHT NOT TO HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO THE FIELD
AS soon as the Colonel had given the necessary
orders he returned and requested me to accom-.
pany him in visit to the Colonel commanding IN
breakfast was given the place OF honor, and Oh
that and all subsequent occasions was treated
with an attention and courtesy that will remain
engraved on my mind forever.
Towards two O'Clock in the afternoon the troops
were ordered to fall in, and some minutes latei
were dehng before me. The Colonel placed at my
disposal his horses, and having selected one tool
my place with him at the head of the column, W.
were accompanied by the commandment, the adJu
tant and the doctor, who made up our party Of
mess during my short stay with the Spanish forces
We were now really in campaign, and at nigh
would reach the edge OF the territory where Spanish
power claims to rule without dispute. From
the moment we left ST. Luis we marched
with all the precautions OF war, and tw,
negroes carrying stretchers reminded on,
that disagrecable accidents might happen at an.
moment. These negroes had been captured dur
ing the war and had attached themselves to tn,