The Wilmington daily Republican., 1895-10-12
THE WARFARE IN CUBA.
Spain to Surround the Island with
f; War Vessels.
TO KEEP OUT AID FROM ABROAD.

Now Th.taths Raisy Season Is Over II Ts
Expected Thstsspaia WIN InAusurate
vigorous campaisn Against the In
sursents.
WASHINGTON. Oct. H. "A statement
Icabled from Madrid TO the effect that the
United States government has fntimated
30 the Spanish minister here that there Is
need OF prompt action on the part Of his
government In putting down the Cuban
insurrection, cannot be confirmed at the
state department.. The officials when ap-
preached neither would confirm nor deny
the report, though their manner would in
dicate disapproval Of Its accuracy. 1t is
believed quite probable that representa-
tions may have been made to Spain Of the
Wisdom Of aggressive and active opera
tions against the Cuban insurgents, but 1t
ts thought the United States government
did not make these suggestions .ss
1t is apparent that the Cuban junta does
not Intend to urge recognition Of the In
surgents as belligerents prior to the open
ing Of congress, and daily events point
quite as strongly to determination to
force tho question on the attention Of con-
grcss, in the belief that the Legislative
channel affords the most practicable route
to the accomplishment of something in
behalf Of Cuban Independence. 4-.
! 1t is pointed out here that the circum-
stances at present are different from those
surrounding the last Cuban rebellion,
when President Grant took his stand, In
that the rebellion dragged along for nearly
ten years, while the present insurrection
has been in progress less than year, or
not nearly as long as our own rebellion.
Whatever may have been the inspiring
cause 10 Spanish activity against tho In
surgents (whether, Minister do Lome's
representations or the previously formed
determination Of the heads Of the Spanish
government), 1t Is known officially that
Spain Is about to open campaign Of far
greater energy than any thus far taken.
The wet season has prevented the move
ment Of troops and the maintenance Of an
aggressive campaign, but the dry season
begins about three weeks hence, and this
will be the signal, it is said, for extensive
movements. A Gordon, consisting of a
double line Of gunboats, will surround the
islands to prevent the landing Of arms or
ammunition for the insurgents, and with
out arms from outside it Is believed they
soon will be helpless.
The new boats about to arrive In Cuba
will not be far short Of twenty. Several OF
them were recently sent from the United
States. About twelve were built in Eng
land, and are now on their way. Several
more were constructed in Spain. They
are very small, not much larger than a
steam yacht, but are well armed and are
of such Light draught that they can run in
the keys that surround Cuba. They will
form the inner Gordon around the island.
Outside will be the second Gordon, made
up Of the Conde de Vendito and other
large ships which Spain has In Cuban
waters.
With the island thus cut off from with
out General Campos will push the fight
ing from within. 1t is expected by Spanish
officials that this forward movement will
change the entire aspect Of the conflict
from one of minor siSirmishes to extensive
battles. The sentiment among Spanish
authorities is that decisive forward move
ment Is essential, and the coming cam
paign is relied on to meet fully the require
ments Of the situation