Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-12-02
CUBAN DEFEATS REPORTED
Spanish Troops Said to Have Been Be
peatedly Successful
General Gomez Discounted in Two
engagements - Gallant Cavalry
Charge by Insurgents.

The columns of troops commanded by
Gems. Oliver and Luque, in Cuba, have
both been engaged twice with the insur-
gent forces commanded by Maxine Gomez
| In the province of Santa Clara. The insur-
gents left On the field ninety-seven killed
and carried off their wounded, according to
Havana advices.
Gen. Luque and Gen. Oliver acting I'M
der instruction from Gen. Campos, left
their quarters and moved upon the insur-
gents. Gen. Luque commanded 1900 in
fantry and 100 cavalrymen, and had one
piece Of artillery, while Gen. Oliver had
l, 400 infantrymen. 100 csvalrymen and two
pieces of artillery.
Their intention was to attack Gen Gomez,
| who. at the head of the insurgents, has
| been encamped since November ID at Jiqui-
mar.
Gomez being advised of their movements
| retired to the province of Puerto Principe.
Gen. Oliver followed. while the forces of
Gen. LuQue executed a flank movement
joining the troops Of Gen. Oliver at Iguara
after having several unimportant skr-
mishes. The troops then proceeded toward
Arroyo Blanco, to receive instructions from
the generals at the headquarters by the as
| sistance of the heliograph. The command
ing officers signaled to them and ordered
| them to proceed to Ciego Avila, where
Gomez and the insurgents had retreated.
Basillio Guerra.
Col. Guerra, with 800 cavalrymen, went
to Ramones to attract the attention of the
government troops. while Gen. Gomez and
the balance of the insurgents entered the
province of Santa Clara, by another route.
Enlargement Mt Ramones.
Gen. Luque met the insurgents at Ra-
mones. They only stood their ground dur
/ ing an hour Of fighting. and then retreated
in orderly fashion. closely followed by Gen.
Luque. They later encountered Gen. Luque
| at Saban. Dispensing. they left seventeen
| dead on the field, among them Pho Ger
vantes
On the following day Gen. Gomez con-
centrated his forces in the vicinity of De-
licias.
These insurgents were attacked simulta-
| neously by Gems. Luque and Oliver. Gomez.
according to the official reports, now had
1900 cavalrymen and 1900 infantry and
one piece of artillery. They were drawn
up in order of battle Gen. Gomez knowing
that the government forces were about to
commence an attack on him. The fire was
opened by the Spanish artillery.
Ineffective Cavalry Charge.
| One thousand cavalrymen. under Guerra,
closely engaged the attention of the Span
ish infantry. but the deadly effects of the
| Mauser rifles compelled a retreat Gen.
| Gomez then ordered the whole cavalry to
| attack the enemy, but their horses became
| so tired before they reached one-half the
distance that the insurgents returned dis
heartened, and the cavalry attack upon
| the Spaniards at this point was Ineffective.
| Gomez next ordered 500 men and a cannon
| to the top of the hill, but the cannon burst
| at the firing of the first shot, killing four
men.
Gen. Oliver then rushed in at the head of
600 of the Spanish infantry. Rhe insur-
| gents were somewhat disconnected, and re-
| treated.
The Spanish artillery kept up a continu-
Gus firing of shells and the insurgents were
| compelled to abandon their positions, final
~ seeking safety in the woods. The insur-
| gents left so killed and, according to Off
cial advicas over 100 wounded. OF the
Spanish troops, two lieutenants, a corporal
and eight soldiers were killed. and eighteen
| persons wounded
| Immediately after this engagement Gen.
Oliver received word that Gen. Serafn San
chez was at Tomas Guerrillois with 1000
| men trying to effect a union with Gen.
Gomez. Gen. Oliver at once started in pur-
suit Of Gen. Sanchez.
| Fought for Nine Hours.
| On the following morning an engagement
took place. The Spanish troops, encourag-
ed by their previous victory, were eager for
the fight. They occupied all of the favor
| able positions. hoping to keep the insur-
gents from effecting a retreat. The battle
| lasted nine hours, and was ended by a
charge of bayonetS, ordered by Gen. Oliver.
| The insurgents disper sed in all directions,
| leaving fifty-elght killed and twenty-three
| wounded.
On the day after this engagement be-
| tween Gen. Oliver and Gen. Sanchez the
| troops. while returning to Placetas met
| the Perico Diaz band of insurgents. num-
bering fully 800. The troops charged with
| leaving sixteen killed. In this engagement
| the troops suffered a loss of six killed.