Birmingham state herald., 1895-12-01
CUBAN COMMENT.
An American Correspondent Describes the
 Islands Situation.

An American Correspondent Describes the
 Islands Situation.
 New Orleans Picayune.
 Mir J. M. Hull. representing the Ohio State Journal and the Columbus Dis patch, came in yesterday on the Morgan Liner from Havana where he has been more or less domiciled since the begin ming of the month. MT. Hull stated last night that he represented his papers as correspondent at the seat of war in Gu ba. He related that shortly after reach ing Havana he had occasion to go to Mantanzas. where active operations are In progress. On the way the vessel put into the port of Cargias. and he was pres ent at the sharp skirmish that took place in the outskirts of the town. In this one rebel was killed and three or four wound ed five SpaniardS killed and a number wounded. The rebels were not so nu- merous as their enemy, but outgeneraled and outfought them.
 Soon after reaching Mantanzas he and the Herald's correspondent MT. G. E. Bryson, started to go with Colonel Jar go's regiment of 800 men for the front. He followed about half mile in the rear of the column. After marching all day Sunday the Spaniards camped in the road. He and MT. Bryson camped also, some distance away. Early the next morning skirmishing began in front and the rebels retired. The SpaniardS press ed forward and were skillfully drawn into a ravine. where they suffered heavy loss. MT. Hull said that he and MT. Bry- son then tried to cross the Spanish flank and join the rebels. but were discovered and made prisoners as spies. They were hurried into Mantanzas, and thence sent to Havana, where they were detained till liberated at the intercession of the American consul. Both of them were f1a,, av-ia nIlt nf Hull left on the 25th.
 MT. Hull said that he believed the reb- els to be superior soldiers to the Span iards, better acquainted with the coun- try, acclimated and better armed. They have plenty of guns, and only need am- munition. On the other hand Campos troops are young men of 16 to 20, unac- climated, liable to disease, badly armed with Springflelds, and so little accus- toned to the country and bush fighting as to be readily defeated in every en- gagement. Many of the rebel leaders. said MT. Hull. had been educated in the federal military colleges. and have ever since the close of the last rebellion in 1878, been carefully preparing for this contest Mir. Hull says that Campos comparative state of inaction is due to his realization of his soldiers incom- potency. He thinks also that the captain general Is afraid of the action of the American congress.
 The Cubans are not pressing their ad- vantages, but are waiting to be recog- nized by the United States, when they will fit out a cruiser in this country and try to take seaport. He understood from Cuban leaders in the island that as soon as independence was won, applica- tion for admission to the union would be made.
 MT. Hull said that report current in Havana asserted that Campos had offer ed SEQ 900 for the assa ssination of Maceo and there was much indignation over it. the rebels threatening to use dynamite iudscriminately if Maceo Was Injured He said that Havana is virtually under martial law. the police composed of in- valided Spanish soldiers. being so numer- ous that a bout six officers were available for each block in the city. He added that the remains of the Barcastegui in the harbor of Havana were destroyed by a storm recently, and that no attempt has been made to raise any of her guns He was assured by Cuban leaders that the Barcastegu! was not sunk by a rebel torpedo.
 MT. Hull will be in town several days before leaving.