The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1895-03-26
THE WAR IN CUBA.
The Planters for tho First Time Are
i'm With the Patriots.

private letter received in Atlants
last week from gentleman OF high
character who lives in Matanzas. Gu.
ba, gives interesting details OF the
struggle now pending in that island.
The writer says
I. The nature of the disturbance at
present existing in this island is of a
different character from what it has
ever been heretofore. In all previous
uprisings the government has been
able to rely upon the planters for aid
In suppressing trouble. These plant
/ ers, as rule, held close relations with
the government and with the official
class. Many of them were educated in
Spain, and they were fully imbued with
! Spanish traditions.
On the other hand was tho poorer
class, such as landholders, tenants, la
| borers, ETC., people who had but little
or nothing to lose, who were always
ready for rising. or this clas. the
patriotic party was composed. They
were the most numerous class, but
lacking in Intelligence and leadership
Lhey were always at u disadvantage.
They had not only the officials and SOL
diers to avoid, but the vigilance of
their employers, who were as firmly
devoted to Spain as are the landlords
of Ireland to England.
For three years past the planters,
hitherto so loyal, have been put to u
severe test Owing to the free sugar
clause in the Mckinley bill, thero was
great boom in tho sugar industry of
Cuba. The planters not only largely
Increased their capacity, but invested
To the extent of many millions in now
mills and machinery. Then like a
crash came the announced policy of
the United States, to cripple the very
market upon which Cuba had built her
hopes. Spain blundered in clumsy
forms of retaliation, instead of having
at'heart the interests OF those who had
been so true to her heretofore.
:" Last November tho planters of Gu
ba held meeting in Havana, at which
they adopted piteous appeal to tn
home government.
Captain General Callijo promiseu
to forward It, with a personal endorse
ment. 1t is doubtful If he ever did so.
But be that as it may the next thing
these planters heard of it in July, was
an intimation that further meetings for
any purpose whatever would be
dis pleasing to the government. Thus
deprived of the right OF petition, the
planters have been brooding at their
homes, giving quiet aid and support to
tao rebels. ] have been through a
considerable part of the island and
everywhere men arc rowing around in
small groups, avoiding the military,
but keeping thcm in constant pursuit,
while the planters arc none -committal, |
remaining just quiet enough to pre-
vent coutiscation. AS soon as the |
troops leave any given point, itswarms |
again with the open advocates Of rcvo-
'~Ljrn. Tho harmony between tho |
pla1ltI.'s aud the discontentrd element |
Is plain to bo seen, as is tho fact that |
their traders have superior means of |
information. There is really no we'll |
formed attempt at mobilization vet. |
The purpose OF The rebels is to keep in
small bands, to attract as little atten-
tton a., possible, and to avoid conflicts
with the troops. This plan OF having
the whole island a camp, without any |
point of strategy for the Spauiards to
attack, it is believed will weary out
the Spaniards, and by lengthening the
period OF disturbance, will attract out
side aid alter awhile. There is not q
lay but that every Spanish garrison
on the island is rushed out on wild
goose chase after an enemy that dis
solves Into nothing aud escapes. Many
of the planters who had large stores OF
firearms for rural defense, with the ap-
proval of tho government, have been
robbbcd,' whether Willingly or not is
1pen to conjecture. To sum it up,
there>is practical accord among ali |
classes OF Cubans, which would find
expression if opportunity offered itself
TOr SnccnSS ~