Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-12-06
EXCITEMENT IN HAVANA
WeyIer Expected to Return
From the Front.
He is BRANDED A COWARD
And sympathizers With the Government May
Ask for His Recall.
GLARE OF FIRES SEEN IN THE CITY
Rebels Drawing in heir Lines Around the
Capital-Censorship Rigorous and
News Aborted-Reports of
Rebel Defeats.
GLARE OF FIRES SEEN IN THE CITY

Key West, Fla, Dec. 5.-Passengers
who arrived tonight from Havana give
interesting information as to the con-
dition of affairs in Cuba. Feverish ex-
cftement prevails In Havana since the
fumor spread that Weyler intended to
return, announcing, as reported, that he
had pacified the province of Pinar, when
it Is known fact that Maceo remains
bidding defiance to all forces sent to
crush him. The Spanish are bitter
against Weyler's unsuccess, and say his
return will mean defeat. The official
statement of pacification is ridiculous
In the face of the number of rebels in
the province and the activity displayed
recently. Weyler's cowardice and ig-
norance are manifest. He dares not at
tack Maceo in the hills He has estab-
lished headquarters at Los Palacios and
sends columns to sweep the country,
leaving trails of fire and blood. His in
tention appears to kill all Cuban pacifi-
cos in the country. No quarter is given.
All prisoners captured are killed on the
spot. All who surrender are also killed.
The facts are positive. Honorable Span
iards are Mortified at such slaughter and
destruction. Melguizo's reported vic
tory was simply treacherous surprise
of Cuban hospital. Forty-fve helpless
inmates were slaughtered. Meantime
the rebels are displaying great activity
all around. Wednesday night they at
tackled Artemisa, wounded lieutenant,
three sergeants, three corporals, five pri-
Yates and four civilians 1t is said that
under cover of the attack a body of 400
insurgents crossed the line into Pinar
del Rio and last night attacked the
trocha at Zayas station. The details
are unknown. 1t is. rumored that $500
fx.1..
Melena neal. the trocha. The leader is
unknown. 1t is believed they will soon
attack and cross the line to re-enforce
Maceo.
When the rebels entered Guanabacoa
Tuesday night after burning twenty-six
houses and looting several stores, includ-
Ing some in the center of the town they
announced that they would soen~ return
and carried out the threat, as last night
the town was again attacked several
houses burned and other stores sacked,
despite the garrison had been REINFORCED
since the first attack. These raids on
Guanapacoa are causing an immense
sensation in Havana on account of the
proximity and Importance of the place.
Besides at Guanabacoa the rebels lately
attacked and burned many houses at
Arroyo, Naranjo, Ell Cano, Santa Maria,
Del Rosario, all within a radius of fif-
teen miles of Havana.
The glares of fires are nightly seen in
the city. 1t is said news has been re-
ceived at the palace that Col. Aldea had
a serious encounter with Lacret at Pur-
galorio Hills in Matanzas. The Span
ish admit they suffered loss of seventy
five, but claim the victory, saying they
killed 300 rebels.
The censorship is so rigorous the above
facts, while well known in Havana are
not allowed to be printed or cabled. 1t
appears the present scheme Is to keep Sc
cret all happenings in order to impress
the American public with the idea that
things are quiet and give color to Wey-
lers boasted official ''pacifcation" of
Pinar del Rio province. 1t Is hoped to
affect Mr.. Cleveland and congress in this
way.
Il is reported as soon as Weyler returns
a delegation of Spanish planters will pc
tition to be allowed to start grinding. In
case of refusal they will cable to Madrid
asking Weyler's recall. Amongst Span
iards Weyler is considered doomed. 1t
is considered significant that he re-
ceived curt message from the minister
of war saying, "Salga operaciones," that
ia take the field