Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-03-12
THINKS CUBA WILL WIN.
TESTIMONY OF A MAN DIRECT
FROM THE ISLAND.
G. f. sweeney, Formerly of Morrisvil
Tells of Life and Suffering in Havana
Tho Spanish Cavalry Not tho
Force Pictured,

Morrisville, March S-Carroll L. Sweeney,
a native of this place, arrived here March
from Havana, Cuba, coming into genu-
inc Vermont March blizzard the first
northern winter he has witnessed since
1886. Mr.. Sweeney has been a resident of
Havana for several years and married a
young lady residing in Havana, Van
Syckel by name For a number OF years
he had been an expert telegraph operator,
and during his residence in Havana had
an important position as cable operator.
With the development of the rebellion In
Cuba his position became a very trying
one, q weight of responsibility resting up
on him in all the duties to be performed.
The care about the proper conducting of
the work under the sharp eye of Spanish
cehsors, the nights of constant work fol-
lowing days of strain, resulting in n con-
slant demand upon strength and nerve
force, finally bringing about collapse OF
his physical powers. Then followed
q long sickness lie was helped out
out at first by the continuing of his full
pay for two months, but this was finally
withdrawn and after long weeks of tor
ture with muscular rheumatism and gen.
eral prostration the unfortunate fellow
found himself and family witout a dollar
and with all business In Havana gone to
the dogs" His former position taken
sweeney was in hard luck. His wife went
to Porto Rico, whore she has brother.
That island while Spanish possession, is
free from any disturbance.
Securing passport, the would-be travel
Ter had the misfortune to lose his papers
and experienced considerable difficulty in
getting the second. That being accom-
plished he made for the wharves in the
night when he was attacked by two men.
who gave him a terrific blow on the head
with stone, but not until his good right
arm had Knocked out one Of them. Get
tins the flowing blood out of his eyes SO
he could see, Sweeney called the police
and had the satisfaction of seeing his as
saila,ts rounded up and before the mag
istratc, Coming NORTH he made brief
stops at Key West, Fla. Charlotte, North
Carolina, and New York city Before lcav-
Ing Havana he had an opportunity to &c
on a special mission for the special cor
respondent of the New York World, but
he had seen all he wanted of Cuban war
fare and its results
He states that business Is stagnant In
Havana, half or more of the business
places are closed entirely and the popula-
ton of 100000 is being fast depleted by
the hurrying and rushing crowds OF
every nationality who are leaving as
fast as the Tampa boats leave port. lie
is firm in the belief that the Cubans will
win the day and as soon as they do he
will return. They are outnumbered three
or four times by the Spanish troops but
they are relentless fighters in their way.
They are not numerous enough, or equip
ped with arms or ammunition to make pos
slble the pitched battles and general prin.
Cfples of warfare as seen in our rebellion
of 81 and 65. They, the insurgents, have
contested the length and breadth of the
island again and again, leading the gov.
eminent forces hither and yon, worrying
them and mystifying them as TO the place
of attack or retreat.
The great sugar interests have beer
practically destroyed, the work of the in.
surgents. who are familiar with every
nook and corner of the island. while the
government troops are entirely ignorant
Sweeney declares that the trouble canno,
continue beyond another summer If until
then. He looks for tremendous mortal
ity among the Spanish troops, resulting
from sickness, in the coming summer
months.
These troops are many of them Ignorant
beyond conception. i'll trained and in nc
way the ideal of those who may picture
the Spanish cavalier They are made NJ
In great measure of ignorant back country
youths yet minus a beard He give,
Captain General Weyler credit for having
reformed in a great measure from his
"Butcher" history of 1871, in fact thinks
him to be angelic now as compared to for
mer acts as recorded against him, and
thinks the general has come to a realizing
sense of the march of civilization and the
sentiment the world over, that would
frown at once upon the terrible cruelties
of former rebellions. The Cuban cause Is
sure to come off victorious, and 2s
soon as that day shall come. Sweeney re-
turnes to the wife of his choice, and the
land of his adoption, yet maintaining his
American citizenship.