Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-07
WELLER ALSO OuTGENERALLED.
Gomez Within Ten Miles of Habana.
PoOr Crop Prospects.


Poor Crop Prospects.
HABANA. March I, via TAMPA, FLA,
March 6.-Maximo Gomez. in the recent
movement of the main body of insurgents
east from llahana province across Matan-
zas 10 the line Of Santa Clara, and then
back 10 the centre of Habana province
again, displayed once more the genius
which has made his military operations
remarkable. General Weyler, with more
troops better organization. more tho
rough preparation for transportation, and
a much more largely augmented cavalry
i.,oe than Martinez Campos, has been
ot'-s.uerailed by the insurgent chief.
Neylers hrst failure was when MaceO
Was allowed TO enter Habana province
from Pnar del Rio. and effect a juno
loa Wtn Gomez in spite OF the wall Of
> M0a across the island. Then all available
Troops were sent out to strengthen the
columns, which were closing in on the
Two Rebel i,llcrs within twenty miles Of
tas city, The official reports had the
t"9 large rebel columns surrounded by
three columns of Spain's bes. troops
cavalry. infantry and artillery. The
government forces extended their lines in
ihc shape OF a triangle. and for two
DAYS report Of a decisive engagement
Nas awaited with interest. No corre-
splnlents are now permitted TO accom-
I1ay the troops and just what occurred
ls NOT clear. From all / can learn.
believe that Gomez pushed one side OF
lhe triangle back, while Maceo pushed
ha.a ihe other and the insurgents passed
oli through the opening.
lN lighting that occurred was not Sc
iDls. for. with about 10000 on the in
siit-nt side and double that number of
spanish troops, the losses all told were
Jess than l04
When .t was learned that the rebels
iai gone east into Matanzas, the troops
followed. Other columns were sent by
iI to head them off on the line into
, santa Clara. There were no engage
m'his OF Importance there. for when the
Troops had an been started east IL was
learned that both rebel leaders were
going west. They had sent their wounded
over Doe line into Santa Clara, and were
uhnclmbered for future operations.
CANE-GRINDING STOPPED.
Gomez counter-marched to the middle
Na'anzas province, where ne stopped
=. -'e mat the estates should not obey
".i.trs orders 10 grind cane. Those
'olhl 90 be preparing had their cane
adttp itlAiltl 10 ffabdid
province lie brought with him his own
,i ~ about 5000 men. and as many
'r aDlOnging 10 the column from the
.''i which have been moving west for
month. These forces. added 10
which remained In this province,
ias. the situation more serious here
'.aN az any time. The outposts Of the
.'iny are within ten miles Of the city.
'.' government holds nearly every rail-
''i town, although NEST Of these towns
nave been entered and partially burned
-'""' only by the use OF forts are the
Noois able 10 hold these towns, and,
"NIc the garrison Is shut up behind bar
H'a4cs, and exchanges shots with a por-
uoh oi the invading party. other detsch-
N'his of the latter search stores for
arms ammunition. and other supplies
ana SCI fire 10 buildings owned by Span-
4I4s As a rule, the pr0Ierty-of Cubans
VINO sympathlze with the rebellion. and
"i'o that OF Americans is spared, though
lh some instances whole towns are given
10 the torch
outside OF the fortified towns In This
province are many small towns. which
nave been occupied by local bands OF in
eafsents for weeks The Cubans moi,
away among the approach OF large col
uion OF Spanish troops. but reappear
hs the Spanish leave
RAILROAD OPERATION IN
Railroads are operated In this man.