The National tribune., 1896-06-18

49,
the headquarters, which is connected by the
Western Railway with Havana, to Msjana, on
the south coast. The defenses consist of n con-
tinuous line of small blockhouses, about 100
yards apart connected by rife pits and
trenches and protected in front by barbcd
wire fencing and at intervals by wire entan-
clements.
The blockb houses are made some of loose
stone piled up with earth on the outside faces,
others Of twoinch wooden planking. The rear
Of the line is defended by breastworks of loose
stone and earth, with occasional blockhouses as
rallying points and to give shelter to the troops.
The total distance from Artemisa TO Msjana is
about four miles.
At the southernmost point, as il approaches
the sea- the line splits into three and runs so
for half mile, the object being to avoid any
chances of surprise. At four points Of the line
are camps with strong garrisons actinga sup.
ports to the men in the trenches and block
houses. and, in addition, field artillery are
posted at intervals.
The central section of the line extends north
ward from Artemisa to Guanajay. a distance of
IL miles. Here the defcnses consist of loose
stone breas,works, rife-pits in rear, and
barbed wire fencing and wire entanglements
in front.
At intervals are blockhouses and artillery
and machine guns, the encampments for the
support being from a mile to mile and p half
apart The rear Of this central section is pro-
tected by breastworks of loose stone earth, and
palm logs.
From Majana to Guanajay the ground is level
aud fairly open. Offering clear field OF fire. In
the vicinity of Majana the very low-lying land
is Of a swampy nature, and will be almost i'm
passable in the wet season.
The northern section extends from Guiana
Jay TO Mariel. This is six miles long and
runs through broken country of such nature
as TO prevent the construction of a continuous
line of trenches aud blockhouses. All the
commanding nights have been fortified, and
the main road is occupied by infantry pickets,
whilst trenches aud breastworks have been
constructed at all points on the road where at
tack is thought likely. At various intervals
are stationed supports, and strong bodies Of
troops are billited in Guanajay and Mariel.
in all. the division holding this line of %
miles number $4,000 men of all arms. Most
of the work has been done by the soldiers. and
fatigue parties at work from Mariel to
Majsna at the time of my visit.
j had opportunity of inspecting the rations
and found them Of excellent quality. There
was very little sickness, and both officers and
men seemed CHEEKY ard satisfied. in spite Of the
fact that they stand to their arms every night,
resting only in the daytime.
How matters will be when the rains set in
cannot say, but a large amount of sickness
must necessarily occur, whilst in the low lying
parts Of the line near Mariel and Maiana the
mortality will surely be great.
This intrenched line is undoubtedly Of great
strength, and the Spanish officers feel conf
dent that the rebels under Maceo will not be
able 10 force a passage
Without the aid of artillery il will unaucs-
ti0nably be a difficult undertaking for the in.
surgents. but certain weak points exist especi-
ally Ina the central and northern sections aud
here the attack will probably be made Then,
again, the rebels have no lines OF communica-
ton 10 keep open, and have merely themselves
and their horses to pass.
On dark and wet night successful dash
may be made but any such attempt must entail
heavy losses and severe Sighting. IL the at
tempt is successful il will be the most severe
blow the Spanish arms have yet received in
Cuba.
BoLDNEss OF INSURGENTS.
An incident serves to show how close the in
surgents venture TO the Spanish lines paid
visit to an officer one evening in Artemisa
and found him sitting in complete darkness.
lie explained that only few nights previously
he was seated reading when three bullets few
past his head. Since then he had deemed it
wiser not TO make himself SO prominent a tar
get for rebel rifles aud now only lighted his
lamps when his windows were closed and
suffered. Every night shots are fired at some
portion OF the lhe, ana only lew days ago
the Chief OF the STAFF was shot al while riding
down the road from Artemisa TO Majana the
bali missing this officers head by only few
inches.
Another instance can be cited to show the
condition of affairs. arrived early one morn
ing at the town Of GuaDajay, situated on the
intrenched line. Entering a cafe i asked for
some coffee and milk, and was told that con-
densed milk only was available. Further in
qury elected the explanation, in a somewhat
surprised Tone from the waiter:
DO you not know that we are blockaded
here? The rebels do not allow milk, proyis-
ions, forage or anything else to be brought in
from the country"
This town of Guanajay is not more than 20
miles from Havana. is connected by railway
with the city, and is surrounded on al sides
by Spanish troops