The Indianapolis journal., 1896-01-28

Omcial Account Of General Luque's
sVfctOry" Over MaceO.

Omc10I Account Oh Generul LuQueS
"VfctOry" Over MaceO.
NEW YORK, Jan. IA special from Ha-
vana says: Numerous reports have been
received of skirmishes, indicating unusual
maneuvering on both sides in Havana pro-
vince. Detailed reports are also coming In
of General Luque's operations in Pinar del
Rio province against Maceo. Almost con-
tinuous fighting for three days Is said to
have resulted in 1.-The retreat of Maceo's $
forces"-5,0O0 strong. The severest engage
ment in that province far was at Tairo-
mas. between Pinar del Rio City and CO.
Iona. on the south coast. General Luque
learning, Jan. 1s, that some rebels were
three miles south of the city waiting to at
tack wagon train conveying 100000 rations
for the Spanish troops, marched against
them with 5000 troops, including field ar
tiliery and squadron of cavalry. He found
the insurgents in strong positions on hills
on both sides of the road. He deployed his
vanguard and led his main force along the
road directly toward the strongest position
occupied by the rebels. Colonel Hernandez
took position on the left Of the road and.
the report asserts, the insurgents straight
way fled in disorder before a shot was
fred But the report also declares that
the Colonel thereupon ordered the cavalry
TO charge, and that the troopers gave a
dashing exhibition of courage under a ter
rife fire near the almost impregnable stand
of the insurgents" The cavalrymen dis
mounted, it is stated, and opened a heavier
fire. They were soon assisted by infantry
and battery Of artillery with four guns
Two battalions of infantry advanced "still
under heavy fire." The rebels could not
stand the onslaught" the report alleged
land again retired, this time keeping up a
running fire. AS the insurgents were all
mounted, ii was impossible to make bay
onet charge. and as they were favored by url-
derbrush and the broken country, the rebels
succeeding in gaining shelter" The official
report tells of the splendid advance of the
Spanish troops" who preserved their ranks
as If they were marching at guard mount 4"
General Luque was equally successful in
dislodging sthe rebels on the right of the
forces against the strong rebel position on
a neighboring hill" The rebels retreated,
taking up position on still higher ground.
The main body of the insurgent forces
then united to resist the Spanish advances
whereupon five companies of artillery
opened fire on the compact mass of 5000
insurgents, creating great havoc" General
Luque. according to the official narrative,
went to HernandeZ's assistance at this time,
attacking the insurgents left flank. "The
action lasted continuously from 915 to II 80
a. m.'-two hours and quarter-and -four
rebels were found dead" The Spanish also
discovered several wounded and some horses
astray;. plainly indicating, severe rebel
commanded by Maceo and Bermudez The
insurgent leader Gayo Sosa, is reported to
have been wounded.
driving the rebels from a position where
they were threatening the road to
Colomo," he retired with all his forces to
Pinar del Rio" Hearing that ''the. enemy
had been demoraliZed, and being desirous
of again meeting Maceo." General Luque
left the city quietly at daylight the next
morning and met rebel skirmishers near
the same battle ground they had retired
from" General Luque attacked right and
left while O third detachment executed a
movement on the rebel rear The Spanish
drawn" and there was heavy and con-
tinuous firing" both sides suffering. Span
ish surgeons were seen crossing from place
to place under heavy, fire." General
movement by the enemy, who fought des-
perately" Colonel Hernandez ordered a
bayonet charge. His force was fired upon.
but, without answering the enemy" he
"took a position in the woods" again 'en-
gaging the enemy, killing some and forcing
a retreat" Then, taking another position,
encounter General Luoue "deployed two
battalions, but was unable to utilize his ar
tillery." He charged the rebels "in dense
underbrush," and the rebels retreated,
crossing the river, Colonel Hernandez fol-
lowing and harrassing them with cavalry
on the other side Of the river. The Spanish
now found themselves in possession of the
rebel camp" and, on figuring up, ascer-
tanned that "the Spanish loss was seven
teen."
vince but 1t is said that he Is being closely
pressed by three columns of Spanish in
fantry" Gomez is reported to be more than
anxious to bring about reunion OF the
entire insurgent forces in West Cuba, and
IL is announced that eff he should become
desperate" as is expected, "a great battle
may be looked for soon."