Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-12-10
HIS FATE UNCERTAIN
Cuban Leaders Deny the Report of
Maceo's Death.
SPANISH ASSERTIONS REITERATED
Announcement Sent to Minister
De LONE.
MAJOR (JPJ-IEnA CTnDN
MAJOR CIRCJEDA'S STORY

night says: The Cuban leaders here and at
Tampa deny the reports from the Spanish
office at Havana of the deaths of Gen
Macco and the son of Gen. Gomez Al
though reports from Havana are meager
yet enough has been received to prove that
the friends of the insurgents in the Span
ish capital do not believe the report of
Maceo's death. The palace officials do not
confirm the mornings report by any fur
Their details, which leads the Cubans TO
think that this is only a canard Intended 10
influence the American Congress now in
session. The leaders here have made dill
gent inquiry today. but have received moth
ing to induce them TO believe that Maceo
has been killed.
A special TO the Jacksonville Citizen from
Key West says: The correspondents re-
ports from Havana this evening differ in
details regarding the reported death of
Maceo. The story is not thought 10 be
true, but 1t is believed 10 have been sent
out by the Spanish government TO stop
action in Congress fer the relief of the in
surgents. American correspondents SEM
couriers to the scene of the battle. but
they were chased back to the city by the
Spanish troops. Gen. Neyler telegraphed
from Ar;emisa to Havana for reinforce
had Macco hemmed in. Two shiploads of
troops went into Havana the Olivette
passed out.
Major Cfrujcda's Story.
The confident claims of the Spanish Of
ficials in Havana that they have abundant
proof Of the death of Antonio Maceo and
his young aid. Francisco Gomez, son of
Maxine Gomez. continue without abate-
ment. Major Cirujeda, who commanded
the Spanish forces i'm the engagement at
Punta Bravo. said yesterday to the Asso-
ciated Press correspondent that when the
rebels were routed i; was evident that the
body Of the chief was abandoned on the
held. The Spanish column, without stop
ping 10 explore the field went in hot pur-
suit of The insurgents and followed them
for mile or mere. Meantime, young
Gomez is supposed to have committed sui
eide by Maceo's side.
While the troops We're returning to Qua
tao, after The pursuit had ceased, various
Euerriiias belonging TO Major Cirujedas
command went over the field where the
tout of the insurgents had occurred, and
searched the bodies remaining there for
anything of Importance.
the body of Maceo.' Major Cirujeda con-
tinued, was relieved of a ring, clothing,
etc. The guerrillas who performed the act
were at the time quite unaware that the
body was that of Maceo. In fact, little at
tention was paid TO the identity of the
bodies. 1t was already dark on the field.
and it was raining. Various other bodies
were also searched"
1t was al adjutant, according to Major
Cirujeda's further statement, who insisted
lndt the dDoNe mGnllOnSQ DOOy ana lue
ether which was lying by its side were
evidently of first-rate Importance, and that
they must not thus be left without identit-
cation.
The two bodies were, therefore, tied by
the feet to the tails of some horses, Major
Cirujeda went on to relate, land thus
dragged over the ground. the intention be-
Ing to carry them to town for identifica-
ticn. But after proceeding for while the
horses became tired with their burden. and
the bodies were, therefore. cut loose and
left in the road"
When the troops reached Guatao, Major
Cirujeda proceeded to read the documents
which had been found upon the bodies.
Letter Found on the Youth.
Following is copy of the letter, written
in pencil, which was found on the body of
the youth supposed TO be Francisco Go
mez:
Dear Mamma, Papa, Dear Brothers: 1
die at my post. 1 did not want to abandon
the body of General Maceo. and 1 stayed
with him. 1 was wounded in two places,
and as l did not fall into the hands of the
enemy. have killed myself. 1 am dying
I die pleased at being in the defense of
Cuban cause. l await for you in the other
world.
Your son, FRANCISCO GOMEZ"
Zorro, in San Domingo
Friends or foes, please transmit to its
destination as requested by one dead
1t is learned that the name of the bugler
of the San Quenton is Franco.
Major Cirujeda became convinced that
the bodies were those of Antonio Maceo
and young Gomez. But 1t was then too
late TO return and recover them.
With the insurgents in the battle, Major
Cirujeda says, was beautiful amazon
about twenty-five years of age, who urged
the rebels "a la machete," but at the same
time interposed to prevent the killing Of
the prisoners.
Announcement in Madrid.
The official announcement of the death of
Antonio Maceo and Francisco Gomez, the
son of Maxine Gomez, has been published
in Madrid. and has caused the greatest en-
thrsasm. Crowds of students marched
through the streets, manifestations were
held in front of the ministry for the colo
MES, and the crowds cheered for Spain, the
army and for Major Cirujeda.
Senator Canovas del Castillo, the Spanish
premier, expressed the belief that the death
of Maceo would effect a change in the cam
Us ign in-Cuba. Other politicians estimated
that the rebellion there would be sup
pressed by the spring.
The Impartial notes the coincidence of
the success of the Spanish arms in Cupa
and the declaration of impotence which
President Cleveland ascribes to Spain
Similar articles appear in special editions
of the other papers, and there is great en-
thrsiasm in other circles over the news of
Maceo'S death delegation paid a visit
to the war office and expressed to General