Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-02-02
SITUATION IN CUBA.
Great Delight Of Patriots At Action OIL
United States Congress.
GENERAL MAa,Ns OPERATIONS.
lie Proposes 10 Catch Gomez, Hut
Find. himself Almost Gobblcd ID
by That Commander ""ceo
EaunlIy Elusive.
Equally Elusive.

HsBANA. February 1.-THE news OF the
ac,iop az the FOREIGN Relations Commit
tee of the Senate was Ike po'no-
shell here. The spaniards had relied
en- assurances that the United states
would refuse to recognize the cubans
All tho cables intimating the commuters
probxbie action were suppressed Frequent
cables from Madrid were pubhshec
stating there was no probability OF favor
able action. The Spaniards Felt sure ana
the Cubans had lost hope Of recognition.
The nrst step created tremendous sensa-
ton. The government refused TO permit
the papers to publish New York cables
but allowed the Madrid cable stating that
the Cabinet had held session TO con-
slider the action OF the committee in favor
OF the recognition OF belligerency.
The Spaniards were highly indignant.
The newspaper organs OF the Couserva-
tive and Reform parties denounced the
action. and refused to believe that Con-
gress and the President would approve
They declared that IL the United States
should take such action, they would lose
moro than Spain. They called attention
10 SpdlflS AIOltlO0S 10 lnt navy ahA a.
crease Of defences for Cuban ports, say
ing Spain was prepared for any emer-
gcncy.
The Cubans went wild with JOY. Many
failed TO understand that final action has
not yet been taken. The Cubans
declared that all they wanted
was an opportunity TO buy ships arms,
and ammunition. They said the adoption
of the report meant victory for the Cuban
cause.
The feeling against Americans in Span
Ssh circles is increasing. There is little
Goubt that further action by the United
States will make their position here un-
comfortable The American residents
would feel more secure IL warship were
hare. The moral effect alone would be
great. Germany Is the only foreign ma
ton represented here now. She has three
school ships in the harbor The French
fleet Is said to be coming.
MARIN'S OPPORTUNITY.
General Marin took charge of active
field operations in the hope of decisive
battle with Gomez. He has a great OPP
portunity before the arrival of Weyier.
More troops are massed I'm the centre oil
Habana province than ever before. There
are strong Notifications at every station.
armorcd cars are being moved
along the railroads between stations,
and all points are connected by telegraph.
Yet Gomez crosses when he pleases.
Marin started west for Guanajay Thurs
day morning, and stopped over night at
San Antonio, owing to the tracks being
removed and wires being cut west.
Marin believed both Gomez and Maceo
were penned up in Pinar del Rio province.
lie intended pursuing them making
.;uanaiay the base of operations. Gomez.
instead of continuing his march west
ward TO meet Maceo. moved around
Guanajay. brushed against Marins pick
cts Thursday at San Antonio, passed east
through Banos struck the railroad-line
between Bejucal and Quivican. and cross
ed to the vicinity occupied last week.
General Canella, moving up the line
on train from Batabano, with 800 men,
Thursday afternoon, was stopped by the
rails being removed. Surprising there was
only a small band OF rebels, he ordered
the troops 10 attack. and found himself
surrounded by Gomez and his party. and
IN danger Of being wiped out. The troops
were saved by the arrival of reinforce
ments. after losing many men. The gov
ernment refuses to furnish any informa-
ton. Other sources place the Spanish
less at 200 men. 1t is believed that this
is exaggerated.
General Marin learned of Canella's fight
Friday morning. and changed his plan
upon finding Gomez behind him. and
moved back 10 Rincon. then south to-
ward San Felipe. where strong defences
have been erected.
MACEO MOVING EAST.
Maceo. when last reported, was near
Contra. Pinar province. moving east. HIS
force Is now estimated at 5000 men.
Lacrete. Castillo. Cespedes, and other
parties OF insurgents are causing much
trouble in Matanzas province. Frequent
engagements are reported, but none are
important. The insurgents continue TO
gain strength in all the provinces. There
are repeated announcements tnat certain
estates intend to begin grinding cane, but
only one Of them is positively In active
operation-Toledo. under the shadow OF
Habana's walls.
Eighteen thousand additional troops are
expected from Spain early this month.
Marin slept at Quivican last night.
Now that Gomez is east and Maceo
west. the line is being strengthened to
keep the leaders apart
Bainoa. a rairoad-station Is miles east
of Habana. was burned last night. There
was no injury TO other buildings, and no
lighting.
OFFICIAL REPORT.
WASHINGTON. February l.-To-day's
official dispatch from Habana TO the
Minister Of War at Madrid. copy OF
which was received by the Spanish Min
lister here. Is az follows:
1.-The column Of Colonel Sandoval, ope-
rating ia the Cobre mountains Santiago
de Cuba. took the positions held by the
enemy in Manuel Papon, Retio, and Con-
dcias. killing four and wounding many.
The column had two officers and three
soldiers wounded. and two of the latter
slightly injured. The troops captured
arms and horse.
In consequence OF the movements or
dered by the commander-in-chief, Gene
raj Marin. who is to-day at Quivican,
General Cornella had a skirmish with
the adyance-guard OF Maxine Gomez,
commanded by Minro, and routed them.