The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1896-05-25
Its Cause and Progress and
Ultimate Result
IT MUST BE CUBA'S FREEDOM
Autonomy and Annexation Are Neither
Wanted Nor Understood
A Timely Review Of the Pending Struggle
for Liberty BY . Man Having
Special Knowledge
Press Special Wire.

1886. "A gentleman, Tor forty-nVe years
q resident in Cuba, in an interview witt
q representative of the Associated Press
today gave the following timely resume
of the past and present of the Cuban re-
bellion of today, or that initiated Feb.
ruary "a, 1896. Owing to his interests In
Cuba, and his being in sympathy with
the Cubans, he refused to permit his
name to be used.
THE present rebellion" he said, twas
devised and planned by Cubans in New
York. Following it's inception care
fully worked out propaganda was made
in Eastern Cuba, and was conducted
with great secrecy. 1t had many active
agents among the best classes in Cen
trail and Eastern Cuba. Since the close
OF the last war the very active propo-
ganda of the autonomists has educated
the masses Today they want equal
freedom for all.
Everything was done by the masses
through their representative to persuade
Spain to grant their reasonable demands
but the ng-promised reforms were de-
ferred from year to year.
Early in 1895 many of the colored. or
working classes, were idle. Then, on the
Gath Of February, 1895. a number raised
the flag of the rebellion and demanded
Cuba Libre.' or free Cuba. The stand
ard of revolt was set up in number of
places and the blacks joined the party
leaders.
simultaneously in Central Cuba
small parties formed. At that time the
movement was not deemed a really
serious one. However. the small par
ties maintained their independence and
grew IN numbers and strength. Then
they had few or no arms But all had
the death-dealing machete.
The Spanish officials, not believing
the movement was serious, so Informed
the government. and made light of the
whole uprising. Later Spain became
alarmed and sent out General Martinez
Campos, who, instead of bringing the
long-promised reforms. brought SOL
diers. whereas, II he had come alone.
duly authorized to adjust all the differ-
ences. the extension of the rebellion
would have been prevented and a set
tlement had. While the insular events
were multiplying. Generals Gomez and
Maceo landed with a considerable fol-
lowing. They were Joined later by the
late Jose Marti. Then General Crombet
and his party landed. They were am
pushed by the Spanish, Crombet was
Killed. the survivors were made prison.
ers and today they are in Moro castle
at Havana
When 1t became known that Gomez,
Marti and Maceo had landed, hundreds
or Cubans abandoned their homes and
Joined them. Generals Gomez, Marti
and others commenced organizing their
came Of skirmishes with the Spanish
troops. The rebels made many pris
oners ana thus secured arms.
The rebels foraged for living SUD-
plies Next the rebels made the owners
OF estates pay tax on all cattle
slaughtered Tor general or private con-
sumption. Herds were driven into the
mountain Businesses for future supply.
Then. as now they had more men than
could be armed. The best men were Sc
lected and armed as toreadors. or sharn-
shooters. The men without arms. save
the machete, have cultivated large tracts
or rtch mountain land, growing corn.
pumpkins. sweet potatoes, etc. Thus
food supplies and commisSariat depart-
ments are not lacking
Eastern Cuba has been and remains
me center of the rebellion. The people
In central and Eastern Cuba who are
openly on the side of the rebels. syn-
pathize with them and keep them fully
advised of every movement Of the royal
troops
IN reply to a question regarding the
rebel strength. the gentleman said fully
u".VUu men are in the various rebel COM
'nands. of whom say three-fourth have
arms.
quite recently" he said, when Gen.
CalixtoGarcia landed hundreds o. whites
and blacks instantly Joined his standard.
many Of them in excellent social position.
nc ineH III tHe reDei army are about
half white and half negro. and the Iatte.
make the best soldiers. AS a general
rule in fights they fire two or three VOL
lcys. close with the enemy and rush in,
nilchete in hand, shouting thei. favorite
cry, La Machete.
"All sense Of danger seems to s7isap-
pear ana they fight like demons ana
make fearful adversartes. Arins are cut
on at blow and heads split open to
the very chin.
"The rebel army is differed by whites
and blacks. Discipline is risidly en-
forced: Robbery In the broad sense is
When asked as to the rebel method of
attack. the speaker said that it was
of the usual Cuban type.
'They post their sharpshooters In
parties Of fifty. First they engage the
advance guard Of the royalisis from am
bush. firing upon them AMI producing
panic and death. If crowded too much
that party will fall back and a new
one Of fifty will make a flank attack,
and so they simply harrass the Span
iards and expose themselves as little as
possible, The Cubans are as crafty IN
ambushing as Indians. In many of the
skirmishes in which the torcadors fell
back when outnumbered, such engage
ments are made to do duty as Spanish
victories.
"The policy of the Spanish troops is
one 10 make SnlILS TatneT tHdH Ol search
and battling with the Cubans.
THE real fighting today is in the
western part of Central Cuba, and to
that part the rebels are hurrying for
ward every available man. In many
coast cities and towns trade is at a
standstill and there is much misery and
want. milk selling at 81 a gallon. No
vegetables are available and there is
great difficulty in getting meat. But for
breadstuffs received from the United
States and elsewhere famine would fol-
low Despite all statements to the con-
trary. the rebels cross the trocha when
ever they please
The continued presence of Antonio |
nlaceo In the province of Pinar del Rio |
- OF his own volition. His following to-
tion.
The Cubans have orders to release
al prisoners captured after securing
.ner arms and supplies On the other |
nano. however. Spanish commanders |
ave responsible for the shooting of hun
oreds or defenseless persons and re-
porting the affair as Spanish victory.
early In the rebellion women were
mol allowed in the Cuban bands but |