The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-12-26
WEYLER'S TROCHA.
Description of the Line of Forts
Across the Island Of Cuba.

The correspondent of the London Times,
writing from Havana. says: Under u spe-
cial authorization from Captain General
Weyer / visited and carefully examined
the Spanish intrenched line running across
the island from the town of Mariel to Ma
jana. The southern section extends from
Artemisa, the headquarters. which is con-
nected by the Western Railway with Ha-
vana, to Majana, OH the south coast The
defenses consist Of a continuous line of
small blockhouses, about 120 yards apart,
connected by rife pits and trenches, and
protected i'm front by barbed wire fencing
and at intervals by wire entanglements.
The blockhouses are made some of loose
stone piled up with earth the outside
faces others of two-inch wooden plank
ing; the rear of the line is defended by
breastwOrks OF loose stone and earth. with
occasional blockhouses rallying points
and to give shelter TO the troops. The total
distance from Artemisa to Majana is
about four miles. At the southermost
point 1t approaches the sea, the line
splits into three and runs so for half
mile, the object being to avoid any chance
of surprise. At four points of the line are
camps with strong garrisons active as sup
ports to the men i'm the trenches and
are posted at intervals. The central Sec
tion of the line extends northward from
Artemisa to GuanaJay. distance of twelve
miles. Here the defenses consist of loose
stone breastworks. rifle pits in rear. and
barbed-wire fencing and wire entangle-
ments in front. At intervals are block
houses and artillery and machine guns,
and encampments for the support being
from a mile to mile and 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 and fairly open, offer
ing a clear field TO fire. In the vicinity of
Majana the very low-lying land is Of
swampy nature, and will be almost i'm
passable in the wet season. The northern
section extends from Guanajay 10 Marie.
This is six miles long and runs through
broken country of such a nature as to pre-
vent the construction of continuous line
of trenches and blockhouses. All the COM
mandipg heights have been fortified and
the main road Is occupied by infantry
pickets. while trenches and breastworks
have been constructed at all points on the
road where attack is thought likely. AT va
rious intervals are stationed supports, and
Guanajay and Mariel. In ALL the division
holding this line of twenty-five miles
numbers 10000 men of all arms. Most of
the work has been done by the soldiers
and fatigue parties were at work from
Mare TO Majana at the time of my visit.
The intrenched line is undoubtedly of
great strength. but certain weak points
exist especially i'm the central and north
ern sections. Then. again. the rebels have
no lines or communication to Keep open
and have merely themselves and their
horses To pass. On dark and wet night a
successful dash may be made. but any
such attempt must entail heavy losses and
severe fghJing.
An incident serves to show how close
the insurgents venture to the Spanish
lines. 7 paid visit TO senior officer one
evening in Artemisa and found him sitting
i'm complete darkness. He explained that
only a few nights previously he was seat
ed reading when three bullets flew past
his head. Since then he had deemed IL
wiser not 10 make himself so prominent
"a target for rebel rifles. and now only a
few days ago. the chief of the staff was
shot at while riding down the road from
Artemisa TO Majana. the ball missing the
officers head by few inches.
DelSadO In No Immediate Danger.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 25.-Enrique Del
gado has not been executed by the Span
ish authorities in Cuba and he will be
| treated with all the leniency the condi-
! m n.~