The record-union., 1896-05-17
THE DELAY In THE
COMPETITOR CASES
Causing Intense Disgust Among Spanish
Residents at Havana, Cuba.
Expected to See the Captured Men
Promptly Shot.
General Weyler Placed i'm an Awkward
Position-Boasted That He Would
Carry Out the Sentence of the
Court, But Was Thwarted of His
Purpose by the Home Government.

HAVANA (via Key Wes), May 10
The delay in the Competitor cases has
caused intense disgust among Spanish
residents and in army circles here. 1t
was the general expectation that the
men captured on the schooner would be
tried by court-martial Immediately
upon their arrival here and promptly
shot, thus setting a example for all
filibusters. The absence of the Gem
eral of Marine Admiral Navarro.
caused delay. but for which the men
would probably have received the pen
atty before diplomatic interference from
Washington and Madrid.
! The affair has placed General Wey-
ler in an awkward position. He boasted
that he would carry out the sentence of
the court, but was thwarted in his
purpose. He then seized the opportu-
nifty to leave Cuba with honor and re-
turn, where he would have been made
much of. He is said to have received
orders to remain and carry out the or
ders of the Government. He acqui-
esced with as good grace as possible un-
der the circumstances.
| 1t is now said that he has called Off
GERS commanding army columns to the
! palace and instructed them to modify
their war policy and adopt more hu-
name methods. Spanish extremists are
displeased at this, and say Weyler is
showing weakness and lacks the per-
sonal courage of Campos
| General Melguiso continues his meth
DDS. 1t is said he has recently killed
ten pacificos near Quivican, one a man
| of 50 years, and that he has killed five
white peasants near Duran and two
near San Felipe. Among the dead were
woman and two children.
General Bernal who had harsh words
with Weyler some days ago. and is
said to have insulted his superior Off
Ger, will be tried by military court
for insubordnation and disrespect.
The Havana volunteers who were or
| dered to march to the trocha have re-
fused to so, stating that they were re-
cruited to garrison the city, and not
for field work. 1t is said that 1000 or
! 5000 of them are wanted to cover the
/ losses IN the ranks of the regulars. due
to bullets and disease.
Colonel Rodriguez reports that he
/ surprised the insurgent forces under
| Gomez while the latter were in Camp
near Piedra Plata causing the utmost
confusion in the enemy's camp The
rebels rallied however, and attacked the
Spanish vanguard, but We're quickly
repulsed under the fire of the Spanish
artillery. The rebels had seventeen
killed and many wounded The loss to
the Spanish was trifiing only three of
their number having been wounded
A band of insurgents yesterday set
fire to and destroyed the whole San
Miguel estate, close to this city. The
estate is owned by the Casanova fam
lily. The loss is estimated at $500 600
The Government has issued an order
prohibiting the export of leaf tobacco,
except to Spain. This action is taken
at the request of local cigar factories.
which desire to be protected from the
effects of American competition. Ten
days grace are allowed to fill existing.
contracts. All those failing to comply.
the decree sets forth, will be considered
sympathiZerS with the rebellion. their
goods seized and other severe penalties
imposed.
TALK OF ABROGATING TREATIES.
NEW YORK, May 16.-A dispatch
from Havana says:
Advices from Madrid say that bill
will be presented in the Cortes abro-
eating all existing treaties with the
United States
The big concentration with Maceo in
an attempt to break through the trocha
near the south coast has been frustrat-
cd by jrompt reinforcements of the line
by General Arolas.
Official reports indicate serious diff
culties between Maceo and Quintan
Bandera, causing much dissensions
among their subordinates
The transport Triton takes General
Suarez Inclan tonight to Bahia Honda
with important reinforcements to effect
proposed attack on Maceo's left flank
and rear.
A Madrid dispatch to La Discussion"
announces that the War Department
is preparing to embark 10000 more
troops for Cuba in October should
Weyler deem reinforcements necessary.
NEW YORK. May 16-A Recorder
special from Jacksonville, Fla, says:
Unless the United States Custom Off
Gals prevent. the steamer Three Friends
will be loaded at this port before morn
ing with arms and ammunition for the
Cuban insurgents. The munitions were
brought here from New York by the
steamer Iroquois of the Clyde line. and
are now concealed unQer the WharVeS
of the Alabama Coal Company. They
are said to consist of 1000 rifles. 1 600
revolvers. 800 machetes, 100000 cart
ridges and four Hotchkiss guns. Besides
the munitions there are six large surf
boats, which will be placed on board the
Three Friends.
The Three Friends is now waiting
three miles down the river, and the mu-
nitions will be taken to her by the tug
Lillian H.
The Three Friends will not come I'D to
the city, because it is said Senior Marie
tugui, the Spanish Vices Consul. has
learned of the expedition, and is trying
to induce the United States officials to
seize the suspected steamer
The Washington authorities have been
informed of the proposed expedition,
and Marshal Mckay was ordered to
seize the Three Friends if she attempted
to do anything Illegal. AS Marshal Nc
Kay is not in the city, and his wherea-
bouts are unknown, it is not probable
the steamer will be seized.
The Spanish Vice-Consul is very much
irritated over the matter, and hints at
colluSiOn.