The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-12-13
srf1A DIsBE1IHrr uAcno's DEATH
Many Conflicting Kumors I'm Havana
The Inconsistencies Confusing,

Many Conflicting Numors I'm Havana
The Inconsistencies Confusing,
HAVANA, Doc 12., Via KEY WET
FLA, Dee. l2-Thc Cuhlns di9believe
Maoeo's Death The evidence is too weak.
Ir Zertucha's to-tlmQny offers many con-
tradictlons. lie has made different state
meuts. no faith is placed in declarations
made by those who surrender. 1t IS
known they viii declare anything 10 save
life.
It IS publicly declared that Macco
crossed tho trocha by sea. Privately, il
IS said tnat he crossed by the Canas os-
tate, near Mariel and m..le bold dash
across the line with Few followers.
firing on pIckets. It SIS added 10 was
Maceos intention 20 cross the trOcha and
organize the forces Ga Havana Province
similar to those in Inar Del Rio, now
perfectly distributed. comprising 1900
men. well armed and proysioned
and commanded by Rios Iiycra
il this IS true 10 Will destroy the
rImors u circulation. ono story says
Maceo was left alone IN the centre OF
the staff, and another that Maceo fell,
leading the charge. According TO Zer-
tuchas story 10 would have been impos-
sibie for Comes son TO write pencil
note declaring Macl1 had been killed. il
SIS surprising Zertucla SIS ignorant Of Ma
ceos burial place
CONFLICTING RUMORS
on the whole, an stories Of Maceos
death are confusing. The evidence ad-
duced so FAR is not strong enough to con-
vince people uf MaccOs death. Many be-
lieve he is still in Pinar Del Rio. Others
say his crossing the trocha means defeat
and gives reason for Weyler 20 boast he
pa he'd him ont Of the Province ana paci-
fed tho same Others think 10 IS only "a
scheme 90 create % big sensation hore and
ia Spain, and divert attention from the
effect Of Clcyelands message with the
possible view of making concessions 10
the rebels at once. as the leader of the
alleged negro movement has disappeared.
This would not De possible If AlaceO ex-
listed on account of The Spaniarls tro-
mendOus hatred OF MaCcOs personality
Many reasons are given for this version
Well-iuformed persons say palace ofii-
cials had been predicting great event
for December 1th. IL is notable coin
cdeuco that Macc0's death occurred on
the same day that Cleveland gave his
message. IL SIS also remarkable that the
body stil unfOund
Spanish sentiment is divided IN Havana.
Many still doubt. Mace0 has been killed
so often they cannot believe 10. There
has been no popular demonstration in
honor of tho alleged death of MaceO as
yet. Opinion Is also divided as 20 the
honor of sie event. Some give credit 60
Weyier and others 10 Ciruicda. A ma
iorty give credit 10 Wcylcr The MAJ
iorty of Spaniards ridioule the story Of
Maceo's crossing the trocha in a boat.
and say it SIS told simply 10 maintain the
integrity Of the trocha and prevent Arola
committing suicide, as he threatened If
Macco crossed.
WIRES DOVv
Communication is difficult and no In
formation is obtainablo of real move
mcnts. There are only rumors. IL IS
said Gomez is steadily advancing and IS
now near Matanzas Province. II is also
reported that large masses Of rebels are
pouring into Havana Province. All
wires are cut between Matanas and Ha-
vana.
The Cubans are clated over Cleveland's
message and tho resolution presented 10
Congress. an expect q prompt termina-
tlon In their favor of the terrible war
now destroying the island
MORE DENIALS.
KEY WEST. FLA. 12-There was great
excitement on the dock on the arrival OF
the steamer Olvette tonight Passon-
gers claim there Is absolutely no truth
In the report of Maceo's death. Crowds
gathered in front Of the telegraph office.
eager 20 hear one word of announcement.
There VIII De "a great Cuban meeting at
San Carlos to-nisht. 1t Is reported a
committee VIII De sent over TO Havana
Tuesday night 90 get az the truth Of the
report of MaccO's death.