Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-12-20
WAR WITHOUT QUARTERS
Cubans VIII RetaIiate Upon the
Spaniards,
PRISONERS TO BE SHOT
American Praised BY Cubans for Printing the
Truth About Maceo.
ANOTHER THEORY BROUGHT OUT
Others, Including Five Americans,
Said to Have Been Poisoned
Through zertucha's Treachery.

Havana, Dec. 19--Via Key West Fla,
Dec. 19.-Cubans praise the American
press for printing the truth about Ma
ceo's death before 1t was known in Ha-
vana. AS soon as the papers arrived
Wednesday. rush was made and the
stores were crowded by those anxious
to learn the news. They were at once
convinced that the sad truth had been
suppressed, and rage marked their faces
at such dastardly crime. Many stub
bornly refused to believe of Maceos
death until convinced by positive evil
dence given in detailed account in the
American press. which dispel all doubts
on the subject
Still many Cubans reject with repug-
nance the charge of Ahumada's partici-
patton in the crime. They cannot be-
lieve he invited Maceo to a personal con-
ference under a flag of truce. Ahuma-
da's reputation as a gentleman and sol
dier Is above suspicion. On the other
hand, it is known Maceo repeatedly stat
ed he would enter into no parleys or ne
gotiations with his enemies. knowing
their deceitful character Maceo said they
would offer any proposals to get rid of
their bitterest enemy. He knew the
Spanish hatred against him was great
and never trusted their word, despite
their boasted chivalry and honor Ma
GEO remembered Napoleon Arango's case
in the last war, who was killed under
flag of truce whilst speaking to a
Spanish officer.
Thus the Cubans, although now admit
ting Maceo was killed, believe he was
treacherously led into trap prepared
in advance and that Zertucha was a will
ling instrument. Many obscure points
are now cleared. Cubans remember that
when Weyler started the second time
for Pinar del Rio, Ahumada accompa-
MED him. but the fact was never known.
This is also the reason no credit Is given
here to Cirujeda's action, as in Spain,
since he was only the instrument to carry
out the plan.
No doubt exists among Cubans that
Maceo was treacherously killed in am
bush. The very official reports carefully
read explain the fact. Cirujeda, in a
telegram addressed to Weyler on the 14th
instant says: Il cannot refrain from the
wish to extend to your excelency my re-
spectful compliments and state that your
excelleney situated me at this place for
the result obtained, in which did moth
General Ahumada."
The Cubans are highly indignant at the
cowardly manner in which Maceo was
killed, but although mourning the loss
of the beloved great chief, they are more
determined than ever to continue the
struggle. 1t is believed now the war will
assume more sanguinary character and
that Cubans will retaliate on the Span
iards by the shooting of prisoners. AS
Spaniards are doing the same, the war
will be waged without quarter
There is suppressed excitement in Ha-
Vana since last nights news of the ac-
tion of the senate committee. Nothing
has been printed. Only reports are float
ing about. 1t is ru umored that the Three
Friends has landed. Sonoe say she landed
in Pinar del Rio and others near Trini-
dad
1t is said Rolof has arrived with an
expedition.
The English sailor Leavitt, captured
on the Competitor and imprisoned in the
Cabanas, bitterly complains of the ac-
tion of the British consul in not attend
ing to the case or giving the protection
to which all English subjects are entitled.
1t appears the consul left the case in the
hands of Americans, on the ground that
Leavitt was aboard an American vessel
when captured, and the defence therefore
falls on that nation. Cubans are much
fispleased over the arrival of we'll
known correspondent of a prominent
New York paper, who has been once re-
lieved. 1t is feared he will continue send
ing false reports favoring the Spanish
cause. The reason of his partialty is
known.