St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1896-01-27
DEFEAT FOR MACEO.
Spanish Account of an Attack on the
Cubans.


from Havana says: Numerous reports have
been received of skirmishes indicating I'M
usual activity on both sides in the Havana
province. The severest enga cement In Pinar
del Rio province, SO far, was at Taironas be-
tween Pinar del Rio City and Coloma on the
south coast. Gen. Laque, learning Jan. 18
that some rebels were threei miles out of the
ing IOO,OO0 rations for the Spanish troops
marched against them with 5000 troops. in
GUIDING artillery and squadron Of cavalry,
lie found the insurgents in strong nosit;ons
on hills on both sides OF the road. He de-
ployed his vanguard and led his main res
along the road towards the strongest position
occupied by the rebels.
Col. hernandez took position on the left
or the road and the report asserts thaf the
insurgents 'straightway fled in disorder he
Iore shot was fired But the report also
ueciares that the colonel thereupon ordered
thc cavalry to charge and that the troopers
gave a dashing exhibition of courage under
q terrinc ire near the almost impregna BILE
stand Of the insurgents
Inc cayalfymen dismounted IL is stated
ana opened heavy fire.. They were soon as
sisted by Infantry and battery of artillery
with four guns. The battaions of infantry
advanced still under heavy fire Tho rebats
could not stand the onslaught the report al
iegeS, and again retired, this time keeping nm
running fire. AS the insurgents were ali
mounted, 1t was impossible to make bayonet
charge, and they were favored by upderbrush
and the broken country. The action lasted
continuously from 9:15 TO 1l:3O a. m. two
hours ana a quarter, and four rebels were
found dead. The rebels are said to have been
commanded by Maceo and Bormudez. The
insurgent leader, Gayo Sosa, is reported to
have been wounded.
After Luque had obtained his object dr;v-
Ing the rebels from a position where they
were threatening the road to Coloma. he re-
tired with all his forces to Pinar del Rio
Hearing that the enemy had been democrat
lied and being, DESTROYS of again meeting
Maceo. Gen. LuGue left the city quietly az
daylight the next morning and met rebel
skirmishers near the same battle ground thew
had retired from.
Gen. Luque attacked right and left. while a
third detachment executed a movement On the
rebel rear. The Spanish columns lines of
battle were then clearly drawn, and there was
heavy and continuous firing, both sides suf-
fering.
Col. Hernandez ordered bayonet charge
His force was fired upon, but without an
swering the enemy he took a position in the
woods, aga engaging the enemy, killing some
and forcing a retreat.
Gen. Luque deployed two battalions, but was
unable to utilize his artillery. He charged
the rebels in dense underbrush and the re-
bells retreated across the river Col Herman
DEE following and harrassing4 them with cayal-
ry en- the other side of the 3riyer
The Spanish found themselves in pos
session of the rebel camp, and ascertained that
the Spanish loss was seventeen.
Maceo 1t is said, is being closely pressed
by three columns of Spanish infantry
Gomez is reported to be more than anxious
to bring about reunion of the entire insur-
gent forces in West Cuba, and it Is announced
that if he should become desperate. as il is
expected, a great battle may be looked for
soon.