The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1896-03-20
NEYLER WELL SATISFIED
WITH THE PROGRESS OF MILITARY
AFFAIRS IN CUBA
An Unusually Severe Battle Reported In
Which the Insurgents Under Maceo and
Bsndcra are Defcated-Insurgsnts Also
Claim the Victory


Associated Press Special Wire.
WASHINGTON, March 19.-Gen. Weyler,
in charge of the Spanish military forces in
Cuba, has telegraphed to Minister De LONE
that he has no intention of resigning. as
has been reported. The general has tele-
graphed a similar statement to his home
government and has added that on the
contrary, he is satisfied with the progress
of military affairs in Cuba.
SERIOUS BATTLE
NEW YORK, March ia dispatch to
the Herald from Havana says: Maceo's
band now concentrated in Pinar del Rio
met the columns of Col. Hernandez and
Maceo has been joined by Bandera.
The insurgents, nearly $4,000 strong,
opened fire from dense thickets ON the
troops under Col. Hernandez, as the latter
was proceeding at galiop.
The Spanish leader threw out a skirnaist.
and the Victoria squadron of cavalry and
artillery. Tho insurgents were driven
back. but rallied to the second charge. the
Spanish troops met the onslaught firmly
and compelled their assailants TO retreat
second time. In the confusion the Spau-
ish troops used their bayonets, killing and
wounding many of the insurgents. Dark
ness ended the hos ,ilities. Maceo met
with heavy loss. The highest ranking
Spanish officers killed we're Captain Too
rojas and Captain Guerrero. The total
spanish loss was siXty.six killed and
wounded.
The engagement was the most serious
that has occurred. being 10 skirmish, but
formidable contest OF tie contendne
forces. The Northumberland command
ing the Lunchana ba.ta!ion and the major
commanding the two ccmpaniesct the Ia.
riefa battalion led the charge in frcnt of
their men. They will tie promoted. Ccl
EVt rlfs..
for promotion az general CT a brigade
He was formerly member OF Weyler's
staff.
The insurgents have disappeared from
the railway lines running to Matanzas. Jo-
vellanos, Union de los Reyes, Batabanos-
and Guanajeca.
SERIOUS LOSS ADMITTED
HAVANA, March 19.-Details of the en-
gagement between Ynolan's forces and tho
insurgents under MaceO. near Candelaria
in Pinar del Rio, are still meagre. but the
losses incurred by the Spanish troops are
admitted to have been serious. The en-
gagernent was more in the nature of a
pitched battle than any previous one dur
ing the Instruction, and the attack by the
insurgents bold and effective. A telegram
received today from General Linares, at
Cayajacabos, admits this and says the
troops are worthy of the highest praise, as
they had TO attack in the open, with the
General Linares also reported column
under Lieu,enani-co!onel Frances had
taken the insurgent position otter stub.
born defense, directed by Maceo, Bandera
and Delgado.
Maceo was encamped today. Thursday,
at the plantation of Flora, west of San
Cristobal, having penetrated farther into
Pinar del Rio since his battle with Colonies
Ypolan and Hernandez. Colonel Ynoian
advanced to San Crisiobal and formed
junction there with Colonel Echavarria.
General Linares followed Maceo toward
Mayare, south of Candelaria. hut Maceo
had, changed his route, taking the north
Havana highway toward Pinar del Rio.
Colonel Hernandez proceeded to Candle
laria. and supported by other columns,
went from there toward Guinebara 10 join
the other Spanish forces. Colonel Her
nandez reports having had two fights with
the insurgents, and lie has returned from
the plantation of MERGED. At Montasine
he reports fighting Meceo, Banderas and
Pereuute Perez, with loss to himself OF
seven wounded. The insurgents were dis
lodged and pursued and once more over
token at MERGED. They were again dis
lodged with ayonet and artillery. Colonel
Hernandez has carried his wounded back
to Candeiaria. The report says the in
surgents left in both these fights twenty
killed and 100 sadded horses.
TIE INSURGENTS STORY
CHICAGO, Marcu ia ulSpatcn 10 tnc
Times Herald from New York says:
The Cuban insurgents have dealt Spain
crushing blow. Trustworthy information
has been received from Havana of the
battle fought few days ago in Pinar del
Rio, which the dispatches sent out with the
sanction of the press censor described as a
Spanish victory, was in reality q lamenta-
bic defeat for the forces of Gen. Weyler.
This news reached Havana today and
was sent 10 this city in a brief cipher cable
gram The source OF the Information
leaves no doubt OF its reliability.
The Spanish officials will not permit the
report of insurgent success to be sent out
of Havana. II is expected that the details
of the battle will be smuegled over to
Tampa and there put on the wires.
II is the firm opinion in this city among
persons informed Of events in Cuba that
the Spanish cause is lost. 1t is also be-
lieved, despite denials, that this last de-
feat will SO add to the dissatisfaction