The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1896-12-17

HAVANA, Dec. 16.-(Via Key WesD
mystery. The body is still undiscov-
cred and no further proofs have been
adduced except the official statement.
which lead the Cubans to think he is
still alive. In fact, the residents of
Punta Bravo, the vicinity in which the
engagement occurred, disbelieve the
story. Zertucha continues to give con-
Trajectory evidence He now says the
knife captured belonged to Gomez 5
son and not to Maceo. The Cubans
consider it significant that the objects
captured are not shown, and also the
alleged written statement of Gomez
son. It is also significant that no Gu
bans have surrendered since the lead
er's death, proving either that it will
not affect the revolution or that Maceo
Is not dead.
Many rumors are af1oat in connection
with Maceo's death, and all are con-
fusing. One is that a Major at Cabezas,
MatanZas, telegraphed that Maceo
passed near the town with a large
force Many couriers have been sent
to investigate, but have not returned.
The Cubans disbelieve the story that
Maceo was killed by treachery. They
say Maceo was not easily trapped, and
would not accept a flag of truce, even
from Ahumada. The marine authori-
ties are indignant at Weylers state
ment that Maceo crossed the trocha
in a boat, and it is said have cabled
to Spain protesting. The Minister laid
the fact before the Cabinet meeting.
The relations of the naval and mill
tary authorities are strained. 1t is
said friction has occurred between
Weyler and Civil Governor Fortune on
account of the former not promoting
Chief of Police Labarrea, who is only
a Major of the civil guard.
Reports from the field are scarcer
every day. The Government is hiding
all important enga gements. 1t is said
important encounters have occurred in
Pinar del Rio and Matanzas, but the
details are suppressed.
INSURGENTS REFUSED.
HAVANA, Dec. 16-News has just
reached here to-day Of a desperate en-
gagement between the insurgents and
the Spanish soldiers.
1t is said that it lasted over three
hours. Five of the Cuban leaders We're
slain and nineteen of their men. The
Spanish lost one Captain. Twelve
Spanish privates were wounded.
Details Of the fight are meager, but
from what is good authority it is
learned that the Spanish had the adj
vantage in being in a strongly fortified
position.
The rebeds attacked them from a
distance, but after fierce battle were
driven off. The bravery of the Cubans
was marked. They took more chances
in exposing themselves than the Span
iards, and at one time it looked as
though the battle might go to them.
The news of the Spanish victory was
joyfully received.
SPANISH CHIVALRY INSULTED.
HAVANA, Dec. 16.-The "Diario de
La Marina" in consequence of having
received from its New York correspond
ent dispatches giving accounts of the
excitement caused throughout the
United States by the stories of the al
l@ged treacherous manner in which
Maceo was done to death, prints an
energetic protest against the circula-
ton of such reports, which ii charac-
teriZes as gross falsehoods and insults
TO Spanish chivalry and honor. In the
ments in scathing terms upon the action
of the American newspaper press in
printing such lies