The herald., 1896-01-27
A GREAT DEAL OF FIGHTING
Which Brings About No Very
Definite Results
THE REBELLION IN CUBA
Makes Very Slow Haste Toward the
End
A Spanls!, Transport Ashore Near Bataband
Small Skirmlshes In Which Insurgents
Are Defeated-Damagc Done
Associated Press Special Wire.

Associated Press Special Wire.
HAVANA, Jan. 26.-The coastwise steamer
Julia, from Santiago de Cuba, which had
ON board the battalion of Simincas, COM
manded by General Canella, went ashore
near Batabano and was SO far injured as to
be made useless. These Spanish troops
are being brought in Havana province to
reinforce those operating there against
Gemez and Maceo in Havana province and
Pinar del Rio. They will be transferred
from the steamer Julia to the steamer Los
Unndi
A column of troops in the district of
Sancti Spiritu, province of Santa Clara,
has killed four insurgents and wounded
seven in skirmish.
In another skirmish- on the plantation
of Celeste Palos six insurgents were killed.
The damage wrought by the insurgents on
the waterworks of the city of Mantanzas
will require 900 to repair.
CUBAN LOAN
LONDON, Jan. 27.-The Standard has a
dispatch from Madrid which says that the
directors of the Bank of Spain have con-
sented to a further advance of two millions
to the Cuban treasury.
GOOD DEAL OF FIGHTING
New YORK, Jan. 26.-A special to the
World from Havana says:
Numerous reports have been received of
skirmishes. indicating unusual manouver-
ing on both sides in Havana province.
Detailed reports are also coming in of
Gen. Luques' operations in Pinar del Rio
province against Maceo. Almost continuous
fighting for three days is said to have re-
suited in the retreat of Maceo's forces.
EsThe severest engagement in that province
SO far was at Tacconas, between Pinar
del Rio city and Coloma, on the south
coast.
General Luques, learning on January s
that some rebels were three miles from the
city, marched against them with three
thousand troops, including artillery and a
squadron of cavalry. He found the insur-
gents in strong positions on hills on both
sides of the road. He deployed his van
guard and led his main forces along the
road directly towards the strongest posi-
| ton occupied by the rebels. The cava,rymen
dismounted, it is stated, and opened a
| heavy fire. They were soon assisted by
infantry and battery of artillery. A bat
| TALON of infantry advanced ''stlll under
hSesyy Ss en Thg rebels Isnsr sads not stand
! retired, this time keeping up running
| fire. The insurgents were all mounted, so
| it was impossible to make bayonet
charge, and they were favored by under
! brush and broken country, and abe rebels
succeeded in gaining shelter.
The official report tells of "splendid adj
vance of the Spanish troops" who ''pre-
served their rank as if they were marching
at guardmount."
General Luques was ''equally successful
in dislodging the rebels'' on the right of
the road, the report says.
The main body of the insurgent forces
then united to resist the Spanish advances,
whereupon five companies of artillery
opened fire upon the compact mass of
5000 insurgents, spreading great havoc.
General Luques, according to the official
narrative, went to Hernandez's assist
ance at this time, attacking the insurgents
left The action lasted continuously from
9:15 to IL 80 am, and four rebels were
found dead"
The Spanish also discovered several
wounded and some horses astray, plainly
indicating rebel losses.
The rebels are said to have been COM
manded by Maceo and Bumurdez. The
have been wounded.
After Lugues had obtained his object,
"driving the rebels from a position where
they were threatening the road to Coloma'',
he retired with his forces to Pinar del Rio.
Hearing that the enemy had been de-
moralized, and being desirous of again
meeting Maceo, Gen. Luques left the city
quietly at daylight the next morning and
met the skirmisher5 near the same battle
ground they had retired from. Gen.
Luques attacked right and left, while a
third detachment executed a movement on
the rebels rear. The Spanish columns
lines of battle were then clearly drawn,
and there was heavy and continuous firing,
both sides suffering. Spanish surgeons
were seen crossing from place to place
under a heavy fire.
Gen. Luques succeeded in checking left
flank movement by the enemy, who fought
desperately.
Colonel Hernandez ordered bayonet
charge. His forces was fired upon but
without answering the enemy he took a
position in the woods, again engaging the
enemy, killing some and forcing retreat.
Then, taking another position, the well
protected enemy prepared for an en-
counter.
General Luques deployed two battalions
but was unable to utilize his artillery. He
charged the rebels in dense upderbrush
aud the rebels retreated, crossing the
river. Colonel Hernandez followed and
harsssed them with cavalry on the side of
the river.
The Spanish now found themselves in
possession of the rebel camp, and in fig
uring up ascertained that the Spanish loss
was seventeen.