Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-04-20
A SERIOUS DISCUSSION
Has Been Going on Between Our Gov
ernment and Spain
Over the Cuban Situation-The
Dons Say They Cannot Think Of
independence for the Island-A
Severe Engagement Reported,
but, as Usual, the Spanish Loss
is Withheld.

London, April 20.-The Standards
correspondent at Madrid says:
Despite the persistent official deni-
ais both from Washington and Madrid
it is now an open secret that both gov
ernments have freely discussed their at
titude towards each other in the Cuban
affair Spain is aware that President
Cleveland wishes TO be cOncihatory,
but that he cannot answer for the con-
troll of American opinion if the struggle
in Cuba be prolonged to the injury of
American commerce.
Spain, on the other hand, has in
formed President Cleveland that she is
WILLING TO CONCILIATE
the sympathies of sensible Americans.
but that she cannot entertain a proposal
for the independence of Cuba, or even
for a suspension of hostilities TO nego-
tiate with the rebels. as public opinion
would never tolerate such a humlia-
ton
Spain has been silently preparing to
execute Cuban home rule bill directly
the Colonial authorities regarded it
advisable to do so. No date has yet
been fixed for this, however"
a SEVERE ENCOUNTER.
Havana. April 19.-The Spanish
troops have had an engagement with
the numerous forces of the insurgents,
which have been advancing westward
to attempt the relief of Maceo, and the
official reports show a severe reverse
for the Cubans.
Lieut.. Colonel Elota, with the bat
talon Of Luzon, engaged the insur-
gents near CienfuegOs, in Santa Clara
province. The insurgent band was 3.
numerous one. and hot fighting speed
lily ensued. The reports show that the
Spaniards took the insurgents position
by a brilliant bayonet charge. The
enemy left on the field Sc killed and
carried off more than 200 wounded.
The amount Of the Spanish loss is
NOT STATED IN DETAIL,
but it is reported that Captain Laso, q
doctor, one lieutenant and eight guer.
rillas were wounded.
The next news from Pinar del Rio
is awaited with eager interest. both by
the Spanish authorities and by the
sympathizers with the insurgents. In
spite of the numerous instances in
which they have been disappointed the
government expresses their complete
confidence that now their operations
against Maceo are to be crowned with
success. The columns within or west
OF the military line south from Mariel
have been largely reinforced. and the
military authorities announce their in
tenti0n to force Maceo to fight or come
towards the line. The line they con-
slider impregnable and they believe
that they will thus
ENTRAP MACEO.
Col. Aldea and the battalion OF Val
encia have fought the insurgents under
Lacret and Colazo at the Great Zapata
swamp, the insurgents having twelve
killed and carrying away numerous
wounded.
The insurgent leader Juan Suarez
and an aide-de-camp OF Lacret were
among the killed
In both of the engagements above
reported several prisoners were cap
tured as we'll as arms and ammunition.
and important documents.
The insurgents have concentrated
large forces in the district of Sancti
Spiritus.
DELAYING "REFORMS."
Madrid. April 19.-The Epoca says:
Since the Cuban reforms have the
force of law, they must be applied; but
the opportune moment must be
awaited.
Other newspapers here, discussing
this question. protest that the introduc-
tion of reforms into Cuba can not be
admitted 20 be the result of foreign in
teryention.
SPANISH PROMISES.
Madrid, April 19.-It is announced
here that ohe royal speech 10 be de-
livered at the opening Of the new Cor
tez will promise political and admin
istratiye reforms for Cuba and Porto
Rico.
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