The herald., 1896-01-28
Will Be Adopted by the Span
ish Leaders
GEN. CAMPOS' WALL OF MEN
Proved But a Slight Check TO Gomez S
Advance
The Spanish Generals Claim to Have the In
surgents in q Trap, But There
Are Doubts
Associated Press Special Wire.

NEW YORK, Jan. IA WOrlu speclai
from Havana says: The plan of campaign
adopted by the commander-in-chiefo of the
Spanish forces now in Cubu has been di-
vulged by several officers of high rank
whose names must be kept secret.
Gen. Campos established what became
known as the wall of men. He distributed
a large number of Spanish troops in such
a manner that they practically formed a
solid line from coast to coast. His line
began in the north about five miles west
of Havana and extended south to the Bay
of Matamano.
At the time this plan was adopted Gomez
had announced he would take his COM
mand not only into the Havana provinces
but that he would walk into Pinar del Rio
and as far as he possibly could. Campos
determined to prevent Gomez from carry
ing out his project. The wall of men was
we'll to the westward OF the railroad line
between Havana and Batabano. Gomez
and Maceo not only succeeded in crossing
Campos' line, but recrossed it several
times and Gomez and Maceo separated
west of it two weeks ago. Maceo remained
in Pinar del Rio province doing about as
he pleased, while Gomez invaded Havana
province again and one time camped with
In fifteen miles of the capital of Cuba.
Reports were printed in the United States
that Gomez was at the gates of Havana,
and that it was only a question of a few
hours when he would enter the city. But
Gomez had no intention of attacking this
city. He openly declared that his only
object is to tire out the Spanish troops.
large number of armored cars have
been ordered. At least 5000 armed troops
will be kept constantly moving over the
railroad. Maceo and his command, the
Spanish general says, cannot escape. He
/ is looked upon as an "easy mark" Many
of his troops are believed to be wounded.
If Maceo tries to go east he will run up
against new wall of men that is stronger
than he broke through some weeks ago.
If he tries to escape west, the Spanish
argue that he will have to march to the
sea, where his only chance to get away
will be in boats. The Spanish commanders
fear only Gomez. Although he is nearly
6S years old, they recognize in him one of
the ablest of fighting men and an expert
tactician.
TRAIN HELD UP
HAVANA, Jan. 27.-The passenger train
which went from Havana to Guanaja,
leaving that place at p. IN. for a return
trip, was held up last night near San All
tonic by insurgents. The passengers were
compelled to leave the train. The rebels
burned the cars and destroyed the engine.
This train had no armored cars because
the company had none ready. Some are
being constructed for passengers and when
they are finished will be put on all trains.
Then it is believed the people may travel
over the island in safety.
Communication with Pinar del Rio is
still very much interrupted, but reports
received by couriers show that the insur-
gents there under Antonio Maceo are dis
playing great activity and are doing much
damage, despite the reports disseminated
here to the contrary.
1t was admitted that some 1000 resi-
dents of Pinar del Rio province have
joined the forces of the insurgents.
CUBAN REINFoRcEMENTs.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27.-The Spanish
minister has informed the state depart
ment that last Friday night the steamer j.
W. Hawkins left New York with an expedi-
ton OF so men. arms and ammunition, in
command of CalXto Garcia; that the arms
and ammunition confiscated at Cedar
Keyes, Fla, are ready to be embarked on
the schooner John Garcia, an expedition at
sea and the steamer Commodore at Will
mington, N. e., still in port, is in the ''con-
spiracy." The secretary of the treasury
telegraphed this statement to all the collec-
tors along the South Atlantic coast with
attorneys and take whatever action will be
necessary to prevent any violation of in
ternational law.
CAMPOS ExPLAINT.
New YORK, Jan. 2S.-A dispatch TO the
World from Havana says:
Before General Campos sailed for Spain
he sent the following cable to Premier
Canovas at Madrid, with the understand
ing that it should not be made public until
his departure:
On board the vessel on which ( return
to Spain would not be doing my duty if
failed to express to your excellency the
rvrnft tftrdn TO hon
ment and especially to your excellency
and the ministers for the colonies and of
the treasury, for the efforts made in my
behalf, leaving nothing undone which
would lead to my success, not only for the
national welfare, but out of personal af.
fection for me.
"If I have failed, all the responsibility
lies with myself. The government has not
obstructed IN the least my actions, either
military or political. have not been sue
cessfcl in exercising the unlimited powers
with which l have been vested. have not
been able to satisfy the political parties. I
have not prevented the rebellion from in
vadng the province which remained quiet
during the ten years war.
"Perhaps could explain my failures by
causes entirely foreign to the government
and partly so to myself, but this is not the
proper time to do, and after assuring YOU
anew of my gratitude to you l besceech
you to express to Her Majesty my loyal
devotion now more respectful and more
grateful because of her kindness toward
me-"
Manuel Lazo. buyer for Pinar del Rio
tobacco house, gathered handful men
after Maceo entered the province, some
weeks ago, and went to Cayos and Mar
tnez At the latter place the volunteers
surrendered their arms. He next went 10
Remates. where he recruited 200 more
men. He then marched to Guano and
joined Antonio Verona, who had left Ma
Geo at San Cristobal, to meet him. At
Guano a local band, formed by Antonio
Cainas, leading lawyer, and his two sons,
joined the party which entered the town
and liberated the military prisoners.
Verona passed through all the towns from
ban Juan to Guano unmolested.
Gaines, with part of his men, remained
ct Guano. The remainder of the forces,
by this time increased to 800 men, march
Cd to Mantea, twenty-one miles distant, in
the extreme west end of Pinar del Rio
province, destroying the telegraphs on the
road.
The insurgents arrived at the outskirts
q ths city about midnight aud encamped.