Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-11-13
BLOODY CONFLICT
Between Spanish Soldiers and Cuban
urgents.-Excitement in Havana
Regarding Cleveland's Attitude.

Key West, Fla, Nov. 12.-Passengers
who arrived from Havana tonight bring
the intelligence that the capture of the
town of Guaimaro was of more import
ahce than at first reported. When the
news reached Havana 1t caused great
excitement. 1t was only partially print
ed, but was wired to Madrid and made
sensation. 1t is said it so stirred the
people that they forced the government
to oblige Weyler to take the field.
The steamer Julia, which arrived at
Havana yesterday from Neuvitas, re-
ports no communication with the city of
Puerto Principe since the 9th.
Many bridges have been blown up, Gull
verts burned and about seven kilometers
of railroad track torn up. Great anxi-
ETY. prevails in Neuvitas concerning the
fate of Puerto Principe. The steamers
brought letters detailing the attack on
Guaimaro. 1t appears that Gen. Calixte
Garcia, with large rebel force and two
pieces of artillery, attacked the place
on Oct II. The next day he captured
the trenches and destroyed ten forts sur
rounding the town. The garrison OF lou
soldiers surrendered. but were ordered
released, except Quartermaster Mola,
who being a Cuban, attended the wound
ed. They were then sent to Puerto
Principe under an escort. The ofhcers
were paroled. Maj. Martinez, in com
IN the arm and died at the hospital as
result of amputation.
The citizens of the town were forced
to aid the rebels to destroy the trenches,
houses, etc
The tower was blown up with dynamite.
Three hundred stands of arms were cap
tured and a large quantity of war mate
rial, the place being the base of supply
of the provinces of Santiago and Prin-
cipe. All stores were sacked owners
made prisoners and ransom asked. Two
paid 81 400 and were released. Gen cas-
te1lanos, with a strong column of infant
ry and cavalry and artillery started to
meet Garcia, but nothing has been heard
since.
The so-called fusion of political parties
is humbug. 1t was all done by coer-
cion, and Civil Governor Porrua, at the
instance of Weyler, forced the parties
to accept. He limited that If they refused
he would send them to Chafrinas, or
have them shot. Their resolution was
taken the same day Weyler left for the
| troublesome elemnts. There is q great
undercurrent of ill-feeling against Wey-
Ter in Spanish circles. 1t Is known he has
been pushed to take the field. 1t is ex-
pected that he will fail in his campaign
against Maceo. The latter Is reported
strongly fortified in the mountains. Last
night Weyler camped in the Gobernadoru
hills, and news has arrived that he had
an engagement with the rebel parties
under Perico Delgado and Perico Diaz.
1t is reported Weyler was forced to fall
back News also has been received that
Gen Munoz made another attack on the
Rubi hills, where Maceo is supposed to
be strongly entrenched. fierce fight
is said to have occurred, but no details
are known.
Great excitement prevails in Havana,
not only on account of the above, but
also because Of news received from the
United States regarding Cleveland's flu
ture attitude on the Cuban question.