Birmingham state herald., 1896-03-03
SITUATION IN CUBA.
Striking Instance of Weyler's Iron Hearted
 Method Campaign.


 Havana, Feb. 29, via Tampa, Fla, March 2.-The inhabitants of Punta Bra va, Guatao and other small towns west of Marianao and under the jurisdiction of the volunteers and soldiers stationed at the latter place are fleeing to Havana from the interior. They say they have less fear of the insurgents than of the troops. Twenty-two women from Qua tao, wives and mothers of the men slam there on the 22d or made prisoners at that time are in this city. They called at the palace to see General Weyler and beg for the freedom of the men now in Moro Castle, as well as to tell of the out rages committed by Captain Galvo and the men sent out by the Marquis De Ger vera Their visit to the palace was on the same day that the captain-genefal received a delegation of women who were attired in gay costmes and wore the yell low and red colors of Spain on their breasts. They had been throwing now CTS, bon-bons and live pigeons to the newly arrived troops and shouting "Viva Espana" until their voices were gone General Weyler received them and thanked them for their demonstrations of loyalty They cheered him and de- parted. Then came the poor women or Guatao They were nearly all white wo- men; children clung to their skirts and two babes were carried in their arms. Instead of gay colors, most of them were in mourning. One of General Weyler's aides talked with the one man that ac- companied them, and told him that the general could not receive them. They left the palace sad at heart, and are stlli in this city.
 American residents of Havana, who are at all we'll informed, claim that Consul General Williams report to the state de- partment has not given the administra- tion a correct understanding of the sit NH,. lfnv haC in Havana so long that 1t is claimed his views are colored by Spanish representa- tions and also by those of merchants, commission men and others, whose per sonal interests have been served by the putting down of the revolution by Spain. MT. Williams cannot be accused of mat tention to duty. He is in his office from morning to night. But this close apph- cation to duties of minor importance may have prevented his fully realizing the state of affairs on the island. MT. Will Hams is also we'll advanced in years and dislikes incidents which mar the quiet routine of office work. His attitude has not satisfied all of the American colony and a petition is now in circulation ask ing the government for his recall. on top of this comes the rumor that MT. Williams has sent his resignation to Washington. MT. Springer. the vice consul, has been in the office over ten years and Is thoroughly familiar with It's workings. Under ordinary circumstances he would be the most fitting successor If Mir Williams is to go; but in view of the semi-diplomatic position of the consul general and the difficulties likely to arise in the near future, the wsest course would seem to be that man of diplo- matic experience and strong executive ability be sent from Washington.
 The revolution has reached an impor- tance and the danger of strained rela- tions with the United States is so great that a man broad enough in mind in his views to realize the gravity of the 9't''- ton should represent the United States here.
 ern part of Matanzas province. They are taking their wounded to a place of safety and going where their horses can graze and their men rest after their fa- tiguing campaign. As they have left In
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