The Portland daily press., 1896-12-09
MiCEO BELIEVED DEAD.
And Loyalists Are Making Merry
in Havana.
STORY FOUNDED ON RATHER SLIM
EVIDENCE.
And Is Not Credited by the Cubans But
Spaniards Alre ady See the End of the
War and Triumph of Their Cause.

SpdularuS EAlT6 duy 600 CAiO AIAu VI t&Ao
War and Triumph of Their Cause.
Havana, DECEMBER 8-After the fight
near Punta Bravo. there was found
among the dead rebels, the body of
wsll-dressed man on which were doou-
ments which lead to the belief that the
man was the son of Maximo Gomez.
Among the papers found was one on
which, written with lead pencil, was
a confession that the writer had commit
ted suicide rather than abandon the body
of Antonico Maceo. The war directory
of Maceo was also found. In it there is
an entry which says the rebels crossed
the Trocha December 4. 1t is concluded
that Maoeo was killed in the engage
ment with Maj. Cirudgas
The news of his death caused the great
est kind of sensation in Havana.
The loyalists are jubilant, believing with
the killing of Maceo that blow has
been struck at the rebellion that will re-
suit in it's speedy suppression. The rebel
sympathizsrs though they dare not give
public expression to their views, appar-
emily feel very respondent over the loss OF
the rebel leader, though considerable
number of them place little reliance on
the truth of the news.
The governments officials vouchsafe no
information as to how Maceo, with an
Overwhelming superior force operating
against him and supposed 70 be watch1ng
his movements, could have eludet the
Spanish forces. doubled on them, crossed
n. xub hot has hoon
the strongest part of it and reached the
province OF Havana without known In
terferenoes until he reached point close
to Havana.
Though the Spaniards are confident
that Maceo is really dead this time, some
of tho Cubans profess to believe that the
finding of the confession and the diary
was due to trick of the insurgents to
delude the Spanish into the belief that
Maceo was killed while he pursues his
plan Of reaching Gomez.
The important news reached Havana
last night. but the censor would not per-
NIT its being cabled until this evening.
Major Cirejuda is in the city and 1t has
been proposed to hold great demon
stration in his honor. In the cafes and
all other public places, the Spanish resi-
dents are oongratulating each other on
to the rebellion.
1t is predicted that Capt General Wey-
Ter will now have an easy task in light
ing the insurgents under Gomez and the
minor leaders. For nearly two years
there has not been such joy in Havana
as there is now, and the speedy establish
ment of peace Is confidently looked for.
the death OF Maceo, he will be disposed
to treat with Weyler for CESSATION of
hostilitiss. There Is some ground for
the supposition tnat the report is not
true. The officials declare that while
they believe both Maceo and Gomez's son
are dead, they lack positive information
and are awaiting confirmation of the
report. This had no effect upon the
popular jubilation. Major Cirujeda
is the hero of the hour. 1t was reported
that the rebel leader Valencia was killed
in a recent engagement. No comments
are published By the local press on Cleve-
land, e message to Congress.
Report Doubted in Madrid.
Madrid, Decem ber 6.-The Havana cor
respondent of the Imparoial sent a de-
spatch to that paper which caused rejoic-
ing among the people OF this city, who
take it for granted that these statements
are true. The correspondent claims that
he has personally made an investigation
of the reports currents in Havana of the
death Of Antonio Maceo, second In COM
mand OF the rebel army, and son of
Maxine Gomez, the rebel commander-in-
chief, and found them true. In official
circles the report is accepted with re-
serve.
Weyler Reported Wounded.
New York. December "a dispatch to
the Herald from Its jacksonville, Fla,
correspondent says: 81 have received
dispatch from Havana which states that
Antonio Maceo has crossed the trooha
with a large force. Ii is reported, accord
ing to the dispatch that Capt Gen. Wey-
ler has been wounded at the front. All
news from the scene of the engagement
Is suppressed by the officials at the
place."
Reinforcements for Cuba.
Kankakee, Illinois, Decem ber s.
Twenty young men apparently from well
to do families passed through here last
night on, the way to New Orleans, to ba
Joined by sixty others from various parts
of the Union, in an expedition to aid the
Cuban Insurgents. j. B. Ha.tyan, who
served Eve years in the United States
army, was In charge.
NoIIad in