Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-12-09
IS MACEO DEAD?
REPORT THAT HE ~ SHAKES HA-
BANA TO IT'S CENTRE.
POSSIBLE INSURGENT TRICK.
Mnceo Has Been Killed Many Times
Before. OGIciaIiy-Great Rejoicing
Among Spanish Loyniists, ana Ap-
prchension Among Cubnns.

HABANA. December Sat Punta
Bravo there was found among the
dead rebels on the battlefield the
dead body OF a woll-dressed man. on
which there were documents which LED 10
the belief that the dead man was the son
Of Maxine Gomez. Among the papers
found was one on which was written win
a lead pencil confession that the writer
had committed suicide rather than aban-
don the body OF Antonio Maceo The war
diary OF Maceo was also found. In IL
there is an entry which says the reoels
crossed the trocha on December AIN.
IL is concluded from these circumstances
that Maceo was Killed Ia the engagement
with Major CIruieda's command. The
news of his death has caused the greatest
kind of a sensation in Habana The Loyal
lists are jubilant, believing that with the
killing of Maceo a blow has been struck
NJ the rebellion that will result In IT'S
snaedv suppression. The rebel sympa-
thizers. though they dare not give pubic
expression TO their views, are apparently
very Respondent over the loss OF tae reDel
leader. though a considerable number OF
them place little reliance on the truth OF
the news.
The government officials vouchsafe no
information as to bow Maceo, with an
overwhelmingly superior force operating
against him. and supposed to be Watching
his movements. could have eluded the
Snanlsh forces. doubled on them, crossed
the trocha at what has been supposed
the strongest point OF t.. and reached the
Province of Habana without any known
Interference until he reached point COM
paratively close TO Habana.
POSSIBLE INsURGENT RUsE.
Though the Spaniards are confident
that Maceo is really dead this tme, SOM
of the Cubans profess to believe that the
finding Of the confession and the diary
was due to a trick OF the insurgents; 10
delnde the Spanish into the behef that
Nfaceo WAS killed. while he pursued MS
plan Of reaching Gomez.
The important news reached Haoaha
last night. but the censor wo1ld not per-
nit of its being cabled until this eve
ming.
Major Cirudeia is now in the city. and
II has been proposed TO hold "a great de-
nonstration In his honor. In the cares
and all other public places the spanish
residents are congratulating each other
on what they believe TO be death-blow
10 the IthfDlOIs anu ~ - ihN'iNtN-
Captain-General Weyler will now have
an easy task I'm defeating the insurgents
under Gomez and the minor leaders. For
nearly two years there has not been such
iov I'm Habana as there is now, ana
the speedy establishment Of peace IS con-
fdently looked for. IL Is thought that
when Gomez learns of the death OF his
chief lieutenant he will be disposed to
treat with General Weyler for cessa-
ton Of hostilities.
There IS some ground. nevertheless. Tor
the supposition that the report IS not
true. The officials here declare THAT,
while they believe that both Maceo ana
Gomez's son are dead. they lack posi-
tive information, and are awaiting con-
firmation OF the report. This. however
has had no effect upon the popular tubi-
lation. and Major Cirudeia Is the hero
Of the hour. 1t IS also reported that
the rebel leader Valencia was killed in
recent engagement.
CLEVELAND'S MESSAGE.
No comments have been published by
the local press on President Cleveland's
message to Congress. and no news has
been received as 20 its effect in Spain.
The silence of the press here Is attri-
buted to government Intervention the Of
ficlals not desiring to excite popular feel
ing against the United States.