The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-11-16
LEE DENIES THE REPORT.
HE HAs NOT 9ONE TO CUBA TO rRElT
WITH THE INSURG ENTs.

Anaerieaus IN havana Are CLAD 10 aee uirn
Baok-Ths Innurrents Blow Up Another
Traip-A Hara.FeuGht Battle in sa,t, clara
-CaupaiGn Against the Patriots In mayaan.
HAVANA, Nov. 15.-THE Sun correspondent in
terviewed Consult General Lee to-day about the
reports In Havana that he has been intrusted
with a secret mission from the Administration
to confer with the most important Cuban revo-
lutionary leaders and offer them some plans of
peace with Spain through the friendly interven-
ton Of the United States. 1t Is said hero that
the American Consul-General, before leaving
President Mckinley, received sealed ~instruc-
tions to carry out tho plans.
Gen. Loe absolutely denies that any special
mission or special instructions have been given
to him by his Government. II returned to Ha-
vana." he said. merely to resume my ordinary
duties, and all that has been printed about me
here is preposterous and nonsensical." La
Lttchu prints q similar statement.
The American residents in Havana are very
glad that Gen. Lee has returned.
Another terrible explosion Of dynamite 10
officially reported here to have taken place yes
terday near Sancti Spiritus. Two bombs were
placed by the Insurgents on the track over
which tho Spanish military train leaving that
city passed. Both exploded. derailing four cars
and utterly destroying two.
The report says that the train carried only sick
soldiers and victuais for the hospitals. The ex-
act number Of dead and wounded Is not re-
venled. 1t is announced later that the track
has been repaired and the way cleared.
How fercely the war is being ragged is shown
in the reports published by the Ceptain.Gen.
erals own staff. The town of San Juan de las
feras. Santa Clara, has been attacked by tho
insurgent leader. CRyito Alvarez, with 800 men.
Hero Is the report OF Gen. Blanco's staff:
The insurgents were 800 negroes. and tho
garrison bravely repulsed them. Ten insurgents
were killed and a great many wounded. The
regular loynlist troops had only one Sergeant
wounded. Two civilians. residents of the town,
and a woman were killed by the shots of the in.
Another report given to reporters at tho Gov
eminent office says that Spanish cavalry forces
Of the battalion OF iberia routed the insurgent
band OF Manuel Diaz, killing thirteen insur-
gents.
The Importance Of the war in tho province of
Havana, and the mendacity Of Weyler's proc
lamation of pacitication, is acknowledged here
by the fact that Gen. Gonzalez PARADE, second
in command OF the island, left the capital to-day
TO take the field against the insurRent bands
swarming In this province. He has a great
reputation as n soldier among the Spaniards,
and his departure was the occasion of a brilliant
military display in the city. He will have under
his orders 10000 men at least to operate
against tho bands of Aranguren, Arrange, Del
gado, and the other wellknown insurgent cad
The President OF the Board of Sugar Planters
In Havana has requested an answer by tele-
graph from the principal farmers In all the i'm
portant cities OF the island as to the best means
of sugar and tobacco.
The object Of those questions Is to get facts to
send by cable to the Minister of the Colonies,
senior Moret y Prendergast, who has demanded
IN order to prepare q law to help restore pros
perity in Cuba