The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-01-20
How They Fight in Cuba.


first few voIleys have been exchanged, and
that their perfect Knowledge OF the coun
try roads and trails enables them to
escape.
Nine months experience in the field
With Generals Gomez, Maceo, and Aguirre
has given me the opportunity OF studying
the war and OF comparing the tactics on
both sides. There is much truth in the
Spanish reports; bat the reasons that
compel the Cubsns TO employ their pres
ent tactics are carefully omitted.
The one great object OF the Cuba in
the field is not so. much TO win by eight
ing as 1t is to cripple. Spain. by draining
her resources. The lonRerithey can hold
out without giving battle, the more
money will be needed TO clothe and feed
the vast Spanish army. The financial con-
dition Of Spain is understood by every
Cuban soldier, and they all fully .recog-
nize the Importance OF putting their
oppressors to as much extra expense as
possible.
The Cuban campaign since Msceo exc
cutsd his great raid has been purely de-
fensive, having for its OBJECT the above
result. Chiefs like Gomez and Maceo
have at times assumed the offensive, but
only for short time. These defensive
tactics have proved of more benefit to
the Cubans than series of pitched bat
ties. The successful working of their
plan is demonstrated every time that
General Weyler asks for rein forcements.
Next to Maceo's great campaign in pinar
del Rio, probably the most remarka ole
example OF defensive tactics has been
those employed by General j. NJ. Aguirre
since he assumed command of the iusur-
gent forces in the province of Havana.
Although the other chiefs have sue
ceeded In evading the Spanisrds as we'll as
Aguirre, yet his proximity to the capt.
tai makes his campaign of special impor-
tance.
The northern brigade of .the province
OF Havana, under Aguirre and Brigsdier
Csrdenas,is divided into two cavalry regi-
ments and a company of infantry, num-
herring in all about nine hundred srmed
men. Their field of operations extends
from Havana on the west to the limit of
the province at Ceiba Mocha on the east,
a distance Of 40 miles, and from the coast
south. to line dividing the province in
the center.
In this territory are stationed about
IA, 600 Spanish troops, whose sole object is
to corner or entrap this small Cuban
brigade and force them to a decisive
fight.
The Spanish hold all the towns, which
are strongly fortified and have each a per-
msnent garrison of from one hundred to
three hundred soldiers to protect them
from destruction by the CIbans.
Operating ield-columns aro stationed
at the towns of Guapaoacoa, Minas,
Jaruco, Aguacate, Ceiba Mocha, Madruga,
an Jose de las Laias and sta. Maria del
Rosario-in all nine columns, aversping
one thousand men in each.
The local "guerrilieros" that have been
formed re emily will PROBABLY iucrease
the active field force to ABOUT ten thoos-
and we'll armed and equipped men.
The remaining four thousand are scat
tered in the smaller towns and forts, pro-
tecting sugar factories and bridges.
The railroad is also in possession of the
Spaniards, enabling them to concentrate
their forces at any given point in the
district within six hours. with Havana
az their base Of supplies, the Spaniards
have all that can be desired from a Mill.
tary standpoint. For eleven months they
have planned com binstions and surprises
for the purpose OF entrappiug this insig-
niicant little force of nine hundred
Cubans, who are poorly srmea and often
have been without ammunition; but
every time the Spanisrds have been
foiied.
The spanisrds, despite all reports to |
The contrary, rarely attack unless they are |
supported by other columns, or are sure |
that they outnumber the enemy.
The Cubans, through their excellen. |
system Of scouts, are always we'll informed |
Of the movements of the enemy, ana in
such case they quietly break camp ana
march about five miles further on, out
side Of the trap. Occasionally the Span
lard succeed in overtsking them and a
dght ensues
The Cubans generally throw out two
In skirmisn line and retreat un-
der its protection; for as long "a there is
, line to lace, the Spaniards will be very
cautious about advancing.
/ have seen six men hold a Spanish col
ann OF fifteen hundred in check for more
han an hour, by firing on them from
me woods. The Spanisrds, fearing an
'mbuscade. would not venture into the
orest. In fact, this fear OF heiug entrsp-
bed into EN- ambush IL an important fac
or in the ectual warfare in Cuba. and is
he real reason why Wcyler is having such
hard time Of 1t in the Pinar DEL Rio
Hills.
The Cubans. IL they should stop to give
'attie to their enmies in the province OF
Havana, would soon find Themselves in n
erious prodicament, as at the first sound
u the firing all the Spanish columns
iurry TO the scene, and the chances are
hRt their oyorw hpIrniuy nuunDers v~ouIs