The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-11-23
WILL The CUBANS ACCEPT {?
A Signal Defeat Nay b. Required 10
Make lhem isree TO autonomy.
INSURGENTS MAY DO SOME FIGHTING
DIR. Congosto Continues to Make Enemies
UnsuccessfuI Negotiations With Gem
eraI Rabi--Prisoners Released
Provisions Distributed.

Nov. 22.-General Pando, as already
cabled TO the Associated Press, started
by train from this city Saturday last
in order, according to the official an
nouncement to take charge OF the cam
paign against the insurgents. lie was
accompanied by his full staff and was
escorted by a company of artillery. But
it is stated on very good authority that
he has been commanded by Marshal
BIanco. the Captain-General, TO enter in
to communication with the insurgent
leaders with the view of arranging Tor
peace.
This statement Is based on an accurate
knowledge OF all the facts i'm the case.
General Pando did not leave TINS CITY
until he had taken steps calculated TO
further the object which Marshal Bianco
has in view.
General Pando after a consultation
with the Captain-General, first brought
about the release from confinement OF
Damian Caballero, who had been I'M
prisoned on the Isle OF Pines Tor some
time past for, it is alleged, actlng as
SPY for the insurgents ana pilhslhs
about n disaster for the Spanish troops
al Cacao. Province Of Santiago de Cuba'
CABALLERO'S MISSION.
General Pando furnished Caballero who
IL the godfather of Rabi and looked upon
him as being the backbone OF the insur-
gent movement in the Province or SAN
tiaro de Cuba. with q considerable sum
OF money and caused him 10 be landed
at Mansanlllo. Province OF Santiago de
Cuba. where a good horse was placed AT
his disposal.
General Pando's peace emissary was
also furnished with official documents
empowering him TO act in behalf Of the
Spanish commander and from Mansa-
Milo Cabalero made his way secretly to
the Jiguani HIS where Captain Rabi
has his headquarters.
Jiguani is not far from Bayamo. which
is reached by railway from Mansaniilo
and Bayou is about half way, the latter
place IS not far from Gibra. Mansan-
| lilo is situated on the great Bay Of Buena
Esperanza on the eastern coast OF SAN
tiago de Cuba. General Pando instruct
| ed Caballero 10 offer General Rabi high
rank I'm the Spanish Army and a large
sum OF money TO be distributed among
the other insurgent leaders or that part
Of Cuba and in addition large amount
~ money for himself in the event OF his
succeeding In arranging terms for peace.
Besides this. Cahallero was instructed 10
inform the insurgent leaders that the
Spanish authorities undertook TO hon
estly establish tho new autonomy II the
leaders OF the insurgents would accept
the propositions offered them.
UNSUCCESSFUL.
Although Caberallo has not returned,
confidential advices have been recelNei
that Caberallero has so far been unsuc-
ccssful.
The agent Of General Pando obtained a
letter from a well known merchant OF
Mansanillo urging Rabi 20 enter into me-
eotiations with the Spanish authorities.
Caballero in due cOurCe OF time arrived
safely at the camp Of General Rabi,
where the insurgent leader had been sup
porting Caballeros family while he was
In prison. but the arguments OF General
Pando's agent have not apparently. had
the effect desired by the Spanish authou-
ties, for it is reported that Rabi replied
that he believed that success
ful ending Of the war in favor
Of the Cubans was approachins'
that the Cubans would gain their in
dependence. and that. therefore, he pre-
ferred fighting the Spaniards until the
end.
Ii may be judged from the attitude OF
General Rabl that the peace negotiations
ar likely to fall fiat in Santiago de cuba.
General Pando, then. with Marshal
Blanco. has put irons in the fire I'm the
hope of prevailing upon the insurgents
to come 10 terms. lie has been and Is
still negotiating with three leaders Of the
Cuban revolution and has been untring
in trying to induce them 20 use their IN
fuence to bring about peace on the prom
ise Of Cuba being accorded an autonomical
form OF government. They have been
offered money for themselves and were
10 have been furnished with large sums
10 distribute among their friends. but 1t
is understood that they have hitherto de-
clined TO become agents Of General Pando.
alleging as their excuses that they have
no Influence with the insurgent leaders
Of the present day. and that they would
be rsking their lives If they yentured
into the insurgents camps.
ANTICIPATE AID.
II Is believed in some quarters that this
relutance TO accept the overtures Of Cen
eral Pando is due to the fact that the
insurgents are anticipating some strong
step in their favor when the United states
Congress meets.
General Pando IS somewhat mortified AZ
the non-success Of his plans up 20 the
! present and has informed the three eN-in-
sureent leaders referred 10 that he doubts
their sincerity, and he indirectly gave
them 10 understand that he was Of the
opinion that they were opposed 10 the
sovereignty of Spain over Cuba and had
no desire 10 assist the Spanish authori-
ties in their efforts the latter was making
10 bring about a peaceful settlement OF
the troubles.
The Cuhans referred 10 protested that
they were sincere and repeated the ex-
cuse they had already made for their
noncompliance with the requests Of the
Spanish general
The latter, although somewhat disap-
pointed. will. II is understood. continue
his efforts 10 come 10 an understanding
with the insurgents. and the military
authorities believe the best way TO do this
IL 20 inhict upon the enemy a signal de-
feat. which General Pando hopes 10 ac-
complsh.
on the other hand. II is believed the
insurgents have similar plans though
from an opposite direction and with a
totally different object In view. II cur
rent reports among the friends OF the
insurgents are 10 be believed the revolu-
tionary leaders hope TO strike decisive
blow at Spain before Congress meets IS
an encouragement TO their friends in the
United States who are urging recOgni-
ton upon the part Of the United States
government OF the belligerency OF the in
surgents OF Cuba
cONGOSTO UNPOPULAR.
DR.. Jose Congosto formerly Spanish
consul at Philadelphia and now Secre-
tarv-General of Cuba is continuing 10