The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1897-03-10
Cuban Victories
in Matanzas.

Spapiards Sustain Signal De-
feats in Two Important
Engagements :. Move
ments of Gomez. :.
Habaua, March 4.-AdVices received
here show tha, the rebels have been
displaying great activity and 10 ;Fal
encounters sustained with the Spanish
troops have obtained signal victories
Incomplete details from Mansaui!!o
state that Garcia with 5000 man and
three pieces of artillery met General
Rey with 1000 men and three pieces
of artillery at Costomada A fierce
fight resulted. Garcia with his superior
forces aud better position. easily routed
the Spaniards. ioaicting heavy losses,
estimated at 600, if not over. Anotb
er report comes from Matanzas of
severe engagement on the 24th Of Feb
ruary Caobillas, Mayia Rodriguez
and Carrillo met General Molioa's
forces aud obtained complete victory.
Details are lacking. but it is ouly
known that "a wounded Spaniards we're
brought into Cuevisas 90 stretchers.
Many dead we're left 90 the field.
Col Gonzales, commanding the rebel
forces 10 Remedies district, raided the
fort protecting the estate of Dolores.
He fred cannon shots at the garrison
The civil guards fed and abandoned
their arms aud munitions. taking refuge
10 the buildings of the estate.
General Alexandra Rodriguez, now
commanding the rebels in Habaua prov
ince. attacked two cavalry sqaadrops
belonging 10 the Piazzro regiment, near
Pozredoudo He made a vigorous
charge. few Spaoiards escaped 1t is
positively known that % were buried
by Pozoredondo and the rest we're left
on the field
Mary runors are circulating regard
ing Gomez's whereabouts Some state
that he is ssill in Santa Clara province
arranging tbe organization of the
rebel forces Others say that he has
returned to Puerto Principe 10 coDse-
querce Of President Cisnero's death to
settle any difficulties hat may arise on
that account in state affairs No doubt
exists that 5000 insurgents crossed
near Lajas two weeks ago, marching
west. They succeeded in entering
Matauz.s province, and on its borders
sustained the encounter referred to
above This body Of men, all cavalry,
were commanded by Major Rodriguez.
recently appointed in command Of three
western provinces. taking General Ma
ceo's place
General GARLIC has assumed COM
mand of the forces in Matapzas prov
ince
It is rumored that the COW boys ex.
petition which left Dallas. Tex, laud- :
ed 10 Pinar del Rio safely
Gonzalo Jarrin. prominent sugar
planter, commanded by Jean RAMIREZ,
an ex-rebel leader of the last var. to
explore and report on the condition cf
the rebels 10 Pnar del Rio. and if they
are wiling 20 accept Capovas reforms,
says that be vas held prisoner aud
then court martialed by Rivera. bu:
Afterwards released. Gen Rius Rivera
would hear nothing of the reforms, BOT
even to hear tbec, mentioned.
Jarin describes the organization cf
the rebels 10 that province as perfect
General Rivera has 5000 men, we'll
armed. thoroughly muoitloued and
equipped, distributed iu groups Of 100
men or more throughout the province
He personally commands 800 men
His ranks are constantly increasing
from desertioos from the Spanish army
and the terror-stricken paci6cos who
are seeking MS protection.
Since Weyler retired the bulk of the
Spanish forces Rivera has been able to
move with more freedom, and he is now
recognizing the province. Many ru-
mors are floating about as to Weyler's
resignation ou account Of Sanguilly's
release. Some oiscredit the story, as
they say DO general can resigo 10 the
front of au eoemy, or less criticise the
action of his queen. The current be-
lief is that be has been recalled in obe
dience to the clamor of the Spanish
people. who are euraged a, his complete
failure. Weyler is daily expected at
Habana. The transport vessel Legazpi
has left for Csibarieu to bring him to
Habaua. Some indication of bis re-
turn is shown by the fact that be has
LETT Sancti Spritus and returned to
Placetas.
He has made pew distribution Of