New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-15
GEN. CASTELLANOS FAILED.
UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT TO CAPTURE
REVOLUTIONARY LEADERS.
SEVERAL ANIMATED FIGHTS WITH TIE INsUR-
GENTS-MELQuIZo AND soLASo TO RE
TURN TO sPAIN-CRUEI TREATMENT
OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN.


or WOMEN AND CHILDREN.
Havana. March 14.--General Jm6nez Castel-
lanos, learning that the members of the revolu-
tionary government w-re at San Geronimo.
started on March from Puerto Principe with
strong column, with the intention of making an
attempt to capture them. The official report
of the movement has just been Issued.
1t states that during the march Of the troops.
which occupied five days, the column was con-
stently attacked by insurg gent bands. Several
lively fights occurred in all of which the rebels
were beaten and dispersed" with many losses.
Notwithstanding these continual defeats and
Gispersions. the rebels hung on the hanks of the
column and prevented it from reaching its in
tended destination
The sufferngs Of the troops were augmented
by a scarcity Of water While on the road Gen
eral Casteanos ordered the construction Of
fort in which to leave his wounded. After 1t
completed forty soldiers were left to pro-
tect il, and the column moved on Later force
Of rebels attacked the fort but were "repulsed
with heavy losses"
The official report says that in the different
encounters the rebels left forty-seven dead on
the field. The troops lost two lieutenants and
six privates killed. and three lieutenants and
twentynine prvates wounded.
Sylvester Scovel. the American newspaper cor
respondent. who was released from Jail at Sancti
Spritus on Thursday last. arrived here to-day
General Melquizo. who was responsible for the
Delgado and many other atrocities In Pinar del
Rio Province. resentfui at not being promoted
has decided to return to Spain. and, on the plea
of sickness it is said. will sail the Goth
General Solano will also so on the same date.
1t is reported that Colonel Nestor Aranguren
the Cuban leader. who captured the Spanish off,
GERS on the Guanabacoa train some time ago.
has been summoned to General Gomezs presence
to explain why he released them without waiting
for orders.
Colonel Tort Of the Civil Guards. who was in
command Of Guires when the rebels entered the
town. has been indicted on the charge of neglect
OF duty and cowardice, and will soon be court
martialed.
Further details Of the attack on Bejucal have
been received. The insurgents carried away In
carts all the effects taken from the stores rhree
days ago. There were sixteen houses still burn
ing in the outskirts Two fine horses belonging
TO the military commander were also carried
away. The outrages committed there were hor-
rible Many residents, and men, per-
ished. The official report simply states that 1t
was an attack on one OF the forts. and that the
rebels repulsed with great losses.
Persons moving in military circles are au-
thoriy for the statement that Weyler has re-
ceived telegram from Spain inquiring about
the Guines affair. 1t not reported officially.
WeyleT gave evasive reply, and tried to d.
minish it's importance, at the same time an
nouncing his intention of starting for the field
on the following day. He was answered back
with order to remain and await further
orders.
Secret orders have been given by Weyler thar
whenever attack is made on a town or city
all the female residents, on the simple suspicion
Of having relatives with the insurgents, shali
also be arrested as enemies of Spain. They VIII
be. subject to court-marta and deportation
This order has been carried into effect. for. on
the day following the entry OF rebels, nine
women, with their fifteen children the majority
Of the latter being babies. were arrested and
brought to Havana. Persons visiting the palace
on Thursday night were shocked a; the sight Of
poor, fororn human beings, all hudded on the
floor of one Of the corridors, with their babies In
their arms, all crying for want Of food, they
having been deprived Of nourishment or drink
during the whole day. II was a pitiful spectacle.
Even the volunteers on duty at the palace were
moved to compassion, and all were indignant at
such cruel treatment Of helpless women.
From the palace orders were given to send
them all to the Casa de Recogidas. or house for
degraded women. and later on to Danish them
to Puerto Principe.