Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-02-06

death sentence has been pronounced upon
eleven insurgent incendiaries.
WASHINGTON, ID. c., Feb. "a frank
review of the conditions which have delayed
the extension OF sweeping reforms by the
Spanish government in Cuba has been pre-
pared by Senior Arturo Cuyas. the president
Of the Associated Spanish and Cuban Press
and for twenty-seven years the staff corre-
spondent of the "Diario de la Marino," the
organ Of the Reform party in Cuba.
Senior Cuyas, after pointing outthe various
liberal concessions made by Spain, the re-
forms accomplished and proposed says !:
But the Cuban agitators in the United
States prevented the PRONUNCIATION Of the
latest reforms in the island by inducing a
few secessionists to join them in n revolt,
which soon increased in magnitude, owing
to the great number of negro labOrers who
were idle on account of q monetary crisis
due to the low price of sugar. 1t has al
ways been the purpose of Cuban seces-
sionists to prevent any liberal measure being
adopted in Cuba as removing any Just
cause OF complaint on which to base their
rebelliOuS attitude.
although retarded by the insurrection,
which broke out in February 1895. 10 days
after its passage, this reform law will be
carried out in Cuba rs soon as the situation
in the island warrants, with additional con-
cessions which will amount practically to
home rule.
"Such is the intention of the Spanish gov
eminent. as outlined by the Queen-regent
in her last message to the Cortes, and as
confirmed subsequently, on July "A, by the
prime minister. Senior Canovas, in memoir
able speech. when he declared that the sin
crrity both Of her majesty and the govern
ment in promising more ample and liberal
reforms for Cuba was unquestionable.
1.-The reform law of 1895 has just been pro-
mulgated in Porto Rico, and the announces
ment comes from official sources that addi-
tiona C .ncessions will shortly be extended to
Cuba, as the government is now satisfied
tina. the insurrection is on its last legs. and
the loyal inhabitants of the island-who con-
stitute the great maiority-should no longer
be deprived of the advantages of self-admin-
istraton.
KEY WEST, Fla. Feb. 5-Advices from
Havana say Rumors have lately been cir
clla.ed that the rebels are demoralized,
weakened and ready to surrender, especially
in the province of Pinar del Rio.
Recently as military train was crossing
a culvert a: Oceagura tremendous dynamite
explosions occurred. ditching the engine
and tender. The engineer. fireman and
thirteen soldiers were killed. and the sur
geon, twenty soldiers, the conductor and
brakeman. we're wounded.
The official reports daily announce nu-
me: Gus encounters in different sections OF
the country. In order to diminish their i'm
portance. they are always reported as skirm-
ishes. with considerable rebel losses. When
the affair assumes large proportions the de-
tails are suppressed.
Advices from Pinar announce the change
Of leadership in rebel forces. Arangueren
has struck another blow in the vicinity OF
Havana. sacking and burning the hamlets
of Cruz, Piedra and Bacuranao, near GUIANA
bacOa.
The rebels have burned most of the town
of Nuva Paz in Havana province, despite
the fact that the town was protected by 10
taken by surprise when they saw the rebels
in the place. All the stores were looted and
then burned.