Birmingham state herald., 1897-01-26
WITH A FLAMING TORCH
Weyler Continues His March and His Path is One Grand illumination
 of Burning Plantations.

Key West, Fla, Jan. 25.--Advices from Havana say that the conflict between the sugar planters and Weyler continues with more bitterness than ever. Both are determined to carry out their pur- poses, and the unusual spectacle Is pre- sented of two contending parties fight ing with one another without openly de- claring their hostilites. Weyler, on one side, is trying to prevent them from grinding, but without stating 1t officially and the planters on the other as in de- fiance to orders, are boldly initiating their crop. Who will be the victor is a matter to be seen. For the present 1t is only known that about dozen sugar estates are already grinding in the sev- eral provinces of the island, and many others are making preparations to that effect On the other hand 1t is known on good authority that Weyler has given orders to his troops to burn all the cane fields on their march, especially of those estates whose owners have declared their intention to grind in spite of his orders, for instance the Constucia, belonging to the Marquis of Apotoguia, who has just gone over to Spain to complain against Weyler. The consequence is that the principal sugar belt of the island, say the Cienfuegos district, is said to be ablaze. Matanzas and Havana districts are also on fire. Over 100000 "arrebas" Or quarters or cdIlS nave peen Dufnt III tHe "Pilar" estate near Artemisa two days ago. The damage done can be easily call culated. In the Constancia case the di- rect sufferers will be Americans who control a great interest in that proper ty represented by s75O,000 loaned on the same by an American syndicate.
 Of the war, nothing much can be said. With the exception of the Cauto affair, of which there are incomplete details, no important happenings have occurred. Weyler continues on his march without deviating from the highways and rail- road lines. Despite the strong column marching with him, he apparently fears to enter the uneexplored regions. As he burns and destroys everything in his pas- sage, he Eliminates his way as if he carried torch in his hand. and the rebels can easily avoid any encounter with his solid column. Thus it is explained why he has no encounters with them.
 To give an idea of the notorious Fon- deviela's character, here is an instance: "Arranguren did well in setting them free, otherwise there would not remain a single Cuban male alive today In Gu anabacoa" The arest and killing of the unfortunate citizens of that unhappy town continues as ever. and as he has prohibited their removal to this city or other places, their situation can be easily considered. Persons who have visited the town say nothing more shocking can be seen. All the houses are closed: ladies fear to look out of the windows; as the soldiers will surely insult them; few cit- -izens walk around the streets, only armed soldiers, soiled and repulsive are to be seen"
 Rumors of the landing of expeditions have been afoat in Havana for the last few days One is said to have landed in Pinar del Rio and the other around Man. zanillo. The exact location has not been ascertained,
 The forces under Weeyler's command number 14,000 Infantry. a cavalry regi- ment and twenty two pieces of artillery.