Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-01-19
AFFAIRS IN CUBA.
DISTINGUISHED LADIES ARRESTED
AND THROWN INTO JAIL.
GOMEZ CONCENTRATING HIS FORCES.
lie Doesn't Propose, However, to he
Caught in Wey1er's Habana Trap
tnI-SituatiOn Alarming.

KEY WEST. FLA. January is-The
following Habana news has been received
here:
By order of the Civil Governor OF Puerte
Principe. Ordaz Avecilla, the following
distinguished ladies have been arrested
in that city: Conception Agramente
widow OF Francisco Sanchez Betancourt
Secretary of the Treasury in the last
war, and mother Of Benjamin. Calixto
Armando. Alfredo, and Eugenio Sanche
Agramont. all in the revolution, the last
named Eugenio). being Gomez's physi-
c.an; Angela Slvade Recio, wife of
Brigadier Lope Rocio Loyanz, and Maria
Aguilar sister of Antonio Aguilar Varena.
ex-Cuban Civil Governor of Puete Prin-
cipe.
1t Is also rumored that President Cis-
neros's sister and the following promi-
nent citizens have been arrested: Jose
Morelly Xliquas, Carlos Adam y Masvi-
dal. Ramon Bosa y Boza, Alberto Agra
mont Boza, Jose Mora y Pera, Vincente
Ramirez y Ledesma. and many others.
The city Is terribly excited, not only on
account of these arrests, but also be-
cause of the suppression OF FL Pueblo
Persons wishing to leave are unable TO do
so, the Governor prohibiting their de-
parture. The condition of the Jail is
frightful. There are no accommodations
for ladies'. And those arrested are con-
fined with common criminals
Gomez was last reported at the ranch
LA Campana." near Sancti Spiritus.
There are many rebel movements in that
section and near Remedies. Gomez ap-
pears to be making a concentration of the
rebel forces, preparatory TO a formal ad-
vance. The government Is rushing troops
to that section, and establishing a
strong line on the borders of Matanzas
and Santa Clara provinces. 1t is said
Gomez has given orders to continue the
skrmishing policy, and TO press no fights
with troops, but harass them until the
dry season is over. He has also ordered
the capture of all the cattle possible. II
appears that Gomez will not come to
Habana province yet, knowing he would
be caught in a trap, as this section al
fords no facilities for him to deploy his
forces. There are no woods or hills, and
besides, II is crossed by too many roads.
railroads, towns at a short distance, ETC.
Then, too Weyler would throw on Gomez
the forty or fifty thousand men the Cap
tain-General has hiding behind the tro-
cha. Gomez knows Weylers plan,
and is too smart to be caught.
The rebels continue active around
Habana city. The people Of the city have
been without milk for the last four days.
Vegetables are becoming scarce. ana the
prices are increasing. The poor people
are suffering thereby.
The condition of things is becoming
alarming Smallpox has extended to all
wards of the city, and has assumed
frightfui proportions The death rate is
a per cent. Smallpox has been officially
declared epidemic.
The censorship is more vigorous than
ever. The publication Of all news of the
burning of cane-felds, farms. estates,
etc. known to be occurring daily in the
Western provinces. especially Habana and
MatanZas, is prohibited The flames
can be seen from the city. Rumors Of
many fights reach the city, but are never
printed Pressure is exerted on cores
pondents of local papers never TO trans
nit reported happenings In the section
named. or news Of rebel movements.