Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-01-09
TRIAL OF S0MEILLAN.
THE CHARGE THAT OF CoNsPIRING
AGAINST SPAIN.
CONSUL GENERAL LEE PRESENT.
Evidence Against the Accused Very
FcebIc--Adjournmcn Until To-Day.
General WcyIer on the Status of
the Cuban War.

| HABANA, January S.-The trial of
Louis Someillan, an American citizen, on
the charge OF conspiring against the
Spanish Government, began at l o'clock
this afternoon. There was a large at
tendance Of spectators. Consul-General
evidence against the accused was very
feeble. was present.
After the usual preiminaries, the
charges were read. alleging that Someil-
Ian was an agent here of the Cuban
Junta. and was in league with others to
overthrow authority in Cuba. AS in the
case of Julio Sanguilly, recently convict
ed of conspiracy, the defence protested
against the formation of the tribunal, ar
quing that the accused should be tried
bv six Judges. according to the law Of
1921 instead Of FIVE the number composing
the court The objection was overruled.
Witnesses were called by the prosecu-
ton, but their evidence was weak, they
testifving to nothing that would support
the charge against the prisoner.
The court then adjourned until to-
morrow evening, when further evidence
will be heard.
A delegation waited upon Captain-Gene-
raj WevIer TO compliment him upon his
conduct Of the campaign against the IN
sureents. In reply to the delegation
General Weyler said he ignored the at
tacks made upon him by certain newspa-
pers i'm Madrid. These attacks were
due to untustifiable impatience. lie was
satisfied that the campaign in the pro-
| vince of Pinar del Rio had given better
results than were expected. not only IN
regard to the triumphs OF the troops over
the rebels. but also in the small losses
sustained by the army. He hoped that
Gomez. the rebel leader, would come 10
the province of Habana. Should ne 90
so ne would surely meet his end.
Cf,eral Weyler further said that he at
tached no Importance TO the rumors that
he was going TO be deprived of the com
mand in Cuba. II he were recalled,
others would do as we'll as, If not better
than, he had done
In conclusion, General Weyler recon-
mended patience and prudence. ana rgeu
that all those loyal TO Spain should 40
their best 10 support her. With union
he declared, the desired results woulu pe
attained ,, -.
General Bosch reports the arrival az
Rayamo of the convoy. when the repels
ATTEMPTED to capture while en- route Inc
convoy went by way OF the Canto river
General Bosch says that the insurgents
lost over 200 men killed or wouhueu III
the Iona Sordo engagement
wEYLER REGAINS FAVOR.
LONDON January S.-The Standard
Madrid correspondent telegraphs Ihat ue
snite the criticisms of the press, Captain
General Weyler has certainly regaiheu
favor in official circles, owing TO the
demonstrations made in his favor by the
1ovalists i'm Habana. Loyalst CLUBS nave
cabled TO the government that they pe-
lieve that General Weyler's poncy VIII
nacifv the island and urge that ne DC
retained in his command. The govern
nent also seems 10 be satisfied with Gene
raj Weylers dispatches.
The correspondent adds that the gov
ernment has already formulated decrees
granting reforms, which Will be put H'o
efect as soon as General Weyler an
nornces the pacification of the provinces
of Habana and Matanzas. ana the Sc
curitv of crops in half the island Is as
sured. 1t is understood that uhuer @ @,ne
scheme of reform certain affairs in the
isIsnd will be placed under the direction
Of a council of administration, which is
obout IN be created but everything con-
oerning the army and navy, justice taxa
tion and tariffs will be retained by SPAN,
The cuban and Porto Ricap deputies VIII
continue to sit in the Cortes. The coun-
cils in both Cuba and Porto Rico will De
consulted concerning the budgets ana
taxation. and their views will be submit
ted 70 the Cortos. The government eA-
nects that this scheme will conc'liate d
majority of the Cubans and improve the
,elations with the United States.
The Heraldo, as an instance OF the
death yate and the sickness among 'he
soldiers i'm Cuba, says that a column Vi
4coO men sent to the island at the Degiu.
80, ~ November. numbered only 700 at
,,a ond of that month. Many other
columns show similar losses from death