The Portland daily press., 1897-12-29
BOYS, Thin, PALE and I'LL
80 Spanish Soldiers in Cuba Are
Described.
INSURGENTS ON THE OTHER HAND
ARE PROSPEROUS.
Recsnt Visitor to ManzaniIo Describes the
Situation In the Isand-Says the Re-
public of Cuba is Fact.

Recent Visitor to ManzaniIlo Describes the
Situation In the Island--says the Re-
public of Cuba is a Fact.
City of Mexico, December 2S.-A gentle
man from Cuba, who has been in Mani
zanillo, one of the so-called Pacific
provinces, says that in reality the war
has not begun there, for the country has
been abandoned to the insurgents, who
have built towns which are supplied with
abundant provisions from the neighbor-
ing estates established by rebels, who
even manufacture gun powder and have
arms factories, tanneries and shoe
factories, so they can.supply their troops
with the most indispensable articles. Oc-
casionaly the Spanish troops pass over
the high roads, but the insurgents meet
them and fighting occurs, the patriots
always taking the offensive.
The poorer Spanish soldiers are in such
condition that much sympathy Is aroused
they being mostly boys, thin, pale and i'll
and complaining of the wretched quality
Of their scanty rations and of not receiy-
ing any pay for months.
Only very sick soldiers are admitted to
the Spanish hospitals and others who are
really i'll are compelled to sleep In court
yards exposed to the weather. Their
condition is pitiful in the extreme,
arousing sympathy among the insurgents.
The Cuban republic. the gentleman says,
is fact.
A SPANISH VICTORY.
Havana, December 2S.-According to
announcements from Spanish sources the
combined operations undertaken by Gen.
Aguirre, in the province of Santa Clara,
have resulted in the capture of an insur-
gent camp and the loss of 20 men killed
by the enemy. The Spanish troops lost
two men killed and had seven men
wounded.
Further reports from Spanish sources
say the Spanish troops have been engaged
with the insurgents commanded by
Napoles. 1t this case the insurgents are
said to have lost several men killed and
the Spaniards say that after the engage
ment an insurgent captain and seven
armed privates surrendered.
Advices from Manzanilla says that
troops have left there to relieve the gar
rison of Santa Cruz, which is threatened
by the insurgents.
A report is current here that the son of
Calixto Garcia died recently from wounds
received during the insurgent attack
upon JuamO.
RAILROAD DYNAMITED.
Havana, December IS The insurgents
have dynamited railroad bridge at San
Rafael, this province.
Congressman VIM. II. King has gone TO
Matanzas and other towns in the interior
bearing letters from Senior Jose Congosto,
the secretary general of the government
from the local authorities
BOOM FOR AUTONOMY.
Washington, December a7.-The Span
ish minister has received despatch from
Havana. stating that the autonomist
mayors of Bejunal and Juanabaeoa, have
been inaugurated amid great enthusiasm.
The despatch adds that the patriotic
spirit shown at these demonstrations
gives assurance of the speedy realization
of the good effects of an autonomous form
of government in Cuba. The autonomous
may0re in these two cities are among the
first to be named in each case succeed
ing military ruler under the military
system in force hitherto
PUBLISHING DEGREES.
Havana, December 2S-Tomorrow the
official gazette will publish decree
establishing an autonomic government
and administration for the Island of
Cuba from January ist.