Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-10-08
TOO MUCH FOR SPAIN
Gomez Declares She Cannot Con-
quer the Cubans.
The DYNAMITE GUN CAUSES TERROR.

THE DYNAMITE GUN CAUSES TERROR.
Weyler's Successor, He Says, Will
Need 100000 Men and s1,OOO,OOO
\, -spaniards in Havana Eager
for Weyler's Retention.
New York, Oct. 6. = Tomas Estrada
Palma, chief OF the Cuban junta, has
just received a letter from Gen. Gomez,
commander in chief of the Cuban army.
"Weyler's successor in Cuba" writes the
general, "in order to cope with the rebel
Hon at Its present standing, will be
obliged to demand 100000 troops and $780,
000.0 and even then he will fail as ig-
hominiously as Weyler has failed.
Our men were never imbued with a
moro hopeful spirit than they are at pres
ent. The campaign in Las Villas has been
hn utter failure. The Spanish soldiers
avoided us at every possible opportunity.
This served to encourage our men. / am
glad to say that we are all confident Of
ultimate success. II Weyler be recalled
his successor here. whoever he may be.
will be surprised to see the spirit Of VIC
Rory which animates the brave Cuban
kroops. We cannot be subdued and no one
knows this better than Weyler.'
Won by n Dynamite Gun.
! With the Gomez letter was one from
Gen. Calixto Garcia, who commands the
troops in the eastern provinces. 1t gave
some particulars concerning the cap
kure of Las Tunis on August 80 last.
''The dynamite gun which you sent u.s."
writes Gen. Garcia, played an important
part In the capture of Las Tunis. Its de-
atructive shells spread terror through the
days. when 1t finally surrendered. We
found many of the troops in terrible con-
nition. At least 100 men fell victims to the
dynamite shells, a good many more being
badly wounded. The rest of the 800 men
were in an utterly demoralized condition
when the Spanish flag was hauled down.
Our losses numbered 60 men. All the sick
and wounded Spaniards were sent to hos
pitfalls and given every possible attention.
The prisoners were all released.
IF We had a few more dynamite guns,
we should soon end the war. Reports Of its
destructive work here have spread all
through Cuba and have disheartened the
Spanish soldiers"
i Want WeyIer Retained.
J Havana, Oct. 6.-The friends of Capt.
Gen. Weyler made a grand rally in his
behalf Tuesday and did all they could
possibly do to prevent his recall to
Spain. They held meeting at the Span
Ash casino, many of the weather. class
OF spaniards being present. Resolu-
lions indorsing Gen. Weyler were adopt
ed with great enthusiasm and cable
message was sent to the government of
Madrid announcing that the representa-
Myes of the trading, mercantile and in
nustrial communities assembling at the
meeting were familiar with the state
Of the island of Cuba and were conse-
quently satisfied with the course fol-
lowed by Capt. Gen. Weyler looking to
an early and complete pacifcation Of
Cuba and expressing fear that his re-
Gall will delay the paciflcation. In con-
illusion the friends Of Gen. Weyler
begged the Spanish press to trust in him
and announced the intention of those
present at the meeting, after making
these resolutions, to abide by the gov
ernment's decision. It was further
agreed to organize public demonstra-
Non In Gen. Weyler's honor.
Weyler's Rosy Report.
I Madrid, Oct. Capt. Gen. Weyler
has written an official letter to Con.
Azcarraga, forwarded before the resig-
nation of the Azcarraga cabinet, in the
bourse Of which he declares that the
condition Of Cuba has improved to
remarkable degree" since the date when
be assumed control in the island. The
baptain general says "the country has
Received fresh lease of life." He as
serts that the Spanish general COM
handing in the eastern provinces re-
ports an uninterrupted service Of trains
On all the railroads. The telegraph is
operating from Ciega de Avila to the
pity Of Pinar del Rio. The letter, which
Is generally commented upon, alleges
that the Spanish army in Cuba is "be-
Ing maintained in excellent state de-
spite the fact that the pay is six months
In arrears"
Will Apply Reforms at Once.
Madrid, Oct. 6. - Senior Moret, the
minister for the colonies, 1t is semi
officially announced, has decided to
apply as soon as possible all the meas
nres which are comprised in the pro-
gramme Of the liberals regarding the
ANTILLES, including all that is necessary
tor the application of autonomy for
Cuba in the form permitted by the cir
cumstances.
] Premier Sagasta, in an interview, is
quoted as saying that most important
Questions are before the cabinet minis
tiers, who have thorough knowledge
bf the financial position of Spain and
possess accurate details of the war
Ntuation in Cuba and in the Philip
pine islands.
The government, Senior sagasta add
I'D, will carry out Its political and mill
kary programme with frmness and sa-
kacity.
When the premier was questioned re.
garding the future of Capt. Gen. Wey.
Ter, he said he supposed Weyler would
resign, adding that If he did not dc
30 he would be recalled. In conclusion
Senior Sagasta said that the most
prompt action would be taken in the
Philippine islands, where the situation
he explained, admitted of no delay.
Village Surrounded by Fire.
Ottawa, Ont, Oct. 6.-The village Of
Casselman, 80 miles southeast of OF
tawa, on the Canadian Atlantic railway
As reported to be burning. Fire is rag
Eng in the bush surrounding the villag,
and no trains can pass either way. AL
telegraphic and telephone communica
ton with the village has been cut of
since Tuesday afternoon. All train,
leaving here on the Canadian Atlanti,
railway are cancelled ArrEna 4ior, ,ra,