The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-08
prNAn DEL RIOS DIG BATTLE.
Cuban Advices Claim 1t Was Won by
the Insurgents,

New York. Dec 8, $3.50 a. m.-The Press
this morning says: Inside Information
Of the recent battle in the Rudi Hills, prov
nce of Pinar del Rio, has just been receiv-
ed in this city. 1t throws a different light
on this fierce engagement, in which several
hundred men were killed from that given
of 1t by the Spanish, who have been loudly
proclaimng a victory for their side.
Lieut.. Caldemas arrived in this city a
week ago. He was badly wounded while
lighting on the Cuban side He was seen
yesterday by a reporter for the Press
Published accounts of this battle hereto
fore said he, have been incorrect, prin-
cipally, of course, because they came from
Spanish sources.
This is the news received in a private
!etter to-day: on Nov. 26, Cen Mayria
Rodriguez received word that Gen Max
mo Gomez was advancing from Las VII
las in Santa Clara province, with two
divisions Of 4,00J men. Gen. Gomez or
dered Gen. Rodriguez to pass Gen. PARA
do and his army and join the Gomez forces
in Havana province.
This meant a battle, of course. and
Gen. Rodriguez at once divided his army
into two brigades He was at the head
of the first brigade, and the second, LOCO
strong, was under command of Col. Pc
dro Diaz.
1t was well that he started imme-
diately for Gen. Parade, with 1900 Span
ish troops was even then pursuing Col.
Ducasse toward the Rubi HIS After
several small engagements which the
Spanish heralded as a series of brilliant
victors, the Ducasse forces gained a posi-
ton that was practically impregnabe. In
the rear were the Rubi Hills, while a
morass protected one side
ION Nov O. the great battle was fought.
When Gen. Parade came up with his
army he found Col. Ducasse awaiting
him. The Spanish forces consisted of s.
600 infantry, and 1900 cavalry and gueril-
las. They threw themselves upon the
body of the Cubans under Col. Ducasse,
and at the same moment Gen. Rodriguez
with his brigade caught up the Spanish
rear and fierce lighting began.
The result of the battle might have
been in doubt had not Col. Pedro Diaz
arrived a this juncture with the second di-
vision of the Cuban forces. Hemmed in
between morass and mountain and attack
ed by three strong bodies of Cubans, when
they expected to meet only one, Gen. Par
RADIO, too late saw the pit he had fallen
into. The Spanish artillery was soon ST.
fenced, and for a time il looked like a rout.
What that meant with the Cubans at
their heels Gen. Parade well knew. He
kept his forces together and held his
ground until night, then his men were
withdrawn into Havana province, leaving
the field in possession of the Cubans. OF
the Spanish troops 800 were killed and
many more than that number were wound
ed The Cubans captured 200 of the Span
ish troops, three pieces of cannon, many
small arms and the Spanish standard.
THE Cuban loss was likewise heavy, but
not so great; ninety-two were killed in the
battle, twelve afterWard died from their
wounds, while almost 300 were wounded
slightly.
Gen. Parrados retreat toward Havana
left the way open for Gen Rodriguez to
continue his march and join Gomez What
Abe purpose of this movement is will be
known some time about the middle of this
month"