Daily Kennebec journal., 1897-12-09
A CUBAN VICTORY
Instead Of Defeat in Recent
Rubi Hills Battle.
Spanish Force Of 1000 Routed by
Cubans With Heavy Loss.
cubans Forces Consolidating and Will Be
Heard from This Month.

New York, Dec. S.-The Press. this
| morning, says: Inside information of
the recent battle in the Rubi Hills, in
the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio,
has just been received in this city. 1t
throws different light on this fierce
engagement in which several hundred
men were killed, from that given out
by the Spanish, who have been loudly
proclaiming an unquestioned victory
for their side
Lieut.. Col. Gabriel de Cardenas ar
rived here, a week ago. He was badly
wounded while fighting on the Cuban
side. He was seen, yesterday, by re-
porter of the Press
Published accounts of this battle
| heretofore" he said, have been incor-
rect, principally, Of course, because
they came from Spanish sources. This
is the news received in a private let
ter, today: "On Nov 26, Gen. Mayria
Rodriguez received word that Gen
MaXimo Gomez was advancing from
Las Villas, in Santa Clara province,
with two divisions Of 1000 men. Gen.
Gomez ordered Gen. Rodriguez to pass
Gen. Parade and his army and join
the Gomez forces in Havana province.
This meant a battle, and Gen. Rod
riSuez divided his army into two brig
AIDES. He was at the head of the first
brigade, and the second, 1000 strong,
was under command of Col. Pedro
Diaz
1T was well that he started early,
for Gen. Parade with 1000 Spanish
troops was even then pursuing Col
Ducasz toward the Rubi Hills. After
several small engagements, which the
Spanish heralded as brilliant victories,
the Ducasz forces gained position,
that was practically impregnable. In
the rear were the Rubi Hills, while d
morass protected one side.
''At dawn on Nov. q, the great bat
tie was fought When Gen. Parade
came up with his army he found Du-
casz awaiting him. The Spanish fore,
consisted of 5000 infantry and 1000 cav
airy and guerilas. They threw them
selves upon the body of Cubans under
Col. Ducasz. and at the same moment
Gen. Rodriguez, with the first brigade,
caught up with the Spanish rear and
began fierce fighting.
1.-THE result of the battle might have
been in doubt had not Col. Diaz arrived
at this juncture with the second division
of the Cuban forces. Hemmed in between
morass and mountain and attacked by
the three strong bodies of Cubans. when
they expected to meet only one, Gen. Par
RADIO saw the pit he had fallen into, too
late. The Spanish artillery was soon
silenced and for time it looked like a
rout.
"What that meant with Cubans at their
heels. Gen. Parade well knew. He kept
his forces together and held his ground
until night. Then his men We're with
drawn into Havana province. leaving the
field in possession of the Cubans.
'Of the Spanish troops 800 We're killed
and many more than that number
Spanish troops. three pieces of cannon,
many small arms and the Spanish
standard
1.-The Cuban loss was likewise heavy; %
were killed in battle and u afterward
died from wounds. while 300 We're slightly
wounded.
'Parrado'S retreat toward Havana left
the way open for Gen. Rodriguez to con-
tinue hi smarch and join Gomez. What
the intention of this is. will be known
some time about the middle of this month.
News also reached me that CaliXto Gar
cia has taken Bayamo. after capturing
Guisa.'
According to advices from other sources
there were only 45 survivors among the
Spanish in Guisa. These were taken pris-
oners by the rebels. All the forts at
Guisa were blown up by the insurgent
dynamite guns and many Spaniards were
killed by the explosion.