The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-06-25
AN UNfOUGHT BATTLE


AS an instance OIL the spanish Styic VI
warfare, let me write the history of the
battle of Jaruco. which was not fought.
Jaruco is small town between Havana
and Matanzas. The insurgents abound near
| the town, the formation of the country be-
| ing such that hiding places are readily
found. The section was the favorite hunt
| ing grounds Of the Spanish when it really
| became necessary to make demonstration
| against the rebels. For some consideration
of the subject, based on study of statistics,
| had become convinced that residence in
| New York presented more discouragements
to longevity than war in Cuba. One may
be killed oftener and in a greater variety
of styles between Chatham square and
Cooper Union than he could in the Cuban
war. Regarding 1t as safe enterprise,
therefore, l craved permission of Gen. VAL
darrama Cat whose hotel lived in Havana)
to accompany him on one of his expeditions.
He saw no objection, and on an off day l
went down the road with the Spanish regi-
ment. few miles out of Jaruco the SOL
diers left the train and presently flushed g
| few insurgents in the bush and chased them
so far into the country that by the time of
the afternoon siesta either the idea of a
rest had to be abandoned and hurry trip
made to the railway station or else 1t was
necessary to forego the return to Havana
ana go INTO camp lor lhe night
Valdarrama' the DIVISION commanoef'
| looks like a German braumeister. He is
! tall, of ample girth, and his face shines like
| a new sun. He has an ease-loving soul, al
though an undoubted warrior. He pre-
| ferred the Pasaje hotel and the comforts
OF his headquarters therein to night III
the open, and would listen to no proposition
| that involved giving UP MS customary sies-
ia The camp was made on sugar hacien-
| da-or where one had existed prior to the
war All the buildings had been burned ex-
cept little stone house. with single room.
that had formerly known use as an office.
This Valdarrama designated as his head
| quarters No insurgents were seen in the
afternoon, and not until nearly midnight
did they render account of themselves.
| The better part of the camp had been
| asleep some hours when the general was
disturbed by the tumultuous incoming Of
two of his staff They were young officers
and ambitious Of decorations
"General!' they exclaimed with one
voice, "the insurgents are at our outposts;
they dare us to do them battle. Shall we
call to arms?"
"What time Is it?' asked the yawning
commander.
ELEVEN o'clock"
at is too late for engagement"
But the rebel pigs have tainted and re-
viled us. They dare us to mix 1t up with
them,' argued the young officers.
Tell them we will fight them at oay-
light" and valdarrama turned over in his
hammock to sleep. Presently the lieutenant
came again to the stone hut.
1.-THE insurgents, when we gave them your
message, further Knocked US and said we are
afraid to meet them in BATTLE" the aides
urged. "They jeer at us most insultingy
and taunt US with cowardice. Will you not
go forth and kill the dogs?"
"Tell them again will not break my rest
to drive away any band of swine. Bid
them rest content until morning; then will
arise and kill or dispense them to their ut
most satisfaction"
But" replied the aides, "they refuse to
wait. They will fight now or not at all. We
have justly represented our views to them
! without effect. They are obstinate and will
not listen to reason"
81 have concluded and would rest" said
l -