Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-11-11
TROUBLE BREWING.
Spanish Soldiers in Cuba
Want Their Back Pay.
Regulars at All Havana Street Corners
to Preserve Order.
Col. Parro's GueriIIas and Other Soldiers
Ordered 10 Keep Away

Havana, Nov. 9.-Via Key West, Fla,
Nov. 10.-Since early on the morning of
Sunday last, the streets of Havana
have again presented the appearance of
state of seige. At>every corner four
regulars are stationed armed with
Mauser rifles, besides the usual city
patrol.
AS it is known, the Orden Publico
forces have been threatening trouble
over the refusal of the government to
pay the arrears of wages due them, it
was at first supposed that the military
precautions were taken, owing to the
Tear of an outbreak in that quarter
Later, however, it was learned that
Col. Masso Parro, late commander Of
the disbanded Cuban Espanola Brigade,
with his officers had threatened to
come to the city, proceed to the pal
ace and demand the settlement of his
rand his officers pay.
Fearing that the arrival Of. Col Parro
would be the signal for other malcoh-
tents to join the movement and thus
cause serious trouble. Captain General
Blanco forbade Col. Parro to come to
Havana. Anticipating INSTRUMENTATION,
however, Gen. Blanco promptly took
precautions to quell any attempted up
rising.
Col. Masso Parro first attracted atten-
ton when, ranking as brigadier gem
eral of the Cuban insurgents, he de-
serted to the Spanish ranks. He was
given the rank of colonel and organ
lied brigade of 5000 Cubans under his
leadership. known as the Cuban Es-
pamela Brigade, which did signal ser
vice for the Spaniards during the late
war.
About a month ago the brigade be-
gan to cause considerable trouble at
Cienfuegos by clamoring for their over
due pay. They entrenched themselves
outside the city, and refused to dis
band or lay down their arms until a
settlement was made. Gen. Aguirre.
the Spanish military governor of Glen
fuegos, visited the camp under a flag
of truce and held conference with Col
Parro. The result was that portion
OF the overdue money was paid and the
brigade in turn disbanded.
This was the first serious trouble with
the irregular or modified troops over
the question of non-payment of wages,
but open discomfort in regard to this
matter has since spread to every branch
of the service. The trouble in this con-
nection has been heightened now by the
announcement that the $24, which the
government agreed TO pay to every en-
listed man obtaining his discharge, will
only be paid upon the evacuation Of the
island by the respective regiments to
which the soldiers belonged. This latest
announcement is modification of pre-
vious decree providing that the troops
would only be paid upon landing in
Spain.
When partial payment was made to
the Cuban Espanola Brigade, the money
was divided among the rank and file, Col.
Parro and his officers accepting a prom
ise of the future payment Of their sala-
ries. the total amount being over $780,
which sum they now claim. The bat
TALON OF Sancti Spiritus guerillas was
partially paid on Saturday last, but the
members showed their discomfort by APP
pointing a committee to the palace in
Havana and demanding from Captain
General Blanco the payment OF over
100000 still due them
The battalion municipal, composed OF
firemen of Havana, who engaged in ac-
tive operations in the field for three
whole years, are owed s1,7OO0oO. none OF
which, it is declared, has been paid
These are only a few instances showing
the position of the Spanish army here
whose discomfort increases daily.
1t is alleged that the corruption in the
department. of finance of the insular gov
has reached such pitch that
and officials are openly taxed
20. 30 and even 40 per cent. discount on
their salaries which they are forced to
accept or go unpaid. The same corrupt
system pervades every branch of the ad-
the local press going SO far
as to ask for the ousting of the NUM-
ripal officers, saying that the Autonomist
control is worse than the old Spanish
colonial administration. This state OF
affairs has developed a. gang Of thieves.
burglars and murderers, jeopardizing the
lives and property OF peaceful citizens.
Crime spreaos and hundreds Of persons
die from want.
DIR. Bulls Cough Syrup has cured
whoOping-cough when no other treat
ment would give relief. For Group this
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