The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1898-06-08
VICE PRESIDENT
CAP0TE TALKS.
STRENGTH OF THE Gu
BAN ARMY.

New York. June 2 Domingo Men.
dez Capote, the vice president Of the
Cuban republic, arrived 10 this city at
noon to-day After going to hotel,
where he met Gen. Palma. the head of
the Coban junts, he visited Cubsn
headquarters, where be met a number
of newspaper reportere, With whom he
taxed quite freely, Horatio s. Rubene,
the counsel for the junta, acting as in-
terpreter
When asked what his mission to this
country was. SeDor Capose replied that
before saying anything about that, he
wished to thank the American press
collectively For the stand it had taken
10 behalf Of the Cuban insurgents,
stating that the Cuban people aud the
government we're deeply grateful for
the support given By the American peo-
Pile, and for the action Of this nation
in coming to their support. Cootinu-
log, he said !:
"My mission is not a public one.
Ali public acts relative to the war be-
tween the United STAGES and the Cabao
republic will continue as heretofore, to
be conducted by Gen. Palma. He has
the thorough confidence of our people.
Who have high appreciation of what
be has DONE
81 do not come bere to negotiate any
loan. [ come to consult With Gen.
Palma on a matter which does not
concern international question or pab-
lie interest. I have no present inten,
ton of calling upon President McKin-
ley, although I probably shall make
call upon him before return. How
long [ shall remain here cannot say
ct this time, but shall make my stay
as short as possible
Mr. Capote holds the position Of
judge advocate genera! 10 the insurgens
army. Questioned as to the strength
Of the army, be said :
'.Nos counting those who have re-
Gently joined bic forces, Gsrsia has
about $4,000 men uuder him in the
eastern department at Santiago and
Puerto Principe. About $500 Of
these men were in the neighborhood
of Santiago when I last received word.
All were fully armed and equipped, and
it was the intention to concentrate ell
of the force in the eastern portion to
that point"
I cannot tell definitely how many
men there are in the other provinces.
Gomez has about 5000 men at Santa
Clara. Probably 10000 men. all fully
armed and equipped are iD the ranks
of the Cuban army. A large number,
probably 20. 00e more, are armed With
machetes, and there are thousands Of
others who have recently left the towns
to join the army because they could no
longer live in the towns From Puerto
Principe alone. 10000 men, women
and children have left because of the
scarcity of provisions. preferring to
take their chances in the country, aud
and further influenced by the fear that
az the last moment. the Spaniards
driven to despair will, out of revenge
resort to slaughter"
He saw Gomez in May. at which
tine the headquarters of the Cuban
government were at Sebastopol. q town
in Puerto Principe.
I'VE bad complete dispatches from
Gen. Palma" said Mr.. Capote. keep
ing US informed Of the aosion of the
Uoited States and of the movements
Of the army and Bavy. Lieut. Rowan
cav Gomez at Ciberga, and bad Coz
ference With hin concerning sailors aud
guides to be furnished the invading
TROOPS from the insurgents