The San Francisco call., 1898-01-02
CANT CHECK
 ADVANCE OF
 INSURGENTS Spaniards Now Move Bodies of Troops
 Forward. Threatened Invasion of MatanzaS Province
 Has Begun. More Than This, Cuban Forces Are Again Closing In on
 Havana. AID FOR THE DESTITUTE. New York Chamber of Commerce Asked to Aid in Collecting
 Relief for Sufferers.
More Than This, Cuban Forces Are Again Closing In on
 Havana.
AID FOR THE DESTITUTE.
New York Chamber of Commerce Asked to Aid in Collecting
 Relief for Sufferers.
Copyright. 1898. by James Gordon Bennett.

Copyright. 1898. by James Gordon Bennett.
 HAVANA, Jan. 1-The threatened invasion of Matanzas by insurgents has begun. DetachmentS of their caV- airy have been pouring into the prov ince from Santa Clara. It is said that about 4000 rebels have crossed Hama bala River into Matanzas Province within the last few days. The Span iards are moving large bodies of troops forward to try to check the advance of the insurgents westward.
 AS Colonel Cepero, who commands the extreme vanguard of the Cuban forces, crossed into Havana territory, after traversing all the province of Matanzas, the objective point of the new invasion is thought to be near Havana City. Spanish troops sta- tioned near the capital report every day two or more engagements. It is reported that there will be a concen- tration of Cuban forces in the imme- diate neighborhood of Havana. The authorities are moving large columns of troops to cover strategic positions near the city.
 Many people assembled at the palace to-day to witness the swearing-in of Senor Rafael Montero, Marquis of Montero, Senor Francisco Zayas and Senor Laureano Rodriguez as Secre- taries of the Provisional Government.
 Marshal Blanco, the Captain Gen eral, escorted by a number of his Spanish officials, consular corps, army and navy officers, politicians, etc, reached the throne room at g o'clock a. m. A new Bible was open on the table and upon it the secretaries took the oath of fidelity to the Queen, the monarchy and the Spanish Govern ment, placing their right hands on the Bible and kneeling as they repeated the words required.
 NEW YORK, Jan. IA Washington special to the Herald says: The New York Chamber of Commerce will be officially invited by the State Depart ment to aid in collecting relief for suf- ferers in Cuba. The plan of the de- partment contemplates the designa- tion by the chamber of member who shall act as treasurer of a committee of three and represent the business in- terestS of the country. The depart ment proposes to invite Louis Klop- smith of New York to act as a second member of the committee and as a representative of the religious element of the country, and Miss Clara Barton will represent the Red Cross Society:
 y of State, was in consultation with Miss Barton to-day in regard to the plan to be pursued in the collection and dis tribution of relief supplies. MT. Adee told me this afternoon that he was con- vinced that charitable persons of this country would respond liberally to help the suffering people of Cuba. Since the publication of the Presidents procla- nation S7000 has been subscribed. It is understood that General Lee has re- ceived several contributions by tele- graph, but no knowledge of their char acter or value has been received.
 It is hoped and believed that the New York Chamber of Commerce will ac- cept the invitation of the State De- partment. The chamber can aid enormously if it will. There are many trades organizations and business men who will contribute when they know that safe channel has been provided through which their gifts may be sent.