The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-06-26
UnfOught Battle of Jaruco..

| From the Chicago Tmes-Herald.
| AS an instance of the Spanish style of
! warfare let me write the history of the
battle of Jaruco. which was not fought.
Jaruco is a small town between Havana
| and Matanzas. The insurgents abound
near the town, the formation of the coun-
| try being such that hiding places are
readily found. The section was the favor
| tie hunting grounds of the Spanish when
ii really became necessary to make a DEM
| onsration against the rebels. From some
| consideration of the subject based on study
| of statistics had become convinced that
| residence in New York presented more dis
| couragements to longevity than war in
| Cuba. One may be killed oftener and in
a greater variety of styles between Chat
ham square and Cooper Union than he
could in the Cuban war. Regarding it as
| safe enterprise, therefore 1 craved per-
mission of Gen. Valdarrama Cat whose ho-
tel lived in Havana) to accompany him
on one of his expeditions He saw no OBJ
lection, and on an off day L went down
the road with the Spanish regiment A
rev miles out of Jaruco the soldiers left
the train and presently flushed few in
surgents in the bush and chased them 50
1ar INTO the country that by the time of
the afternoon siesta either the idea of a
rest had TO be abandoned and a hurry trin
made 10 the railway station or else it was
necessary to forego the return to Havana
ana go into camp for the night
Valdarrama, the division commander
looks like a German braumeister. He Is
tall OF ample girth, and his face shines
IKE new sun. He has an ease-loving
soul, although an undoubted warrior He
preferred the Pasaje Hotel and the com
1oftS OF mas headquarters therein to a
night in the open, but would listen to no
proposition that involved giving I'D his
customary siesta. The camp was made
on a suger hacenda-or where one had
existed prior to the war. All the build
ings had been burned except little stone
mouse with single room that had former
~ known use as an office This Valdar-
rama designated as his Headquarters No
insurgents were seen In the afternoon. and
not until nearly midnight did they render
account of themselves
The better part of the camn had boa,
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
GeneralP' they exclaimed with one
voice, tho insurgents are at our outposts.
they dare us to do them battle. Shall we
call to armS?' "
commander. q" iiiiiS
Eleven o'clock
1t Is too late for engagement"
Put the rebel pigs have tainted and re-
Vlieo us. They dare us to mix il nm with
'hem argued the young officers.
Ieil them we will fight them at dav
nsnt, ana Naiderrama turned over in his
hammock TO sleep. Presently The rieuten-
arr came again to the stone hut.
,.o,, = ne Insurgents when we gave them
your message, further Knocked us and said
we are afraid to meet them in battle the
aAds urged. They jeer at us most insult
msly and taunt US with cowardice win
you not go forth and kill the dogs?'
zen them again 1 will not break NV
rest 10 drive away any band of swine. Rid
tbtm rest content until morning; then 7
wan arise and Kill or disperse them to their
utmost satisfaction"
But, replied the aids they refuse 70
wait, They will fight now or not at ali W.
nave justly represented your views to tbero
without effect. They are obstinate and viii
not listen to reason
Il have concluded and would resi- ,, saia
Ealdarrama, with some dignity. INV deci-
sion cannot be SHAKEN
Dear general insisted one Of tho Iia,,
tehants-he Is Mrs. Valdarranoa's nenboV,,
ana take liberties with his chief-a.dear
eSu.iui' you DO not wish 10 engage them
Tor tile very proper reasons Won gfye u,iii
you rot permit US to take part of tbe tro"t,a
ana go forth. IT, is a Scandal that tbesa
dogs and sons of dogs should thus taunt
SnH cast reoroach upon us and not suffer
Oiilcers." replied Valdarrama. as stern
y ", ana wan as much dignity as is compat
lple with the condition of a fat man who l.
trying 70 support himself on his elbow IN
n1 ~. Officers, go to your tents
lhere shall be no battles with insurgett,,
Fought by my comma6d In which I dc ro3
take part. If there is glory TO be won.
am here to win It," "0H'
The boys retired sadly and the ins,,re,o,,4,
continued to insult the outposts mil "a
O'Clock, In the morning. When the reveiIle
sounded the rebels were far in the woods
Ihey had made good their threat that tboI
would pleasure no Spanish general by wait
Ing until daylight to fight.