The record-union., 1899-09-30
THE REVOLT IN VENEZUELA.
REBELS HAVE THE BETTER OF
THE SITUATION.
Several Big Battles Fought, the
Government Troops Suffering
the Greater Loss.

WASHINGTON, Sept 29.-The State
Department has received a dispatch
from the United States Consul at
Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, under date
of the 18th inst, in which he gives a
summary of the several encounters be-
tween the Government and rebel forces
in that country.
The first encounter between the
forces of rebel General Castro ana
those of the Government occurred near
the city of San Cristobal, near the
Colombian boundary line. The Govern
rnent forces engaged consisted OF De-
tween 400 and 500 men under the COM
mand of General Lepoldo Sarria- Inc
rebel force was considerably larger, but
the actual number is not known. Ine
rebels defeated the Government troops
and captured their leader, General
Sarria-
The second battle was in Cristobal.
The 1000 troops of the Government,
commanded by General Pealosa, en-
gagged 1000 rebel troops commanded
by General Castro eight or nine days,
resulting in General Castro Withdraw
ing his men, he having learned that
General Fernandez was on his way
there with about 1000 troops of the
Government.
The third battle was before the town
of Eel Cobre. Report has 1t that the
rebels here defeated 1900 Government
troops under the command of General
Morales. and that the General sue
ceeded in escaping with but seventy
two men and the ammunition train.
The fourth encounter took place at
Lurnbador Mountain, where Gen. Welde-
mann with $500 Government troops
tried to stop the march of the rebels,
reported to be 1000 strong. The fight
is reported to have ended in draw.
both sides claiming a victory. At any
rate, General Castro continued ms
march.
At the town of Corderoy General
Castro was attacked by nearly o,UO0
Government troops under General
Fernandez His force then consisted
of about 5000 men. A terrible battle
was fought, reports placing the loss OF
the Government at nearly loo killed
and wounded. That of the rebels IS
unknown, but it is thought to be less,
as their position during the battle was
superior Both claim a victory.
After the battle the rebels marched
to the town of Tower. In this place
the rebels fought and dispersed, so 1t
is said. 800 Government troops under
General Torrez, and captured their
arms. ammunition and supplies.
At Arenales were massed, according
to- the reports, nearly $500 Government
aIcs
Aular, Guevara and Planes. Yet, II re-
ports be true, the rebel chief defeated
them and captured many rifles and
much ammunition.
In Darauisimeto General Suarez has
about 1000 Government troops in
trenched behind strong Notifications,
but the rebel forces did not attack.
At the time Of writing the Consul
states that the rebel forces are at Be-
luna. the report saying that the rebel
General Castro is resting his troops
and animals before marching to Va
lencia-
REPORT FROM CAPTAIN HEMP.
HILL.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29.-The Navy
Department has received the following
cablegram from Captain Hemphili,
commander of the United States
steamer Detroit:
Puerto Cabello, Venezeula.-Sailed
for Curacao, West Indies. have ar
ranged to keep in communication with
the Consul. I can get back in ten
hours. after notice has been received
Rumors are current that Castro dhe
insurgent leader has established a
provisional government at Valencia.
and that the Venezuelan Government
is treating with him. The Venezuelan
troops at Puerto Cabeflo have been re-
inforced by about $500 men. Affairs
look more settled. Business is being re-
sumed. HEMPHlLI4-
Keep thy shop and thy shop will keep