Los Angeles herald., 1906-08-25
INSURGENTS ARE
GAINING STRENGTH
LONG AND SEVERE STRUGGLE
EXPECTED
Uprising In Cuba Is Not Likely to
Be Put Down Without
Heavy Loss Of Life
and Property

BY Associated Press.
HAVANA, Aug. 24-Cnofficial adj
vices received from the western part of
Pinar del Rio tonight are to the effect
that the insurgent forces now concen-
trating west of San Juan de Martinez
are far more formidable than had been
supposed and also are we'll supplied for
for long and aggressive campaign
A prominent resident of Havana,
whose word is beyond question, re-
turned this evening from three days
tour In the vicinity of San Luis and
San Juan de Martinez
He Informed the Associated Press
that Pine Guerra's following in Pinar
del Rio Is certainly from 1900 to 1000
men. He said the idea Of his not hav-
ing sufficient ammunition was ridicu-
lous and that he is abundantly supplied
with every possible necessity. The be-
havior of his forces is excellent.
All the tobacco plantations owned by
Americans and American properties are
flying the American flag, this gentle
man declared, and are not being mo-
Tested.
He said the insurrectionIsts had eight
mules loaded with dynamite, and that
lately they had received supplies from
unknown sources.
He positively declared that fully a
hundred members of the rural guard
had deserted and Joined the insurrec-
tionists since the trouble began, and
that practically all Cubans In western
Cuba were sympathizers with the
movement.
Rab May Bring Veterans
Word has been received here from
Santiago that General Jesus Rabi with
1000 veterans will come to the Vuelta
Abajo to help put down the insurrec-
tion. This, however, is not confirmed.
since August 10 have been s27O, O,000
The critics of the government pri-
vately ridicule the plans Of the govern
| ment to bring rapid fire guns to the
island, asserting that the experience of
the Spaniards with these guns In Cuba
proved their uselessness in the f1e'd.
They admit, however, their value for
the protection of cities and highways.
The government, it is understood, has
sent to Texas to buy 1000 horses for the
army. 1t las already bought 500 horses
| here.
| The government has cabled to Gen.
Rius Rivera. minister to Central and
Immediately to Cuba.
The reported arrest of Orestes Ferra
Is denied, but 1t is admitted that he is
under surveillance.
| Gen. Jose Miguel Gomez, at his for
NAL arraignment today denied the al
| iC6dtlOll lHdl nc lidu euBdBeQ III COIL
spiracy against the government.
There is no foundation In fact for
the rumor in circulation tonight that
the government has begun negotiations
with Pine Guerra.
More troops will be forwarded to the
western districts tomorrow.
Ordinary Traffic Suspended
While the troops were being conveyed
by railroad trains from Pinar del Rio
| to San Juan de Martinez ordinary
traffic on the railroad was suspended.
There has been no interruption of rail-
road communication by insurgents.
There is great doubt If the force of
government troops now at San Juan de
Martinez would be able to Withstand
an attack by the forces of Pine Guerra
Aside from slight encounters in the
provinces of Havana and Santa Clara
nothing of Importance has transpired
| there today.
The enlistment Of rural guards and