Omaha daily bee., 1906-08-28
CUBAN REBELS DEFEATED
General GuEman's Band Attacked Near
Cieufuegos and Seventeen Men Killed.
FREE PARDON OFFERED TO INSURGENTS
Procla m alton Issued mt Havana IA Not
Taken Seriously by Revolution
lists and RidicuIed by
FOREIGNERS.

would lay down their arms, its forces were
/ dealing the most telling blow that has yet
been struck against insurgents in the field.
For several days IL had been stated that
General Guzmans force of insurgents, which
was variously estimated at from 200 up
ward, contemplated an attack on Glen
fuegos.. Colonel Vale, with a detachment
of rural guards and volunteers was dis
patched to Cienfuegos for the purpose OF
engaging Guzman and breaking up the
band. The encounter of the two forces to-
day resulted in the worst disaster which
the insurgents have sustained up to this
time. They lost seventeen men killed and
many wounded, while the loss TO the gov
ernment force ives one man killed. The
| government Is without further particulars
of the fight.
| That the insurrection is in a shaken
condition seems to be a fact, although the
end may not be as near members of the
government wish. TO believe. Ex-Congress-
man Faustino CPino) Guerra, the insurgent
leader operating in the province OF Pinar
del Rio. in a signed statement telegraphed
to the ssociated Press tonight declares that
he is as determined as ever that the last
presidential election shall be annulled be
fore there can be peace In Cuba. That
| Guerra's force of 1000 men Is well armed
|
amply verified. There greatest drawback
now is the lack of money: but the people
OF the western part OF Pinar del Rio are
furnishing them with all the supplies
needed, taking in return therefore orders
on the Cuban government and In many
cases refusing to accept any consideration.
Oner of Amnesty.
The governments offer of amnesty, which
was issued this afternoon, is vartously re-
ceived. 1t is impossible to say what its
effect will be upon those to whom II is
addressed. Alfredo Zayas, president of the
senate and leader of the liberal party
I stated tonight that he was unable to ex-
press any opinion as to whether the insur-
gents would grasp the opportunity offered
them of surrendering, but said in his opin
ion. as a lawyer. Secretary Montlavo could
not legally issue such an order. for the
constitution provides that only the president
may make such proclamation, which must
be countersigned by some member OF the
cabinet Secretary Montalvo. on the con-.
trary, stated to the Associated Press that
the offer of clemency was issued by the
direct order of President Palma and also
! gazetted officially The secyetary added that
the document was in reality an order OF the
secretary OF interior issued by direction of
the president to General Rodriguez, COM
mander OF the rural guards.
l-s<Nss, Peace at Any Price.
The foreign element. including many
Americans criticize the offer of amnesty
as weak and disappointing action. show
Ing a desire for peace at any price and n
willingness to sacrifice the possibility OF
future security to political expediency.
d Secretary Montalvos' order does not pro-
vide for the relief of alleged consprators
who are now in Jail in Havana. and the
question has arisen as to what shall be
done with them.
A considerable number OF insurgents are
known to be returning quietly to their
homes in the province of Pinar del Rio. In
the latter province the situation remains
unuains unchanged. Guerra knows nothing
of the Montalvo order, and II he did 1t is
altogether unlikely that It would affect his
course materially. At present there Is every
reason for expecting that Guerra viii hold
out for some time. The district in which
he is operating is inhabited by liberals who
are practically all tentative. II not active
sympathizers with the insurrection. Then.
too, Guerra has hily Businesses to which
he retires nightly and from which it will be
practically Impossible to rout him. A favor
able feature OF the situation in Pinar del
Rio is that Guerra will not fight II he can
help II. He intends, he says. to remain out
| luuennltely IN protest against the SuDSer-
vience OF the Palma administration.
The Associated Press is reliably informed
that Asbert's force, the main insurgent
body. now in the province of Havana
amounts TO $50 men and there not ex-
ceeding 100 more in small parties. The
! western part OF the province OF Pinar del
Rio is practically unprotected, but there
! have been only petty depredations there by
, small bands.
J There is some question whether the Santa
: Clara band, calling themselves Mendietal's
party. were actually commanded by the
captured leader. but undoubtedly he was
with them most OF the time.
, The MatanEas insurgents cut little figure
and eastern Cubs. remains quiet
Statement by Palma.
President Palma today gave out a state
ment in which he says that the insurrection
has no ideals and no program and that the
cries which the insurgents raised do not
constitute a program, ideals or a justifica-
tion for the movemept.
Continuing, the president says:
All revolutions must have a program as
had our revolution for Independence in 1885.
Everybody at that time knew that the
Cubans had revolted against Spain and
erty OF their country. The present move
ment is more OF a local adventuTe-oniy a
contented persons. There Is no moral rea
, son for II. The government could suspend
the constitutional guarantees, but IL pre-
fers TO maintain the vigor and hope OF
the people and avoid possible eXcesses.
The medical force has been instructed to
attend to all prisoners and to give
wounded or sick Insurgents the same at
, tention as wounded sick men belonging
to the government forces. Any insurgent
repenting OF his act can return within the
paie OF the law and may not be moested.
The government will have no petty spite
or feeltng OF rancor against those who re-
turn to their senses and abandon the cause
Of disorder.
Government Must Fight.
President Palma is not disposed to en-
ploy any other method than that OF arms
: for the re-establishment OF peace. He de-
} clared energetically that the government
absolutely would never compromise with
; any form OF disturbances Of order. The gov
ernment was legitimately constituted was
bound by its imperative duty and must
demonstrate that II is stable and able TO
safeguard property. life and the happiness
Of the republic at present and in the fu-
ture. Any compromise would SOW the seed
! OF armed revolution throughout the coun-