New-York tribune., 1909-03-18
CUBAN REBELS YIELD
REPORT OF SURRENDER.
Sboottng-of La0dstid0 MavLead to
Tore Trouble.

Eavana- March 1.-THE indications tonight
s-e that the government Is now in a fair way TO
crush promptly the incpient revolution which
broke out in the province Of Santa Clara on
Mondsy night After withholding news Of the
trouble all day, the palace officials tonight an
nounced that the father of two of the members
Of the band. headed by Sergeant Cortes, of the
rural guard. had visited General Monteazudo
chief Of the guard. at Camag1ey, and told him
that the insurgents implored the cIemency Of
the government and were anxious to surrender
on the promise that their lives would be SHARED
General Monteagudo. accompanied by a strong
escort. thereupon started for the insurgent ca1nn
He expected TO receive their surrender before
morning.
The insurgents are now surrounded by a. cor
don Of one thousand Rurales. drawn from the
earrisons in various parts Of the island includ-
ing Havana but owing to the rugged character
Of the country It will be extremely difficult for
the troops TO find the rebels. While the gov
eminent still insists that the band consists of
only eight men. it is alleged that the movement
IS farreaching and includes a large number Of
those who have become discontented with the
way affairs have been conducted.
Il IS SAID on apparently responsible authority
that Cortes is accompanied by fully one hundred
men mounted and well armed More gratifying
20 the government than the prospective capture
Of the insurgent band was the arrest and subse-
ouent killing OF Lavastida- former captain n
the rural guard who is believed to have been
the principal tnstigator of the uprising La
vastids vas arrested last night by Major Arte-
exa- Of the rural guard. and was charged with
conspiracy against the government While on
the way to Remedies under escort It is alleged
that Lavastida attempted to escape. whereupon
Colonel Esgueara- in command Of the escort
shot and killed him. Heretofore this has been
e common method in Cuba of dealing with in
convenient prisoners.
Iavastida was recently dismissed from the
rural guard. He served with distinction in the
Cuban War Of Independence and has many
friends IN Santa Clara Province. by whom the
summary killing doubtless will be bitterly re-
sented
According to q statement given out at the
Palace. Lavastida started the conspiracy against
the government for the purposs Of obtaining
political favors by threats. It Is alleged that
Cortes was irritated because he did not receive
q commission in the army: that Lavastida in
duoed him to take the field by representations
that, by so doing. he would alarm the govern
rnent and create great a danger Of another
American Intervention that his demand would
be instantly granted. The government says
II was Informed OF the conspiracy several weeks
ago. and President Gomez then fully determined
embrace the opportunity to make striking
example Of the leaders For this purpose he
directed great concentration Of troops near
yllsltas in order TO make short work Of the
affair.
Persons IN Havana well acquainted with Cor
tes represent him experienced bush fighter,
probably accompanied by 3 strong party capable
nf making desperate resistance TO the govern
ment- troops.
Al other sections Of the island are quiet, and
tie government is fully satisfied that the Vuel-
tas affair IS purely sporadic From all quarters
letters and teaegrams have come TO the goTern-
rnent giving assurance Of loyalty and expressing
the desire actively TO assist IN stamping out the
tnsurrection.
Local stocks on the Havana Exchange again
declined heavily to-day, and trading was pract-
csllv at standstiIL Business interests gen
orally depIore the outbreak. which, while pos
sibly unimportant. has given a severe blow to
public confidence. from which it will not readily
recover.