The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-23
THE EXACT STATUS /. OF CUBAN REVOLT NOT NOW KNOWN Estimates From Affected Province Vary As to the
 Number Involved SECRETARY BRU IS OPTIMISTIC Expects to Hear Today That the Re volt Has Been Crushed-Sccond
 Cruiser Not Needed-Many
 Respond to Appeal


 Havana, May 22--In consequence of the vague and conflicting character of reports from Orente province, the main focus of revolutionary activity, 1t is almost im- possible to form more than mere coil lectures regarding the strength of the movement. Estimates from Oriente rela- tive to the strength of the insurgents vary from 1000 to 5000. One district alone that of Guantanamo. is credited with 20oO by some. The first figure probably is nearest correct.
 The secretary of the interior, senor Bru, said tonight the government was greatly encouraged by the news from Oriente. From the reports received from prominent plantation owners and officers of the rural guard, he felt assured the number of insurgents in the province did not exceed 400
 Troops at San Luis The first troop train arrived at San Luis Junction this afternoon. The force will proceed to Guantanamo and the others which have been dispatched will go to Santiago with the intention of sweeping the region between the two cities in which the rebel generals. Este noz and Ivonet, are reported to be oper- ating.
 Secretary Bru said the government hoped to announce tomorrow that the re- bellion in Oriente had been crushed. All the rebel bands. he added, in the remain ing provinces. had already been dispersed and order restored. Apparently the only loss of life authenticaly established is the killing of two leaders of a negro band by rural guards in an encounter near Holguin.
 No destruction of property is reported in any part of the island beyond the burning of one bridge, the stealing of some horses and the footing of small railway station and country stores. No attempt has been made to cut the gov ernment wires.
 Second Cruiser Not Needed The government intended to dispatch tonight the new cruiser Patria to Guam tanamo with contingent of veteran vol unteers, but in view of the amelioration of conditions 1t was decided that the vol unteer forces were not necessary. Tho Patria may leave tomorrow with regulars. Throughout Oriente a condition of panic prevails. The white planters and store Keepers and their families are taking ref | 'uge in the cities. Governor Manduley of Oriente province telegraphs that there is apprehension regarding the safety of the women school teachers scattered through out the province and recommends that they take refuge in the nearest towns. President Gomez has issued an order to requistion immediately 5000 horses for army use He also has promulgated patriotic proclamation informing the peo- pie of the peril threatening the nation, announcing the governments determina- ton to crush the instruction as speedily as possible and appealing to all Cubans to stand loyally by the government. Many Responses Received Hundreds of responses have been re- ceved from all parts of the island de- nouncing the revolution and pledging full- est support to the government Among rumors current tonight is one to the effect that a negro conspiracy has been uncovered in the town of Regla, across the harbor from Havana, and there are reports that strong armed bands are now in the vicinity of Cruces and Cienfuegos.
 It is now well known that the com spiracy was planned months ago. Close
 students of Cuban affairs say the present
 danger lies in possible outbreak in the
 western end of the island. which they
 say is in accordance with the plans of the conspirators to lure most of the gov
 ernment forces to Oriente by pretending that therein is to be found the main
 strength of the insurgents; then to cut
 the railway and start most formidable
 revolution in the provinces of Matanzas,