The important town
of Bayamo, in Santiago de Cuba, is being besieged by the insurgents, and
the monthly supply-train from Havana has again been captured by the
rebels.
The condition of the Spanish troops is something pitiable.
The true state of affairs in Cuba is becoming so well known in Spain
that the soldiers there are unwilling to go out to poor pay, poor food,
and a certainty of becoming the prey of some awful pestilence.
Many of the soldiers who have been sent home have died on the voyage,
and those who have reached Spain are so broken down in health that the
fresh soldiers are afraid to go to Cuba.
There have been several mutinies among the troops which were ordered out
with General Blanco.
A mutiny means that the soldiers refuse to obey the orders of their
officers, and is practically a strike among soldiers.
In this instance the men have refused to embark for Cuba. In spite of
their remonstrance they have been forced to obey, and the ringleaders
severely punished.
* * * * *
It seems that our chances of being drawn into a war with Spain have not
been greatly lessened by the answer to General Woodford's message.
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