Evening Star Newspaper, February 29, 1896, Page 10

10 Our Opening oo°o display of Spring Woo! A Spring Top Coat is a necessity—We wonl¢ like you to pass upon the productions which leave this es- tablishment—We would make special mention ‘of our - New “Coverts"—twenty different shades of cloths from which to choose—price fees: 4 $ To Measure, 15. Mertz and Mertz... 906 F Street, New “Era” Tailors. Baltimore Store, 6 Exst Baltimore st., Near Charles st. Next week occurs our formal lens for Men’s—Youths’. and . Boys’ Wear—To make this a red letter week in our - mercantile history—We've drawn liberally upon the chief woolen centers of the world—How liberally is for you to decide, and you'll be cordially welcomed ~ and shown through our establishment. Weedeater itetetettntetetet te tetetetetttietetetntetrledeteetbetntntedpaeteteteteed } EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, © ee wo a Week.. atom sd aoa | at | Dev ese saan eetetiteintetndetntpdueeteteeeitentedeateety resents | ; % Seeded CUBA’SGREAT SWAMP The Star Correspondent Penetrates the Dense Jungle. RETREAT OF INSURGENT WOUNDED | Toilsome March Through Mire Up to the Waist. NO FEAR FELT OF ATTACK ae Frem ‘The Star’s Special Correspondent. IN THE CIENAGA DE ZAPATA, Cuba, February 15, 1896. Cuba is filled with interest. To say noth- ing of the sanguinary struggle now going en between the enslaved and the enslaver, a combat watched with the keenest feeling ty the whole world, the fair “Queen of the Antilles” has her castles surrounded by the dcepest and darkest tragedy, her churches of ancient and sublime story, and her mountain fastnesses where liberty holds sway. : But to the Cienaga de Zapata is atached a peculiar interest. Its geographical sur- roundings, its physical build and its pres- ent uses combine io make it well worthy of a visit. But there are many reasons Why the “outsider,” which may include the Spaniard, has not found it convenient or destrable to penetrate the Cienaga, the most dense jungle and least accessible swamp in America. o Spanish map makers have always placed the name fn about its proper place within the outlines of the Island of Cuba; Spanish “generals have sworn everlasting hatred against the name and the place; but neith- er the drawers of the mans nor the di- rectors of the troops know much concern- ing that great patch of water, mud and bushes that in themselves protect the hos- pitals and principal stores of the Cuban zepublican government. Spain has a great army, in point of number, at present in Cuba. She has a fine lot (well dressed and with an abundance of gold braid and lung Power) of generals. She has more expert dispatch makers than one would dream existed. But she has not taken Cubitas, She is powerless in the Sierra Maestra mountains and she dares not even look into the Clenaga. Spain holds the Island of.Cuba by the cit }ies. Her soldiery surround them, and have succeeded thus far in’ keeping the rebels pout, as well as themselves in. But her ,Humerous spies are not efficient; if they were your correspondent would not be here. Setuindotetegetstntntntndetedtnte Secondo Benetton etre eterno aetna positively ends. . H. Davison, : & ——On I[londay the discount of 45 per cent on Silver, Gold and Diamonds You’ll really have’ to come at once or be too late. ee esoetasoacoatoatoaenonteteotecttenteteeseeseseeteeeleeteetieteeloage “I want to be the jeweler who comés into your mind first.” md Sete Sededeetetetetegey Jeweler, _ 0g F St. + THE SOCIAL WORLD (Continued from Seventh Page.) 's avenue, where dancing was en- fred. Aree those present were the Misses Mary Bean, Julia Covington, Alice Cfrraway, Edith Cope, Florence Bean, Vir- gie Luckett, Edith Jenkins, Masters Ra- leigh Luckett, Arthur Roberts, Louis Cu- yillier, Howard Vaughn, Hubbard Bean, George Swift, Willie McClenzy, Earl Cra- gon, David Forrester, Sherwood Brown and Norval K. Tabler. The Chrysanthemum entertained by the Misses Halley, 627 7th street southw At the close of the games Mr. Webb and Mrs. Hildreth were awarded prizes. Among those present were Mrs. Torrey, Mrs. Besselievre, Mrs. Wind- sor, Miss Imerie and Miss Stidham and Messrs. Besselievre,Torrey, Stidham, Wind- sor, Harper, Hildreth and Halley. Miss Bessie Orme gave a very pleasant card party to a few of her friends last evening. The prizes were quite handsome, the first and second being won by Misses Louise Cox and Virginia Adler. Among those present were Misses Lillian Cragin, Virginia. Adler, Alice Ramsburg, Julia Wood, Grace Clifton, Belle Graves, Sophia Stuart, Genevieve Woodruff, Ethel Sigsbee, Myra Davis, Agnes McChesney, Alice Bish- op, Louise Cox, May Adams and Katharine Peck, Messrs. Hunter, Green, Stuart, Wag- gaman, McCartney, Gray, Gordon, Ritten- house, Tenney, Clifton, Shuster, Cox, Hal- ecmbe and Halford. The Current Events Club met at the home of Mrs. E. H. Grant, Franklin street, yesterday afternoon, with the president, Mrs. Mary M. North, presiding. The sub- jJests for discussion were “Cuba” and ugen2 Field.” Mrs. J. H. Simpson read @ paper on the geography and natural ad- vantages of Cuba, and Miss Cora McLean ead another on the present troubles in the island; Mrs. E. H. Grant a paper upon the Spaniard in Cuba. The Field program comprised a reading by Mrs. Emily Lee Sherwood, and recitations by Miss Theo- dora North, Miss Olive Simpson and Mrs. M. M. North; a sketch of Eugene Field, by Miss Jean C. Simpson; recitation, “Johnny's Opinion of Grandmothers,” H. Lawton; “The Kiss,” Mrs. Jane McLean. Refresh- ments were served by the hostess before adjournment. = The regular meeting of the Columbia Assembly was held Tuesday evening at the - home of Miss Grace Curtin, in Eckington. Miss Emily Donath, Miss Edna Bell, Mr. J. E. Balderston and Mr. Z. D. Blackstone were elected to membership. Euchre prizes were won by Miss Miller and Mr. McKeever. Those present were: Misses Grace Curtin, Edna Bell, Emily Donath, Della Michael, Ada Miller, Keever, Jennie Wiley, Mrs. C. G. Curtin, Messrs, A. L. Doran, J. EB. Balderston, H. Euchre Club was H. McKeever, jr., Allen Hapman and R. A. Daniel. Mrs. R. Smith of 1311 Connecticut ave- nue entertained the ladies of the southern relief committee. Those present were Mrs. Camden, Mrs. W. Peechy, Mrs. Murphy, Mrs. T. G. Riley, Miss‘Faitfax, Mrs. A. G. Holland, Mrs. Dorsey, Mrs. R. N. Harper and Mrs. Munroe. Mrs. Hicks will be at home. informally Monday. from 3 to 6, at her residence on Capitol Hill, 1001 Massachusetts avenue. The S. G. and D. B. Club gave a delightful leap year ball last evening at Carroll In- stitute Hall. Those present, were Mrs. Howard F. Johnson, Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Lamont, Misses Lee, Misses Babbon, Miss, Fisher, Miss Phil. Wattles, Miss M. Van Rensse- laer Morgan, Miss Clure, Miss Chapman, Miss Plaint, Miss Johnson, Misses Laura and Mattie Morgan, Miss-Hine, Miss Stew- art, Miss Pollok, and Messrs. Vaughn, Clagett. Webb, Lee, White, Powell, Morgan Lybrook, Doyle, Claughton, Amiss, Webber, Stilwag, Hartsfield, Hagan, | Parrott, Groverfield, Kelly, . Ellis, Dr. R. W, Washington, Gordon Blackwell, Mr. Jen- nings, Dr. Hester and Dr. L. F. Davis. Mr. and Mrs. ituss Whytal gave a box party to Mrs. R. W. Gillis and family Thurs- day night. A pleasant surprise was tendered Mr. G. M. Gerhauser at his residence, at G07 South Carclina avenue southeast, Wednes- day evening to celebrate. his birthday. Games, vocal and instrumental music was enjoyed until a late hour, and during the evening an elegant Good Templar’s pin and a bouquet was presented to him by his friends of Liberty Lodge, No. 8, after which all repaired to the dining room, where refreshments were served. Among. these resent were Mr. and Mrs, A. J. Kennedy and sen, W. W. Mills and daugh- ter, Capt. C. N. Phelps of New York, Rev. Geo. Stevenscn of East Washington Heights, Mrs. Darnell and daughter, Misses * Let there be no mistake about this. ‘The Spies above referred to are efficient in cer- tain lines, for they succeed admirably in trumping up charges against innocent peo- ple and landing them in dungeons. A case in point. A week ago two poor, inrocent fellows were arrested and brought to Havana, charged with ass!sting your correspondent at Nuevitas and Puerto Principe on his trip to interview President Cisneros, some five or six weeks since. As a matter of fact, nobody's assistance was needed or sought at Nuevitas, while the guide from Puerto Principe, out through the country to the seat of the rebel govern- ment, is now in the United States, attend- ing to matters of his own. But the two men confined in the dismaf Cabanas, across from the city of Havana, are ‘‘suspected.’y More than that—there are hirelings of the government who will swear they saw them in the company of the American correspondent at the places above mentioned. There can be no ques- tion as to thelr fate. They will not be shot, but infinitely worse—years of impris- orment in the combination pesthouse and penal institution at Ceuta, Africa, await them. - : . What gratification would it not be to the Spanish government could it, without fear of international complications, ship the American correspondent at the same time to its African dungeons! What pride the American feels for his grand and glorious Union at all times, and what satisfaction he experiences, in times such as this, when he knows that the stars and stripes com- mand the fear, if not the regard, of an an- tiquated and debauched monarchy! But what has all this to do with the Ciena- ga de Zapata? A great deal; inasmuch as the trip from Havana to Batabano and thence to the outskirts of the everglades will not be described, lest more innocent fellows be doomed to chains on your correspondent's account. He was given twenty-four hours to leave the Island after the Gomez inter- view appeared. Then the time was made three days, and lastly, after much ado about a good deal, a week's time was al- lowed the obnoxious foreigner in which to pack his trunk and get from beneath the golden rays of Spain's benign rule. Exploring the Cienaga. Four days of that week were weil spent. A part of the great Cicnaga was explored, several of the chief rebel hospitals were seen and the desire of visiting the mysteri- ous swamp land was satisficd. Who ever heard of a hespital in a swamp? Rather a peculiar iocation, it mus: be'c fessed; Lut the Cuban rebels tind it very convenient, have no great objections to it and are certainly wise in their s This latter admijsion must be made when it is Known that the Cubans, above all things, must consider the inaccessibility for the Spaniards of any position th 3 take up, whether it is for the capital of their government, the storing of their sup- plies or the attending to of their wounded. In this connection it may be said that had Maceo been anywhere near the Cienaga ten days ago the Spanish commander, Luque, would not now be wearine the cross of San Fernando for having killed a hundred Cu- , half of them previously wounded and in bed, at Paso Real. S It was only a row of abont a dozen miles— four leagues, the Cuban would say—from a point on the southern coast of the Ever Faithful Isle to another point near El Ca- imito, on the outskirts of the Cienaga. “The night was charming anJ the sea was mooth, There was only the sitghtest breeze tirring amd the black boatman was happy, for there would be no danger of his craft- ‘by no means frail—bein .or upon the beach. A half mile to the left was the shore line of Cuba. It was low and uninviting, and the country back sloped away gentiy—so gently in some places that you would be- lieve there was no country there. What's the use of hurrying,” said the boatman in reply to an insinnation that he was lazy; “it's only six miles now to the El Caimito landing, and if we srrive there before daylight the rebels will shoot us.” Even though the sea and weather be all Yhat one could desire, few people would fancy the idea of drifting about in a buat five or six hours, and especially when Spanish coasters were known tu be numer- ous all the way from Cape San Antonio to Manzanillo, and Jooking for just such stragglers. “You can’t claim afterward,” blown out to sea said the hands of for us both the aff: “that I was to blame being killed for landing at El Caimito in the middle of the night, then, after Tillie Roth and sister, Anna Moyer, Lina Melchor, Pumphrey, Holmes, Perkins, Mrs. L. Rottenberry, Messrs. Louis Smith and Wm. Murphy. Mrs. Robert N. Harper--will not be at home Mondays during Lent. Ambassador and Mrs. Uhl gave a farewell eption yesterday at the Arlington, as- sisted by thelr daughters and Mrs. Lazo Arriaga, Mrs. Tittman, Miss de Mondonca and Miss Smith. It was a most pleasant occasion. Mr. and Mrs. Uhl leave here Mon- day for Grand Rapids, Mr. and Mrs. John L. Stearns of Denver and Mrs. William H. Hastings of Elizabeth, N. J., are spending a few days with their sister, Mrs. Wm. Schofield Hoge, 1402 15th street. Mrs. H. R. Giffin of 436 10th street south- west gave a luncheon yesterday in honor of Mrs. Briscoe and little Lottie Briscoe of the Fair Virginia company. Those pres- ent were Miss Gussie Cipperely of Troy, N. Y., Mrs. Dent, Miss Rosie Dent, Mrs. L. Conley of New York, and Miss ‘Bessie Lowa. tugging away with renewed strength for awhile, he ed: “Are you afraid of shark “Well, slightly; wh. “'Cause this bay is full of they get thicker all the way f: the coast. And are you afr: diles and alligators?” “See here, boatman, are yov doing your best to make this charming night hideous? Why do you ask all those questions? Let us hurry to Catmito and land, in spite of the rebel bullets. I guess the rebels won't hurt us.” A Deserted Shore. But it was of no use. The warm rays of Old Sol were wending théir way through the tall palm trees when a land!ng on the coast two miles from Caimito was made. Of rebels or Spaniards there were none, Not a soul gave greeting upon the arrival. ‘Then the negro explained how the whole coast was alive with sharks, and how, had a landing at night been effected, those who were filled with a desire to penetrate the Cienaga would probably be regarded as ten- them, and mm here to of croco- [der morsels by the huge alligators that -other section: 1 dress parade on the succeeded in elud- that were looking for human aS b prey. Bathing is not a’féature of life along the seacoast of Cuba.® Sometimes it is a fea- ture of death—when an unfortunate sailor falls overboard or’a boatman is unlucky enough to be out when a gale blows up. Years ago there were no sharks in Cuban waters, and the natives bathed in the warm and soothing surf tg thelr hearts’ content. Columbus told how those he saw spent much of their time' romping in the shallow water along the con: it. But the slave tradd began, and the sharks from Africa followed the ships across the ocean to devour those unfortunates who were fortunate enfugh to die on the way. And thus did the ‘Spaniard cause the land and the sea to betothe inhabited by lovers of human prey. * wot El, Casmito. It was one league taEl Caimito. The road was about three feet wide most of the way, but the short trees came close together at the top, and now and then you were com- pelled to “duck” to escape entanglement in some of the crawling vines overhead. But there was little to complain of. The earth was generally quite dry, and there were no reptiles about. Plenty of mosquitoes hu med a general and monotonous lullaby. Oc- casionally clumps of fine palm trees would be passed. Here and there a bird perched on a palm whistled a tune of its own com- Position. Your correspondent was in the vicinity of El Caimito sometime ago. He did not ap- proach the village or learn what it was like. Had he, this visit would have been out of the question. One daylight view of Caimito is all ordinary eyes can bear. It is a rebel town. The Spaniards do not want it, and the Cubans are satisfied there- at, for, notwithstanding its many draw- backs, Caimito is an important point, being at theventrance of the best road into the Clenaga.It is hard for one who has traversed that road to believe such a statement, but the rebels say so, and they evidently know the highways of Cibtx as well as do most other people. It Is really astohishing how many colo- nels there are in-the rebel army. You meet one at every turn, and sometimes between turns. Kentucky cannot hold a cardle to Cuba in this Tespect, Here Col. Bascon presented himself, and called for rebel passports. “My Cuban passports are in the hands of the government at Havana, but I am an American newspaper correspondent and told Gen. Gomez I would like to visit the Clenaga’ de Zapata, and he said, ‘Go ahead.’*" 3 “Well, you are crazy," was Bascon’s re- Joinder. Caimito is a pluce of about 700 people. The hotses are all old and built of stone. Many of them are tumbling down, but the people hercabouts don't mind little things like that and so long as the big church is kept in gocd condition all is well. Near the church is a large woo:len building, call- ed the hospital militar, a very warlike anl agnified name for a harmiess—unless it falls in—old building. Here were about thirty seriously wound- ed men who this same day were to be taken inio the Cienaga. The escort had not yet arrived, but was shortly expected, and after having breakfast they would ‘start on the return trip, In the meantime the village could be looked over. It was evident from the first that Spanish troops had never caused a 1uffe in the surroundings of this queer old place. Beyond tie town miles of swamp land intervened between it and the fertile lands of two provinces—Matanzas and Havana. The population of the place was supported by Fhe rebel army, and the sole topic of conversation was the hospital service. Even thy Is of the place—some very pretty ones ng thera—talked only of “the poor s .” and of bandages, come one for Pa n soggy shore, if t ing the sea ‘monsters and of the fati; trip into the Cienaga and out again. peaiwaln, At about 11 o'@ock a part of the “com- mission’? from wWithip the Cienaga arrived. They. were a soppy Hoxing lot. There was about forty In the first batch. Later on an- other party camé; ayg still later at intervals until nearly 300 had arrived to carry the wounded into-the hospitals. The sight of these wen was enough to dis- courage the m@st de¥ermined seeker of the curious. They wore heavy shoes, but no stockings, and only the most abbreviated pantaloons—like Scoyh Highlanders, their legs were C From head to foot je men wert c with mud—not mud. such as"one rily comes in contact with on ins country xyoads, but soft, sticky mud, that forms a’sort of ‘plaster of paris suit of mail. ‘Does. everybody look that way after mak- ing the trip?” It wes a very natural ques- “Often much worse than that,” was the encouraging answer. It was some time after the noon hour he- fore the wounded were rolled in‘light canvas Llankets, placed in hammocks and the lat- ter tied to poles, the ends of which rested on the shoulders of two men. About a dozen Wounded were carried in the first section. Seventy-two members of the commission and your correspondent accompanied them. Col. Bascon explained: “It would never do to leave our wounded at Caimito, for when there was a large number, say seven or eight hundred, the Spaniards would think the place worthy of an attack and they would take many prisoners. As it is, the rebel leaders march to Caimito, leave their wounded and are away again to the fighting grounds, The sick men are only kept a day or two at Caimito, being sent back into the swamp hospitals. The Journey. For a couple of miles the road was fairly good. It was not hard or macadamized, to be sure, but the mud was not more than a foot deep in most places, and good pro- gress was made. Six men were with each of the wounded—two to carry and the cther four to be always ready as reliefs. It is unnecessary to state that changes were made about every one hundred rods, but no delays were occasioned thereby. “Why do we take such care of our wounded?" sgid Col. Bascon, repeating a question. “I will tell you. The leaders have studied .thig: matter pretty thor- oughly, and find thet a wounded Cuban be- comes more Gétermined, and is by far a better fighter after he has once felt the pang of the bullet cr saber. The Spanish soldier when injured applies for his charge, and is happy when he gets back home again. Not so with our men. After becoming strong in the Clénaga, and hav- ing a good rest, they are more anxious to face the enemy and are not possessed of the same fear. Take Gen. Maceo, for in- stance. He is literally covered with scars, and he cares no more for a saber slash than ordinary people do for the scratch of a cut.” By this time the beginning of the swamp was reached. The road was much in the nature of a narrow canal. On either side the banks rose from one to thre2 feet above the level of the mud. Thick bushes grew luxuriantly, and long tropical grasses inat- ted the shady regions in all directions. ‘On went the little train. Some were far ahead and others far behind, and most of them out of sight, hidden by the low trees and shrubbery that followed the winding way. : Thank goodness,’ there were no snakes. It was such a relief to be told that such reptiles were scarce in-the Cienaga, and that none of them ‘ere poisonous. “Ah, but theklieators and crocodiles,” said BRascon. And then after a few min- utes he imparted the information that those animals y Presently. be encoun- tered. The wounded /'¥ lows. Fo be sur a patient lot of fel- Yy swore occasionelly at the men carzyimg them, but that was only by way of shal@hz them do their duty, so. that the uifortunate fellow who had been severely nee In ‘the field might not be allowed yto.@, hammock, pole and all; into the mif# below. “It was the st and harder w “carriers” woul ingest sight in the world; k than that done by the be=lifficult to find. Four men were now each pole, and the other two assisted heye an there as required. “Yes, you fellOws ‘may laugh and enjoy yourselves,” said ong: of the wounded, “but if you dump m@ int® the water and i ever become able to‘han@le a machete again I certainly will get even.” S Such a remark would be made when’ the carriers were not, sufficiently cautious in passing a particularly dangerous place, and the pole would slip from the shoulders of one or more. i A distance of a¥out ten miles had been traveled before the alligator section of the Clenaga was reached. All of the party were now up to thelr waists in the mire, and the prospect ahead was far from being exhilarating to 8 novice. The sun shone brightly overheas and the swamp was like unto a steaming caldron under its rays. Everywhere the watery vegetation was luxuriant; so much ‘so that in almost any direction the underbrush was clouded in semi-darkness. ‘ “But where are the alligators?” It was idle to ask, for soon the bubbling of the water in various places pointed them out. No one seemed to pay any attention, the illustration, full roll back and arms, a neat, dainty, strong comfortable chair, worth all of $4, for $2.25. $3.50, 6.00 Reed Rockers, full roll F Street, Corner Eleventh. QSOSEESSOSSEOES 1896-TWENTY-FOUR PAGES. Three Big Lines in Our GREAT FURNITURE SALE —Rockers, Chiffoniers, Easy Chairs. Only fair samples of the values we offer right through the stock. Cost and less than cost for every piece of Furniture in the sale. $7.85. Morris Chair, like the illus- tration, in oak or mahogany finish, with 4 adjustments to back, reversible, all-hair cush- ions, covered in the popular dinims—$7.85. Corduroy Covered Cush- ions, $8.85. Velvet Cushions, $1.50 more. on Chairs, gold and x hairs, high back. These are only 3 lines from our great sale—only 3 ideas of the values we of- fer. About anything you can want in Furniture is cut in the same proportion. W. B. Moses & Sons, Storage Warehouse, 22d, Near M. SSSOO8SSOS $13.50. You never heard of a Solid Mahogany Chiffonier under $25 till we offered this one. Solid ma- hogany, with oval French bevel plate mirror, cast brass trimmings, locks on all drawers. Worth $25. For $13.50. Orders taken from samples. Oak Ch fonlers. $13 Curly Boreh s14W $19 Quartered Oak Chifoalers. 3 — ay im, even though now and then one of the huge monsters, stepped upon by the men ahead, would make a swift movement to one side or the other. ‘ Bascon laughed at the correspondent’s discomfiture. But who would not be dis- comfited when he did not know what min- ute he Qrould again step upon one of the hard-biliMed creatures that snoozed con- tentedly beneath three feet of mud?” The journey was horrible. Never again for fame or for fortune would the misguid- ed scribe seek the hospitals of the Cienaga. To turn back now would be cowardly. To continue would be fearful. To have ever thought of going was the height of in- sanity. About 5 o'clock San Lorenzo lake was reached. Within a half mile of this body of water the “road” led up from the swamp to higher land, a relfef such as one can hardly appreciate. This land was com- paratively dry, and the soil was black and fertile. Palm trees grew in wonderful abundance, and to a great size. Some of them were fifty feet in heigh All parties rested at the brow. Away to the southward could be seen Lake San Lo- renzo. Beyond it low hills rose. In all cther directions the swamp alone was in sight. The Luke. At the end of the road at the Lorenzo side @ few rebel soldiers awaited the return of the commission. They were there in charge of a huge raft, and Immediately upon the train coming in sight began to make ready for the trip across the lake. Some of the wounded were known to them, and brother- ly greetings were given. Then the wounled vere placed aboard and the big raft was pushed off. Only the sick and those in charge of the transpert were carried on the first trip over. The distance was about two-thirds of a mile across. Several men worked at Immense wooden wheels at either side of the raft, while the others helped along with poles and paddles. ‘The transport was gone but a remarkably load. Before the last of the party had been carried across the second “commission,” which had left Caimito probably half an hour after the first, was in sight coming: ever the hill. “This will mean that the ‘ship’ will be in service all night long," said one of the “sailors,” “for, you see, there are still two more commissions, and if they are late we cannot cross the lake so rapidly.” “Then he went on to explain that, although from a view of the surface there were ap- parently no obstructions in the lake, a reg- ular course had to be followed. as In some places the water was very shallow and un- less extreme care was exercised the “ship” might run aground—run amud would be more correct—and considerable difficulty be experienced in again moving her. The commission's labors were over when it crossed Lorenzo lake. The wounded had been taken by men of the ‘main hospital of San Luis, half a mile away, and were al- ready with the maimed army at headquar- ters. The Hospital. A good road led to the main hospital. Palm trees were thickly scattered about, and one could scarcely imagine himself in the midst of the great Cuban swamp. The hospital, which, by the way, comprises, a dozen buildings, large and small, is sit- uated on the most dlevated point of ground in all this section. North, south, east and west marshy islands, moving bogs and muddy lakes stretch out for miles and miles. The hospital is ncthing more than a rest- ing place * for _weunded soldiers. Two young doctors, Perez and Mafceau, are in charge, but their services are mostly of a surgical nature. A number of nurses do the rest. The main bu!ldings are merely great cov- ered sheds, open on all sides, and with long slanting roofs. The framework ts of palm tree trunks, the partitions of strips of palm and bark, and the “shingling’ of dried palm leaves. In fact, all that is wooden about the buildings, even to “the chairs, tables and stout hammocks, is of material from that very useful tree. Dr. Perez sa‘d there were about six hun- dred men at the hospital, but a large ma- jority of them were strong again, and would soon join the forces in the field. A few wounded arrived nearly every day, but the hospital was never overcrowded. Indeed, it was difficult to see how the institution could become — overcrowded. when it is only the matter of a few hours’ work to cut down the palm trees and erect new quarters. ms The hammocks were strung along in rows from one end of the buildings to the other, and the soldiers who were sericusly sick remained day and night in them. Those who were well or improving were about the buildings and grounds, or away hunt-. ing alligators, “fishing for eels” or shoot- icks. nine men are quite happy here,” said Dr. Perez, “and find’ plenty to amuse them. The entire swamp is alive with ducks and other fowl, and we are never in want of fresh meat. Turtles, too, are numerous, and farther south, near the seacoast, splendid white fish are found in abundance. What niore could a sick scldier wish for? “While most of our work is with the knife,” went on the doctor, “we do very little amputating, for above all things the Cienaga hospitals are for the purpose of saving our soldiers; not for maiming them so as to render them unfit for future ser- vice. There is a man there,” pointing to one of the new arrivals, “‘who has been here twice before since the beginning of the war, and I will guarantee that within a month he will be back with Gen. Banderas, pon whose staff he is an officer.” The soldier referred to was a powerfully built blaci: man, who was already fast asleep in his hammock. He had twice been srot, and this time was suffering from an ugly gash in the neck made by a Spanish bayonet. While the steel was still in him he had killed and disarmed his adversary. ‘The Spaniards are not feared in the Cien- aga. So far.as is known, an officer or sol- dier of the government has never penetrat- ed the deep recesses of the great swamp, short time when it returned for another | PEOIIED DOL IR GOD H- Oh, for appropriate adjectives to exprens ness”? exquisite and the like all sound weak. why! he rum"of the mannfacturer’ stock. PEL HOITIOSCEHES Jess and a great many for more, you wan't ally not one of our patterns where, es aid to the undecided ever designed. Women’s Bi give money in buying of u: FOTSOOHESLAOFE GF HHO HOGL EPL DF OTHE LP OES ED EORD 4 eeoce SOSPOMEBS IS POOSOSSS fee uring the entire ten years’ war the Cienaga wee the principal rendezvous of the rebels, who here had their official headquarters, the!r chief stores and main hespitals. Nor was ever an attempt made dislodge them. teen iis ie the principal station in the Cienaga, but there are stores and hospitals at El Menando and at the points on tie Hattiguanito river. These are further back from San Luis, and are reached only by beats or by long circuitous tramps through deeper mire. An invitation to make an “excursion” taking in all the points was respectfully declined. WM. F. MANNIX. EAST SIDE WINE MAKERS. A Quaint Industry Transferred From Sunny Italy to New York. From the New York World. The creak of primitive Itallan wine presses may be heard any day at this sca- son of the year in the di tenement houses of the Italian quarter. This old in- dustry has been carried bodily from the Italien vineyards and set down in the most crowded section of New York. The machinery is of the kind used more than a century ago in Italy. The presses, which are of oak, are covered with the accumu- lation of many yards of cobwebs. This vintage of Mulberry street does not com- mand fancy prices. It is only mildly in- toxicating, but the product is very pcpular in the gloomy little wine shops in the base- ments along these crowded thoroughfares. “Tie supply of grapes for this curious in- dustry is obtained from upper New York state. It affords an excellent opportunity for the gfape dealers to dispose of their surplus sicck as well as for the fruit which is good for nothing but to be dump- ed into the river. The Italian wine press- «rs cf New York city usually manage to secure grapes they want for about a cent a pound: At this ger of ~ — rs up the river are very wal stacked They Ass in the habit of storing large quantities of grapes during the surnmer in the hope tha: a better price may be had during the winter. The trou- ble is that so many of the grape growers come te the same conclusion that the mar- ket is glutted when the demand is expected to be greatest. This gives the Italian wine-pressing in- dustry of Mulberry street just the opportu- nity-it needs. The Itallans besiege the stores which receive these grapes almost constantly at this season in the hope of finding bargains. They bring their greasy money and their push carts along with them, and when a satisfactory is made they pile those convenient vehicles high with the fruit and start homeward. It isa familiar sight to see the carts laden in ‘this way crossing Broadway in the vicinity of City Hall en route for these ileries, curious distil Washington’s Straight-Forward Dry Goods House. 4 Sprin g Silks & Dress Goods. of this Silk and Dress Goods sto-k! Did you ever vtop to Ubink Goods and Silks were so much handsewer than those usually seen atoat town? Most dealers take a “case of this” und 59 pleos tern separately, leaving the ugly, aud choosing the pretticst! For instance, take our Ine of Dress Goods at Sic. Goods are equal in effect and stylishucss to the 7 To help the choosing ~we have secured a number of stylish “crystal” taxhion plates, which are laid over the goods, apd show precisely how the dress Will Jook when imade up. cycle Suitings. New Silks for Spring Waists. Big “Novelty” Plaids are the rage in Paris at pre: Just the sert of pattern and color you like best for W. D. CLARK & CO., 811 Pa. Ave. SEG OPE TUES IG VEE PY OPS GONGLHB AEEH IEEE SED HESEFEOD ES oe Beit - Misael = Cemegeel 5 Fs > W. D. Clark & Co., 811 Pa. Ave. 2 +4 the Veauty, Rich, dainty extensiveness inight, aa and “scleet- it, en rege, our Dress Here f that, and get We pick each and every piece and pat- although we have some for riety anywhere, and Many of these 50-cent Dress and $1 Dress Goods sold elge- find 2 farge: The greatest In addition to selecting ur spring waist, you can also bSSeseesee LLLDLPSAALS RAL SASAARA DADA DA BIRTHMARKED WITH SPEECH. Repeated the Words So Often Uitered by Its Invalid Mother. From the Florida Times-Tnion, To a respectatle colored couple a baby was born out in Oakland recently, which talked three different times during its snort life of six hours. This is fully attested by the child's mother and grandmother, the midwife, and two other reputable witne esos, The mother of the child is Mrs. Themas, who is Living with her mo Mrs. Nannie Black, on Florida avenue, ner of Albert street, in Oakland. The*mother had been a very sick woman for a long time before the birth of her chill, and since the loss of her little has been made so nervous by people coming and asking about the child mary that she and ner mother concluded to tell the whole thing to the Times-Union, so that the people might read it. Mrs. ‘Thomas ac- cordingly scnt the following note to the office: “Mrs. J. E. Thomas presented her hus- band with a little girl on Januer: sidered the most sensitle child ever were born. It talk plainly. These are the words tnat it sa “Oh, Lord! Gh, Lord! Oh, Lord!’ In a few saying, ‘Oh, Lo mam= o'clock. Mrs. Peterson, the midwife who at! at the child’s birth, is a_gray-i strong and upright colo) known all over this part of the state for her profound kuow all sorts of medicinal hcrbs and other natural remedies for the sick. She told this story: “The baby horn a@ strong, big child, look like it was two months old. I ind just called for the things to fix the baby, when it commenced to fret a little. In a ininus the little thing opened its eyes, looking above, and opened its mouth, just os nat ural as I could, and said: ‘Oh, Lord! Oh, Lord! Oh, Lord! Three times it said ‘Gh, Lord’ and I vould have run, only th laid its poor, crippled mother, with Sister keiding ker up, and 1 had to stand to w Guty. “They all heard it. Sister Jane MacElroy and Sister Jane Taylor heard it, and its poor mamma and erandma heard i “The litle thing laid still thea for a Spell, and dir it spoke again, just cs patural as anybu: and called, "Oh, Lord! “That baby spoke again and ~alled its mamm4& three times, ‘Mamma, manuna, mamma,’ and when its mamma looked xt itt She said, ‘Look, granny, at this child,’ and TI looked, and the child was dead.” The Unplensable Woman. From the Indianapolis Journal. “I took out $10,009 insurance on my life today,” said the meek man. “I suppose you will live for sixty or seve enty years now,” said his wife, In an age grieved tone. i ne y POTS S GOS 00000005 060-0006490600000449006 i = Women riders ef the wheel have a wide range of fabries and colorings from 5 Which to select. Many soft, durable weaves that Tang in graceful folds when made up. > Attractive Mixed Bicycle Suitings at T5e., and lovely 50-in. Covert ‘Cloths, in the 4 foft tans, browns and grays, at $1 per yard. ry © 2, PS New Spring Silks. $ From the most “fnexpensive Wash Silks at 29c. to the superb Paris Persians and 2! Dresdens there hundreds of stepping places, mak! it but a question of the oe! parpese for which you want It, and the price desire to pay 2, We are showing a special quality of Black Sstin Dachess, so fashionable and =) desirable for making separate skirts, at Se. per yard— worth $1. s % 17, con, | 4 { 4 ; es