Evening Star Newspaper, April 4, 1896, Page 25

_-_THE SPAIN'S “HOLY WAR” AGAINST POOR CUBA, Life in Havana During the Proacted Con quest of the Insurgents, PLENTY OF PATRIOTISM, WITH LITTLE REAL ENTHUSIASM, Raw Recruits Landed on the Keys, Half Clad, Nearly Starved and Badly Treated, but Commanded ‘by Brilliantly Decorated Officers, Who Play Guitars and Fight Sunday Morning Duels. No one, perhaps, in the United States at the present time appreciates the broad freedom of our institutions more keenly than I. Not that I have just emerged from @ dark and loathsome prison cell; nor that kind fate has snatched me from the halter or garrote; nor that death in any form awaited me in other lands. While the correspondent in Cuba feels secure in the fact of his American citizen- ship, and while he feels that should he be foully dealt with his government would de- mand ample satisfaction, he at the same time cares little for what diplomatic cor- respondence or international complications may follow his hasty departure from this earthly sphere via the Spanish route. it would appear vain in me were I ‘to make the statement that during my sojourn in Cuba I did not have a personal fear of the authorities. More than that, such a statement would be not based en the actual frame of my mind. Indeed, the opposite would be nearer right. But while many and cark forebodings were Pretty thoroughly affixed to my daily and .night!ly thoughts, I never once allowéd the Spaniard to guess it. He had several + and the bold Yankee bluff worked until the last. ‘There Is, perhaps, not a people on the face of the globe who are as easily bluffed as are the Spanish. This I am unable to account for, and especially I know that, indi- ally or collectively, they themselves have reached the most acute perfection in that game. The latter statement is borne out by facts. When the Cuban rebellion of 1868 broke out Spain determined to put it own in one fell swoop by proclamation. It did not work. Then another followed, and r . and it took Spain ten vears to ns, despite the broadsides of language she hurled at them. AC paign of Proclamations. She opened up the present campaign in Uke manner. Gen. Campos talked himself hoarse telling the Cubans to come back into the fold, and saying that if they did not he would be tempted to thrash them severely. The n ty Cubans tempted him till his r could be no longer restrained, and fe not meet Campos’ expectations, and months thereafter the Cubans, without his permission, were playing in his yler. He clung to the idea that he could talk the Cubans out of their ht. He interviewed himself before = Spain, and as soon as he arrived He issued proclamations so Teav! in Havana. thick and fast that it was no uncommon thing to see original copies blown hither military bands were already playing, the yellow flag of Castile was flying here, there and everywhere, and several. recently: ar- rived troopships were discharging their hu- man cargo. .The friend of Cuba would gain no encouragemeft from the scene... The Spaniard would exult. The disinterested spectator would ask himself the questio1 What show have these poorly-clad, poorly- fed and poorly-armed rebels as against a power that is able to make such a display as this? Immense crowds greeted the arriving re- cruits. As they came ashore-im small boats they were embraced as brothers; cheers went up for them, and for the ‘mother country; cries of derision were hurled at the name of Cuba; wines and cigars were hand- ed the soldiers, and beautiful women threw flowers and turtle doves to the officers. The new-comer could not but be deeply impressed with what he saw. He learned now, so ke thought, that the people of Cuba had indeed no disloyal sentiments toward Spain. There was apparently a uranimous pulsation in favor of the mon- archy and its rule, and an equally unani- mous desire to see the “bandits and negroes” forever crushed. But such impressions do riot last. Three days’ commingling with the people of Ha- vana told me that the noisy outward dem- orstrations of the populace did not repre- sent the inmost feelings of a majority of thelr hearts. I learned that this Paris of the Antilles groaned under the yoke of monarchial oppression and rottenness. I jearned that a silent fear possessed even loyal Spaniards, and that they were ex- Fected as often as possible to proclaim aloud their allegiance or suspicion might rest upon them. That word suspicion has a fearful meaning in Cuba, and more fear- ful because of its uncertainty. It may mean ccnfiscation of property, prison chains in Cabanas or the Isle of Pines, exile to the pest house at Ceuta, Africa, or summary death within the walls of the Moro er the Castillo del Principe! Insincere Patribtism. It was not difficult, therefore, to give reason for the apparent unanimity of feel- ing. As I walked about the streets, and in the squares and at the hotels and noted the anxious, spy-like countenances of the men, I knew that an always and over- hanging dread forced upon them their evi- dent loyalty and their hollow cheers. I felt some months ago in Havana that one- half the population of that city were in sympathy with the patriots in the field. Today I believe two-thirds are hoping and praying for the success of the rebel arms. Spanish bankers, merchants and others have spoken to me in about such a man- INTERVIEWING GOMEZ IN CAMP. and thither by the wild winds of the interior. ‘The came policy has been pursued by the Spaniards with reference to the rebellion outside of Cuba. The world has been In- formed by Spain's emissaries on every hand that the trouble in Cuba was simply a little family quarrel, and that as soon as one member of the family became a little more saucy that member would be spanked. Then as the rebeilion grew we were in- formed that two or three thousand negroes led by a half dozen bandits had taken to the woods, and were there defying the au- thority of the mother country. It was only a little local affair, and the world should take no notice of it. Spain would soon surround the outlaws, execute a few of the leaders and all would be quiet again. I confess that these reports, coming from Havana, had considerable weight with me. Before leaving New York last fall I talked with a prominent editor, and he assured me that the trouble in Cuba was not a war at all, but simply a weak-kneed negro movement. I was wasting time by going, he said, and would realize it thoroughly efter landing in Havana. Desirous of getting at the truth I went; but at the same time rather prejudiced against the Cuban cause. I did not look upon it then as the Cuban cause, but was almost ready to accept the Spanish version of the affair. Halt a year in the island has made a I return to the United States z that the war in Cuba is really euch; that it Is not a negro movement; that the leaders are not bandits and cut- throats; that the cause is that of the op- .d people of Cuba against the medieval sm of Spain; and that they are fight- with a bravery and determination mer- {ting the applause of man and the benedic- stlon of God. Landing in Havana. ‘The vicinity of Havana was reached by the steamer on board of which I was at about midnight. When twenty miles from the mouth of the harbor the great light in the main tower of the Moro castle flashed to us the location of Sprin’s stronghold on the Island of Cuba. As we neared the coast @m occasional warship would run along- gide, turn on her search lights, and, satis- fied that our mission was purely legal, pro- ceed. But no vessel is allowed to enter the harbor by night, according to an order that was issued some nine months ago, and so ‘we were compelied to awalt dawn in the lashing waters outside. The array of forts and guns on either side ‘was formidable, and thousands of soldiers swarmed landings, parapets and walls. The ner 9s this: “Yes, I decorate my business establishment and I go out and cheer the troops, and bow low to the palace officials and tell them how loyalI am. At the same time I know how for years we have been taxed until almost our heart’s blood is drawn from us for the support of a horde of corrupt officials here and in Spain. Of course, I dare not say these things aloud, and should you inform on me you yourself know what would be the consequence.” Such cr similar statements were made to me by prominent business people of the metropolis. In some instances they added that they were not wholly in sympathy with the revolution, but would welcome any change if it meant a release even to a An Insurgent Kitchen. degree, from their thraldom. The Spanish government, I think, is aware of the under- current in Havana, but still, I believe its ignorant blindness will continue to make it place all confidence in the general loy- alty of that city. The republican forces ‘will, in my opinion, attack Havana when the opportune mo- ment has arrived. They will need more artillery than they now possess, but with Gomez and Maceo in command, I will be- lieve, when the first news reaches me of an attack, that Spain’s power will be crushed forever in the w streets of the id old town. It wile @ struggle the ee of which will go down to future and far-off generations. It will be as an assaulted house divided against itself. It will*mean the burning of a rich and ancient city. It will mean the expiring snaris of a blood- and-iron tyranny, and the gladly resound- Ing voice of liberty’s awakening. The fall of Havana! What a mesage to quicken the | pulse of freedom the world over! What a sentence to brighten the hearts of the op- Pressed in other lands! Havana’s Defenders. I could not but admire the soldiers who were on duty about the city of Havana. ‘These were the civil guards and volunteers. Of fair size, neat in dress, good soldierly appearance and attending strictly to duty they were men such as any country might be proud of. Their uniforms were of sub- stantial material and well made. Each gvard carried a modern carbine, to which ‘was affixed a sword-bayonet, and from his belt hung a light, straight machete, not very different from the famous Cuban Weapon. The Cuban machetes are made in the United States, and are the best in the ‘world. The Spanish machete, weighing about one-half as much, is a product of the famous works at Toledo, Spain. The officers of the civil guards and the volunteers are usually men prominent in business or social circles of the metropolis. They are appointed through favor and, in isolated instances, because of military abil- ity. ‘At times their loyalty, as well as that of the rank and file, has been questioned. Indeed, at the most critical period of recent Cuban history, that time when Gen. Go- mez hovered about Havana within a radius of fifteen miles, the volnnteers threatened ae TURDAY, cooled sémuwhat by being with- is for months at a timo, sleeping on in theieoent 2 Lrepeat, the pictute. isnot colored. I have witnessed such scenes in Havana.and out. I have seen them witliqut shoes—their feet swollen and blistered :and .poisoned-travel- Spain’s Army. Such is the army, and such are the men, with whom Spain expects to lash the pa- triotic Cubana, into ,submission, She ex- pects them to be loyal, energetic soldiers in her “holy cause,” and to do valiant work against heroes whose souls are in- spired and hearts made stout by the thoughts of liberty—that most priceless of gifts that heaven has bestowed upon man. The officers of the Spanish regular army are quite different from the privates. They are usually weJl educated and accom- A SURPRISE. revolt. Gen. Campos, correctly enough, be- came very much excited, and he hurriedly sent for the officers of the civil guard and volunteers. Assembling them in the throne room at the palace he informed them in elevated tone that each officer would be held personally responsible for the actions of his men. “If they rebel,” said the old commander, “you, each of you, will know what is in store.” “The officers needed not to ponder over the matter. They knew. There was no mutiny. The young men of these two branches of the service are mostly from Spain. They are generally poor and come to Cuba seek- ing employment. At home they are repub- licans and their principles become more pro- nounced after reaching Cuba, for they find that here, as well as in their native land, no place, even the most obscure, in the gov- ernment service is open to them. Having the natural taste of the Spaniard for mili- tary show and parade they join the local volunteers, being bound thereby to do city and garrison duty only. Secretly they de- spise the government they are supposed to guard. Mutinous Volunteers. Gen. Campos at one time ordered that a part of the volunteers be sent Into the field. But he had presumed too much upon their loyalty, for the soldiers assembled in the plaza, protested to the lieutenants of the captain general and finally ended the Giscussion by throwing thelr arms and ac- coutrements in a pile and going home, Their numbers saved them. Had it been | two or three or five hundred only who had thus disobeyed, none would now be alive to tell the story, but there was absolute unison of action by the several thousand, and there remained nothing for the au- thorities to do but countermand the order. Judging by the general actions of the yolunteers and in even a greater measure by my talks with individual members I am prepared to believe that they are not willing to lay down thelr lives for the Span- ish monarchy. There can be no question raised as to their patriotism and love of nativs land, but the majority of them have hoped and still do hope for the downfall of the dynasty in Spain. They know that should Cuba win her independence the rcyal house at Madrid must go, and with its going would come the republic at home for which they so long have wished. i The Spanish regular army in Cuba is quite a different institution. It is perhaps the most irregular regular army in the world. It is composed almost entirely of young men between the ages of sixteen and thirty. They are generally ignorant peasant boys, who care a great deal about but know very little concerning where they are going when they leave their native hillsides. There are certainly numerous and very steep hillsides from where they come, for nine out of ten are bow-legged or are shorter on one side than the other. In heighth they would not average more than five feet three inches. Despite the com- pactness of their build they are very fair runners. Many of these poor fellows were drafted into the service. When Spain was making great efforts to reinforce her army in Cuba some four months ago she drafted in one month 11,000 recruits. Of this number about 3,000 paid the required $600 and were allowed to stay at home. The remaining 8,000, not having the funds wherewith to purchase their release, were sent across the ocean as “volunteers” to whip the re- bellious Cubans. A large number of the recruits never saw guns in their lives before landing in Cuba. They do not even have the satis- faction, if such it might be called, of parad- irg in uniform hefore their weeping sisters or sweethearts ‘ere they leave old Spain, perhaps never to return. In a large num- ber of instances the recruits are hustled aboard the big transport ships, crowded to- gether in very insufficient quarters and landed upon some of the keys along the Cuban coast, there to undergo a bathing formula, obtain a cheap uniform and be put through a seml-drill before being sent into the interior. “Raw” I saw “soldiers” land from Spanish ships in the city of Havana looking far worse than the steerage passengers coming ashore from the ocean liners at Bedloe’s Island. ‘They were literally dumped from the ships, and after being herded together were tramped to some place out of sight. A few hours afterward they would be taken aboard coastwise transports or upon trains to points east or west. ‘Their flimsy uniforms are made of ordi- nary blue ticking, and a scull cap of the same material covers a part of their heads. On the contrary, their shoes are coarse and heavy, but the government has thought in some instances they should have weighed considerably more. But Spain’s soldiers in Cuba are well armed. Each man is a little walking, bow- legged arsenal all by himself. He carries a -good rifle-the Mauser—a carbine, a sword-bayonet and a light machete. In ad- dition to this there are numerous big straps and buckles, which, after a time, the sol- dier thinks are for the purpose of keepin, body and soul together, for the poor sol- dier is wretchedly fed, and in this particular the rebel fighter is far better off. I have witnessed, in Havana, Puerto Principe and other places, Spanish soldiers begging from house to house or from passers on the streets. Many a night, also, especially in the former city, have I noted government troops sleeping upon the stone pavements beneath covered archways and terraces. ~ I feel for the Spanish soldier, and who would not? Think of the unfortunate fel- lows who are dragged away from home and dear ones, crowded upon a dirty ship, landed in a strange and distant country, loaded down with arms and accoutrements, and then actually cast adrift to forage for them- selves. There is no exaggeration in this. ined to lowing words of the ancient and sublime of Spain. He i preached to concerning her divine right, how a place for him is reserved in the celestial regions if he but dies in her holy defense. The Cuban is pic- tured to him as a demon and murderer, and Recruits Indeed. plished. The majority ane military -gradé uates of Segovia Academy, Spain's West Point, speak several languages fluently and piay the mandolin or guitar to perfec- tion. They are usually good-looking fel- lows, dressed in handsome uniforms, in the makeup of which all the colors of the rain- bow and several additional ones are used, and are fairly bespattered with decora- tions of various kinds. When, how or where they performed the various deeds of valor which the crosses and eagles are supposed to represent I never could learn. In fact, believing it rather a touchy sub- ject, I never asked any of them about it. Gen. Campos, early in the war, laid down a golden rule for Spanish officers and men, to the effect that a loyal son of Spain had a choice of but two things—a decoration or death. Pondering on this, I could not but come to the conclusion that a very large be ‘nt on numerogs occasions had pre- ferred the former! a The Spanish officers have nothing to com- plain of. Their salaries, though small, are paid with comparative promptness, and they are allowed to remain in the*vincinity of the cities a greater portion of the. time. Of .course, captains, and lieutenants are kept in the field pretty regularly, but they are not officers, except in the broad sense. You are not much of anybody in the arm unless you can claim a title of major or col- onel. In addition to this, you must have at least half of your coat-front covered with decorations, and be able to discourse im- promptu upon the never-fading glories of Spain and the monarchy. At Puerto Prin- cipe I saw about the hotels enough officers to lead a million troops. Their sabers clanked loudly and their voices were. even more powerful in tone. It was easy for me to see how the rebellion could be put doth if’fhonographs, instead of machetes, were used. . The Spanish officer is not noted for his personal bravery. The history of America tells us hat in days long gone by the Spaniard was a very daring individual. He crossed unknown seas, unknown to him at least, and pel ated unexplored lands. He crossed Cuba and entered Florida. His bands traveled in thé wilds drained by the Mississippi, and even reached the Gulf of California. He sought the interior of Mex- ico, and built up colonial empires in the Andes. ‘ + Gold Was the Magnet. But a still closer study of that his- tory tells us that it was gold that impelled him onward. And we all know that in those earlier days the natives were not warlike. In Cuba, for instance, the inhab- itants were mild and peaceful people, and ran away from the shores upon the ap- proach of the foreigner. They had no arms and knew nothing of war. But the Span- jard taught them. Years of cruelty and strife have instilied into the Cuban a braver heart and a thirst for right and justice, and Spain is today reaping the har- vest the seeds for which she has been sow- ing for centuries. As a duelist the Spanish officer is fuily up to date. You must not speak angrily to him, or forthwith he will hand you his card and ask you to appoint a place of meeting. His honor has been deeply wounded—more deeply by far than he éx- pects his andtomy tobe should you be silly enough to accept his challenge. He will fight you with pistols or swords, but would disdain to meet you should you even suggest the machete. Almost any Sunday morning, on the hills just outside the city of Havana, you may witness a duel or two, or, sometimes, a A Volunteer. whole program. Nauglty things have been said by various individuals during the week, and Sunday morning before break- fast is invariably’ selected as the time for the satisfaction of that very vague matter known to! the Spaniard as hon- or. The principals and seconds assemble at the appointed hour. A profusion of courtesies, good’ cigarettes and mutual explanations are indulged In before the vital point is reached. The sun comes peeping over the hills as the fatal white handker- chief drops. What' moments of intense in- tensity follow! The icombatants dance back and forward,;and,at times their shin- ing swords even clash together. You turn your head away, for you know that soon the death-dealing blow will be given. And as your curiosity moves it back again, you see the men shaking hands and embracing each other. Honor has been satisfied, for blood has been drawn. You look for the gory wound, but it ‘been wiped away! I very nearly became involved in one of these deadly affrays myself while at a ho- tel in the city of Pinar del Rio. A cerffin Spanish officer-there imagined for some reason or another that I had taken a dis- lke to him, and so one morning when he addressed me, and I replied in English, which he did not understand, he fancied that I had said something I perhape would not care to repeat in ih. This was not the cxse; but as I did not endeavor to eens sent card to my room and me to, meet him. I replied that it would afford me great pleasure to comply with his rcquest, but as The Star expected @ letter from me that day, 1 was really too busy to think of it. Leaving Havana. Remaining in Havana several weeks at the outset, I paid almost daily visits to the palace of the captain general, to the Amer= ican consulate and to other points in the city where news might be found. The pal- ace officials, I must confess, were not back- ward in the matter of supplying informa- tion, and very kindly gave me free access to all official dispatches from the various sections of the island. This extreme cour- tesy I fully appreciated at the time, and so informed the officials. But after a while it dawned upon me that there was a strange samefiess to all the reports that came in. The rebels were being beaten and driven back at all points; their loss was usually very heavy, comparatively, and the gov- ernment loss very light; Gomez was wounded about so often, and between wounds he was dying of consumption,while poor Maceo was shot'to pieces every three or four days. I began to believe that the scattered pieces of the energetic leader were being made targets of by Spanish col- umns in various sections. One day he was reported killed at two points in the prov- ince of Santa Clara, and the points were sixty miles apart. I wondered if I were reading romance or dreaming. It certainly appeared quite un- natural ard inconsistent that this man, even though he be made physically better than other men of the age, should suffer death at a certain place, and then travel sixty miles or more to another place to again meet the grim monster. Maceo’s Dual Death. In the forenoon, when I had read the first report,-I fortrwith cabled it to my paper. I was rather nonplussed by the evening story, but in order to keep up with the times, as well as with the other newspa- per men, it devolved upon me to wire it also. The next morning an inquiry from a newspaper read: “Will you please inform us where Maceo met death?” Other official reports had come in in the meantime, and I cabled the answer: “Don’t think he met it arywhere. Reports this morning show him still on the go.” I do not think the reports were ‘doc- tored” at the palace, bur rather am I in- clined to believe that the correspondents saw them just as they were sent in. The various officers in charge of columns and detachments at the different points were, in my opinion, endeavoring to deceive the government at ali times. They were isolat- ed in many instances, ard there was no way of contradicting successfully the news they might forward to the captain general for their own glory. It was very plain to me after a time that in order to carry out my Instructions to send in “reliable and truthful reports, without bias or exaggeration,” I must leave Ha- vana and get into the country. Thereupon I applied to General Campos for military pass- ports, and the same day received them from the captain general himself, duly signed and sealed. These passports entitled me to go with the “forces in operation” so long as I should conform to military regulations. The A Standard Bearer. “forces In operation” were not more minute- ly described, and I formed the impression that the term, of course, included the rebels, who were certainly ex2reising considerable force, as well as decidedly dolng much operating just at that pertod. Later I carried out the impressions thus formed, and still later was rudely relieved of any such ideas. Further than that, I was given to understand that my hasty conclu- sions might, if the government so desired, lead to my sudden demise. What I saw in the field with Gen, Campos, and later with the rebel leaders, will be told in succeeding chapters. WILLIAM FRANCIS MANNIX. —— THE RATS KNOW RILEY. Shares Luncheon With Them and Has Their Confidence. From the Ind!anapolls Journal. Addison Riley, a blacksmith, in the em- ploy of G. H. Shover, at 172 East Market street, has a small company of rats that come at his call each noon hour. As with the celebrated Pied Piper of Hamelin, the rats come from their holes at his bidding; but with the case of Mr. Riley, it is food and not music that aitracts them. By care- ful treatment, however, he has taught them to know him, and they are no more afraid of him than of a bushel of corn. Each noon, as Mr. Riley sits down to his lunch the rats begin to come, and so great is their confidence in him that they will climb on his lap, eat from his hand, and allow him to stroke them. After the meal they will scamper back under the worn floors of the shop. The process by which Riley has succeed- ed in training the rats has been a tedious one. He commenced by getting them to come a little way from their holes for crumbs. He then increased the distance Letween the food and the rats’ retreat. ‘They finally learned that he meant them no harm, and now he is regarded by them as a great friend. The novelty of rats coming from their places of safety to eat from the hands of a man has attracted many people to the blacksmith shop dur- ing noon hours. The rats will not venture far out when any strangers are near at hand. A stranger may stand a few feet away, but it is observed that all the while the rats are running about Riley they have an eye on the stranger, and at the slightest Move they run away as fast as possible, ———_+e+_____ TWO STAMPS FOR $1,320. High Prices Paid for Rare Postage Stamps by Collectors. From the Springfleld Republican. Two little pieces of paper, which, when originally issued by the Canadian govern- ment, were valued at 12 pence each, were sold at auction Thursday night in Boston for $1,320. The price paid was the largest given for any single lot of stamps in the three days’ sale. All Canadian stamps of the issue of 1851 are rare, but these two 12 pence stamps are believed to be the only unused ones of tke kind printed on laid paper. The stamps were bought by Mr. Needham of Hamilton, Ont., who sold these stamps to the company holding the auc- tién and got $1,500 for them. Mr. Need- ham bought a number of other Canadian stamps at prices ranging from $10 to $185: A 5-cent St. Louis 1845-6, which is a post- master’s provisional issue, sold for $251, while a 10-cent specimen of the same date brought $105. United States government issues sold from $00 down. The former price was paid for an 1851-6 30-cent unper- forated, unusued, which is one of the rarest of United States stamps. ——_—__ + e+ ____ Parcel Delivery by Wire. From the Chicago Times-Herald. Frank D. Prindle and W. J. Page of Grand Rapids, Mich., have asked the council for the right to erect poles and string wires for a parcel-carrying system to extend over the entire city. The system is much like that now used in stores. On the wires will run small cans or water-proof buckets, propelled by electricity, and controlled from a central station. Parcels will be received at either central or substations and thence dis- patched to all quarters of the city, where, at substations, they will be received by sta- tion masters and given to boys with bicycies for further distribution to the persons to whom they are addressed. The system is tho result of seven years’ experimenting and is covered by patents. RIL €; 1896—TWENTY-SIX PAGES. se THE NATIONAL GUARD Army Officers Take Offense at Crit- ioism by Major Suess, CLOSE OF ‘THE RIFLE GALLERY Preparations for the Season of Out- door Shooting. ENGINEER CORPS ACTIVE The criticism of brother officers by cer- tain individuals holding commissions in the District of Columbia National Guard has resulted of late in the filing of charges in cne or two instances, with a consequent stir up in the interest of the organizations immediately concerned, but there is another matter on the tapis of the same general nature, though quite out of the ordinary. It Involves the commanding officer of one of the most progressive battalions of the brigade in a manner heretofore entirely foreign to the District guard, while an army officer, the adjutant general of the army and the War Department are directly concerned. It will be remembered very well that soon after Washington's birthday Major Otto L. Suess of the fifth battalion, in a com- munication to a local newspaper over his official signature, complained of the general lack of patriotism apparent in this city. In explanation, Major Suess set forth that as his command paraded along Pennsylvania avenue, February 22, it was reviewed, among other spectators, by several persons Whom he recognized as officers of the United States army, and of the number, but one, Capt. Theodore Mosher, twenty- second United States infantry, who, by the way, is adjutant general of the District of Columbia militia, raised his hat in recogni- tion of the national colors borne by the battalion, It is said that Major Suess further declared that as his battalion marched past the Army and Navy Club, it was viewed by a number of officers of the army from one of the windows of that structure, and that no apparent notice of the presence of the flag was taken by any of the party. Although no names were mentioned, it seems that the officers in company with Col. Mosher or the occasion described were Lieut. Carl Reichman and Jieut. Arthur Yates, both of the ninth infantry, U. S. Noticing Major Suess’ published criticis: Lieut. Reichman, in a communication to the adjutant general of the army, it is stated, inclosed a clipping, and declared mcst emphatically that he did salute the colors, and then went on to say certain things about the conduct of Major Suess in publicly denouncing an officer of the army in the manner in question. Gen, Ruggles’ Recommendation, Interest is added to the situation by the announcement that one of the officers who viewed the passing of the battalion from the Army and Nayy Club was General Ruggles, adjutant general of the army. Those who claim to know say that Gen. Ruggles very properly saluted the colors, in spite of Major Suess’ contertion to the contrary. In any event, Gen. Ordway is in receipt of a communication, it is said, from the adjutant general, U. 8. A., in- closing the statement of Lieut. Reichman, accompanied by a few pertinent remarks from the adjutant general himself. The indorsement of most interest, however, is believed to read something like the fol- lowing: “This matter requires some action on the part of the brigadier general con wanding the District of Columbia militia. Owing to press of private business, it is believed that Gen. Ordway has not found time as yet to consider the matter. How- ever, military men who have heard of the affair say that the indorsement from the War Department officials cannot be ignor- ed, und the outcome of the decidedly unique situation will be awaited with perhaps more genuine interest than any happening appertaining to the jocal military for some time past. The Wimbledon Cup. The Wimbledon cup, won twice by Pri- vate S. I. Scott, company A, engineer corps, is now on exhibition at Lieut. Hut- terly’s. This beautiful trophy—which rep- resents the long range championship of the United States—was presented more than twenty years ago by the National Rifle Association of Great Britain to the National Rifle Association of America, and has since been competed for annually by some of the finest long range shots in the United States. Washington marksmen, however, were comparatively uninterested in the cup match until 1898, when Private Scott first captured it; prior to that, though —in_ 18i—-it was gathered in by Lieut. C. H. Laird, who is now quartermaster of the sixth battalion. Since 18% Washington- ians have figured conspicuously in the competition, ard unless some phenomenally strong shot from the outside puts in an appearance at Sea Girt, the cup is likely to remain at the national capital. The win- ners, commencing with Major Fulton, who received the cup from the hand of the ncess Louise, have been as follows: Maj. Fulton, I. L. Allen, Dudley Selph, Frank Hyde, C. H, Laird, W. M. Farrow, F. J. Rabbeth, W. Budworth, H. T. Rockweil, J. W. Todd (three years succession), T. J. Dolan, W. M. Merrill, C. H. Gaus (four years in succession), I. Scott Gn 1895 and 1895) and Peter Finnegan (in 1894). Close of the Rifle Gallery. Several inquiries having been made as to when the season of rifle practice in the gal- lery would this year come to an end, a Star reporter was informed by the inspect- or general of rifle practice that the gallery would be closed the night of Saturday, May 1€. The month of April will, of ccurse, be devoted to official and voluntary practice and competitions at @4@ yards. When that hgs been completed, a two weeks’ opportunity will be «forded those guardsmen who desire to complete or bet- ter their scores, that opportunity ending when the gallery is closed on the night of Friday, Mey 15. On the following evering the final competition for tie Barkart dal will take place, and when that fs finished, the gallery will he closed. and will remain closed until October next, when it will be reopened $0 as to affera recruits who may be enlisted between April 1 and Octoler 1 a_chance to complete the reqitred sco! Heretofore the gallery has been opened and clesed irregularly, but the practice will not obtain hereafter for ihe very gocd re: son that many of the officers and enlisted men displayed carelessness anid did not complete their gallery scores because they kept on imagining thal there would Le no jack of opportuniiy to do so at the extreme end of the season. It will, therefure, be evident to all members of the guard who were members in good standing prior to the Ist instant, and whose gallery scores are incomplete up to date, that completion must be achieved before May 15, or it will not be possjble. The xaltery is open each week da~ from 10 to 6 o'clock, and it is fre- quently the case that voluntary practi may be had evenings when organizations are engaged in doing their official work. Opening of the Ordway Range. Unless the plans go wrong, the range at Ordway will be open for practice about June 1, certainly no sooner, and probably not much, if any, later. As ducing the last season, Mondays, Wednesdays and Satur. days will doubtless be practice days, while Saturday will be set apart for the National Rifle Association, which, by the way, is making preparations to do business on as large a scale as its means will permit. Several improvements at Ordway are con- Serious Complications. From the Star, Portemouth, Va. An experience that ts sekdem recérded by any Bewspap>r is that of Mr. Gabriel Levy of @21 Crawfcrd street, Portsmouth, Va., who, at one ‘time, was a sufferer from a Pink Mills for Pale People.” Mr. Levy also says that he believes if be had Bot used the pills he would never have been able to reach bis home in Portsmouth; that they proved a blessing to him. He cheerfully recommends tem to the prbiic. To confirm bis statement beyond all doubt, Mr. Lexy made the followitg alMdavit: “I swear that the above statement of my case and the use of Dr. Williams’ Pills to be true, «Signed “GABRIEL LEV State of Virginia, city of Portsmouth, se: Subscribed und sworn to before me this Sth day of January, 1806. 0. 1 BROOKS, Notary Public. its in all the el f all druggists or directly by Williams’ Medicine Co., Sche = ———=——= = = templated, including a system of drainage. The transportation arrangements during the coming season will be the same as heretofore; those men holding permits for reduced railroad rates will continue io make use of the same, while the members of the guard, who have never had a card, may secure one by making application to their battalion inspector of rifle practice. Under the direction of Lieut. King, am- munition for use on the range is now being loaded in the armorer’s room. Doings of the Engineers. Surgeon Drury and S. B. Wallace of come pany B, engineer corps, have been detailed by Maj. Thompson for the special duty of homing pigeon service, and Lieut. Freeman to make a special study of signaling. S. L Scott has been presented with a fine photograph of the trophy as a testimonial to his merit as a rifleman. A committee has been selected to mrke a report in the matter of preset ting a distinctive medal to each of the riflemen who had a place on the team which during any year won the “bronze horse” trophy. Lieut. 43. B. Young, it is announced, is entitled to wear the engineer corps medal for having mede the highest total (41) at ordered practice curing 18%. Company C has made good progress on the map ef the last brigade camp, and che corps has appropriated $40 toward purchas- ing a transit for the use of the company. F. L. Graham ef company A has returned to this city and will take up his usual ac- tive interest and work. . The eng:reer corps has adopted appro priate resolutions of respect in reference ta the death of Prof. Fava, who was an hon- orary member ef the corp: Changes in the First. At an informal eleetton in company Q third battalion; Puesday evering last, Ser- geant E. W. Zea, who ¥as recently trans- from company D to company B, was en first Heutenant, and Private W. D. Davidge of company B second Keutenant. A formal election will probably take place next week. It_is stated that First Lieut. Peter Duffy of ecmpany D will tender his resig nation-et the next monthly meettig of the corps. Shculd this action be taken, the general expectation is that Secoyd Howard. Beadk. will he promoted o vacancy, in the event that he f rt J. med as the battalon inspector of rifle practice. Hospital Steward Kenner of the first bat- talion has applied for a discharce, and Pri- vate J. 8. Jacob of company B has been ex- pelled from the corps for conduct unbe- coming a soldier and a gentleman. ° New Life in the Fourth. The members of company C, fourth bat- talion, are enthusing new life into the or- ganization. The quarters pf the company at the armory are now be!ng frescoed and handsomely furrished, and it is the inten- tion to recruit the command to the maai- mum number. The company has arranged to give an entertainment Thursday eve next at Odd Fellows’ Hell, 7th street north- west, and the program will include num- bers by the National Guard Dram Corps and the Second Regiment Band and an ex- hibition drill by the Morton Cadets. Use of Convention Hall. Beginning April 1, the assignment of Con- vention Hall for drill purposes is accord- ing to the schedule in force prior to the opening of the ice palace, except that the hall will not be available this even- ing. In Neu thereof, the engineer corps and separate companies grouped t with it will use the hall Monday, Apri in connection with the second battalion. Great has been the complaint of late, from guanlsmen who have maneuvered, about the temporary flooring laid over the sheet of ice in the hall. Several severe colds hav been contracted. Many individuals hav absented themselves from drilis for the rea- son stated, and when put to vote a few €venings ago, the members of company A, third battalion, unanimously decided to use the streets for drill purposes in preference to the hail, so long as the ice remains. Notes. Preparations have been completed for the annual compary competitive drill of the fifth battalion, which takes place Monday evening next in Convention Hall. A rifle competition, open to members of the fourth battalion, will be shot in the gallery daring the evening of May 1. AN men \ho have a recerd of at least 175 for ordered practice will be eligible to compete, and several prizes, including rifles and re- volvers, will be awarded the winners, Capt. W. E. Horton ined the mem- bers of the Officers’ Association of the Sec- ond Regiment with an able and carefully prepared paper on a timely topic at the meeting last week. Maj. Harries made a few impromtu remarks, and, on invitation, promised to read a paper before the associa- tion at some future meeting. Quartermaster Sergeant W. E. Sorrets, ‘ond separate company, was given his tical examination for second lieuten- ant of that organization Monday evening last by Leiut. Beatty. Company A, second battalion, has issued invitations for its thirty-third compli- mentary hop, to take place in National Rifles’ Armory Easter Monday evening, April 6, at 8:30 o'clock. fempany A, third battalion, will give its third and last dance of the season in Na- tonal Rifles’ armory Friday evening, April 10. >—— Pan Dits. From Te Date. Professor—“Why does a duck put her head under water?” Pupil—“For, divers reasons.” Professor—“Why does she go on land?” Pupil—"For sundry reason —___+e-+—_____ Bad Management in Cuba. From Trath. It was plain that Gen. Weyler was very angry. “Why cen’t we win more battles, you hound!” he cried. “It's all your fault,” roared his chief of staff. “Why don’t you get a better press agent?” a Appropriate. From Puck. Cobble—"As the chicken left the table at my boarding house yesterday I broke into a snatch of song and shocked them all.” Stone—“What was it?” ee “Say Au Revoir, but Not Good