The Spaniards make no progress in putting down the Cuban
revolt, which is, indeed, slowly spreading. According to recent telegrams the Spanish troops are dying fast, and the- number of insurgents is increasing. The rebels not only extort money from the planters under threat of burning the sugar plantations, but kill the cattle of any man who has supplied beef to the soldiers. Meantime, the Reservists are being called out in Spain to supply the troops needed, and this is causing great dissatisfaction. At a place near Barce- lona the Reservists would not' march when ordered, and, according to a telegram from Madrid, "a force of gendarmes. had to fire in the air to enfOrce discipline." That sounds very like comic opera, but it looks as if the war were any- thing but popular... We do not doubt, however, that, popular or unpopular, the Reservists will be forced to march. Spain will bleed to death rather than give up Cuba or let her govern.
herself. . .
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