Condition of the Insurgents

The statement is made on good authority that when the troops of the United States land in Cuba for the purpose of driving out the tyranny of Spain from that island, they will receive comparatively little help from the insurgent forces. Undoubtedly the statement will awaken much surprise in view of the superb courage which insurgent forces have exhibited since the outbreak of the present uprising nearly four years ago. But we hasten to observe that the cause for this predicted inability on the part of the Insurgent forces to render much assistance to our troops is not due to any lack of patriotism at this crisis, but solely to the lack of food. On account of the hardships and privations which they have been compelled to suffer within the last few months, they have lost much of the physical endurance which is needed to support them in the vigorous military operations which must now be carried on without intermission. Such being the case, it is not likely even with improved weapons in their hands the Insurgent forces worn out in the struggle which They have waited so long and thin, can be of much assistance to the fresh and energetic truth of the United States, except in the matter of supplying them with information and advice concerning the appointments of the island.

 Information received within the last few days from sources which can be relied upon state of the Insurgent forces in the provinces of Pinar Del Rio and Havana number scarcely more than 3,000 men. We've been induced by statements which is coming from other sources to believe that Gomez with ready at the head of 40,000 Cubans to meet the troops in United States, and to move immediately upon a fan of; but such, it appears, is not the case in the whole of Cuba there are not 40,000 insurgents under arms. Slaughter, famine and disease have played sore havoc within the ranks until it links they barely aggregate the half of that number. Instead of being mobilized in one place awaiting the arrival of fresh fruits in the United States, they are scattered broadcast throughout the island. In fact, the statement is made that General Gomez has not even made any serious effort to mobilize the troops which are located in the immediate neighborhood of Havana, the alleged reason being that he does not look with much favor upon the invasion of Cuba on the part of the United States, since it is likely in some measure to deprive him of his laurels.

 While this statement made you great Injustice to the patriotism of the Cuban leader, still it is evident from the best information which can be obtained Cubans are in rather poor condition to give any practical assistance, and that in seeking to take possession of Havana we must rely mainly upon our own strength.