He stated that he had been ordered by the Queen to govern the island with kindness and generosity, but added that the rebellion must be brought to an end. He declared that while Spain would show mercy to all who submitted to her rule, she would punish with the utmost severity those who still remained in arms against her.
In the mean while the Cubans are going right ahead. 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.