Nothing further has, however, been done to carry out this plan, and indeed it seems doubtful if anything can be done. Spain has no money, and the Spanish soldiers need food for themselves—how then can the Spanish commanders supply the peasants with farming implements and grain, and care for them until kindly earth yields its crop?
General Blanco seems to have unearthed some serious frauds during his investigation. He has asked the Spanish government to send out a general named Escribera to him, that he may make him account for the cattle which he is supposed to have supplied for the consumption of the army, but which never came to hand.
In the mean time the Cubans are gaining victories all over the island, and the leaders seem more determined than ever to accept nothing but liberty from the Spaniards.
General Gomez has notified President McKinley of this fact.
He sent him a note in which he recited the struggles and sufferings of the Cubans, reminded him of the blood that had been spilled in the cause of freedom, and assured him again that under no circumstances would the patriots end the war until Spain had given up the island.
A Spanish general has been sent out by Blanco to take command of the eastern army, and reduce the rebels to submission. He reports, however, that the troops under him are in such a poor condition that he can expect very little from them.
In Spain the Carlists are causing a good deal of anxiety. The Pope has received certain information that a great rising is indeed contemplated. Espousing the cause of the infant King Alphonso, he has sent a letter to the Spanish clergy, desiring them to refrain from encouraging the rebellion.
There are constant rumors of risings, and arms and ammunition have been seized in several towns of Spain.
It seems certain that Don Carlos is only waiting for a favorable opportunity to commence hostilities.