Rensselaer Democrat, Volume 1, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 April 1898 — TO ARM THE CUBANS. [ARTICLE]

TO ARM THE CUBANS.

War Department Figures on Rifles and Ammunition for Insurgents. The War Department has obtained complete official information in regard to the strength and utility of the Cuban army, to be employed in conjunction with the United States troops in the expected occupation of Cuba. It is said that if the United States would supply 50,000 rifles, with ammunition, the Cubans would provide a man for every rifle. With an army of this size, the insurgent leaders believe that they would be able to march on Havana and capture it, even without aid.., This statement is made by Gen. Gomez, the Cuban commander-in-chief. The War Department lias been informed from reliable sources that about 5,000 Cubans in the UniteiJ States would join the army of occupation if this Government would supply them with arms, ammunition and provisions. The positive assurance is given that the number would not be less than that and it probably would not be much greater. It is said on authority which is satisfactory to the army administration that if the Cuban army could be supplied with rifles and ammunition they would hot lose

a moment, even in a midsummer campaign, in striking a telling blow to the Spanish forces in Cuba, because the insurgents know what a tremendous advantage they possess over the Spanish iu the rainy season.