With these towns abandoned, the insurgents do not need such a large body of troops in Santiago, and so a strong force under the leadership of General Garcia is making its way westward to join the army in Havana and Pinar del Rio.
This army crossed the trocha without any difficulty, attacked the town of Taguayabon in Santa Clara, captured it and plundered it with very little opposition from the Spaniards, and marched triumphantly on toward Matanzas province.
The news has reached Havana that this body of men which is marching toward the city is the flower of the insurgent army. It is stated that it consists of infantry, cavalry, and three batteries of artillery, and is well supplied with arms and ammunition captured from Las Tunas.
A messenger from Cuba has arrived in this country, who states positively that the elections have been delayed, and that as yet no one has been chosen to fill the office of President. He adds that Señor Bartolome Maso is the favorite, and it is supposed that he will be the successful candidate. The news of the election of Señor Capote may not have been true, after all.
This messenger, who is named Aguirre, says he is the bearer of some important messages and papers to the Cubans in America, but he will not say what they are until he has laid them before the proper authorities. It is thought that they may have something to do with the exchange of prisoners, and the recognition of the belligerency of the Cubans by the Spanish army.