VISITS TO THE CAMP OF GOMEZ.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 135, 9 June 1898, Page 9

VISITS TO THE CAMP OF GOMEZ.

THE STATE OF THE CUBAN REBELS.

.MOW YORK, .May 0.

A 'Sun' special from Nassau (New Providence Island), says: —Lieutenant Andrew S. Rowan of the Nineteenth Infantry, United States army, who was sent to Cuba by President"MeKiuley to arrange for the co-operation of the insurgents in the invasion of the island by the United States troops, arrived here to-day, having made tin? voyage from Cuba iv an open boat. Having come from a yellow fever infected country, he was placed iv quarantine, and no one bu the quarantine officials was allowed to talk with him.

If is learned, however, that he successfully accomplished his mission, having con ferret! with General Gome/, the insurgent commander-in-chief, and General Calixtq Garcia. Shortly after leaving Bayome on his return he saw Admiral Sampson's squadron steaming 10 the eastward. .Lieutenant Rowan is. of course, extremely reticent regarding the detils of his mission, but it is understood that the results of his visit are very important. The American Consul here has arranged with the Government for the release of Lieutenant Rowan before Hie expiration of the quarantine period.

A Key West despatch in tliic 'World* says:—A commissioner sen! to Gomez' camp has returned here, bringing the Cuban leader's formal oftlckil thanks in behalf of Cuba to the United State.;,

a letter to President Melvinley and one each to General Miles and Admiral Sampson. Gome/, wants rilles. food, clothing and United States troops in the order named. Armed and supplied he promises to drive the blockaded Spaniards out in six months.

Hunger in tUv lields amounts to famine. Ten thousand Cuban revolutionists have died in the last four months, (.ionic/* own forces in Santa Clara are now living vieario'imly on small game.

There are 12,000 men in Southeastern Cuba; 2000 in Santa Clara, under Carillo; 1500 in Matan/as, under Betancourt: t.IOO in Havana, under-vari-ous small leaders; 3000 in Pinar del Rio. Pedro Dime and Mayia Rodriguez are under the experienced and skillful Gome/., and there are fully 20.000 more Cubans anxious to light If armed, equipped and fed by the United States.

Exampled by a few regular troops, tile most moderate estimate is -10,000 resolute Cubans, of which at least half hnve heard bullets before. Conditions in the blockaded island beggar description.