situation. It was decided that the Spanish cause must be upheld at all
hazards, and that fresh troops must immediately be sent to Cuba, to
strike some decisive blow which shall offset the triumph of the Cubans.

The capture of this town is of great value to the Cubans for several
reasons, one of which is that it breaks the strength of Spain in Eastern
Cuba.

We have told you before that this part of the island is now known as
Free Cuba, that the insurgent government controls it, and that there are
no Spanish troops marching through it, ravaging it or laying it waste.
What soldiers Spain still keeps in this part of the island are shut up
in a few large and important towns.

These towns are, however, more of a burden than a profit to the
Government, for the Spaniards dare not venture out into the surrounding
country, the Cubans being too strong for them.

They are thus practically besieged; their supplies have to be sent to
them from Havana, and they are entirely dependent on the main army for
support.

For months past the great object of the Cuban troops in Eastern Cuba has
been to waylay the baggage-trains carrying these supplies. Again and
again they have been attacked, the guard slaughtered, and the provisions
captured. The Cubans have begun to boast that such comforts as their
army is now enjoying have been supplied to them through these forays on
the enemy.

Bayamo, one of the towns that especially depended on the convoys, is in