possess.

While the Cubans are pleased at this, they have not much faith in the
offer, and say that unless the United States promises to see that Spain
carries out her promises, they will not consider the offer at all.

The principal Cubans are waiting to see the actual paper before they say
much about it.

In the mean while, many of the Spanish soldiers are deserting from their
own ranks, and going over to the Cuban side.

The Spaniards have been offering every inducement to get the Cubans to
desert, and go over to them, but hardly any have done so--the only person
of importance being the infamous Dr. Zertuccha, who betrayed Maceo.

A telegram from Havana says that a major in the Spanish army, with 100 men
and 50,000 rounds of ammunition, joined General Gomez the other day. At
Puerto Principe, a Spanish colonel, with a whole company of well-armed
men, also went over to the Cubans.

The Cubans think this is a very favorable sign for them, and look for a
speedy end to the war.

* * * * *

The filibustering steamers _Three Friends_ and _Dauntless_ have been
released.

Their owners have had to promise to give them up again whenever they are