they are ready to revolt against their rulers. A change in the government
is almost sure to come, and the Carlists and Republicans are both trying
to become the new power that is to get in when the old is overthrown.

For these very good reasons the government has told General Weyler that
neither men nor money can be sent to him.

It seems that what money he has in hand will be used up by May 1st, and
then no one knows what will be done.

There is a general idea that while Spain will never withdraw her troops
from Cuba, and allow that she is beaten, she will quietly drop the war,
sending no more men or money to help carry it on, and leaving the
Spaniards who are in Cuba to shift for themselves.

The poverty of the Spanish soldiers is something pitiable. They are sick,
hungry, and only half clothed. The medicines have given out and there is
no money to buy any more, and so the poor fellows have to suffer without
proper medical care.

Then, too, the smallpox has broken out, the government has no means of
checking it, and it is steadily gaining ground, until the people are dying
like sheep.

What pay is left for the poor soldier lads, after the officers have got
through stealing it, is paid to them in the paper money Weyler tried to
force on Cuba. (You can read about it in No. 2 of THE GREAT ROUND
WORLD.) This money is utterly worthless; none of the Cuban merchants
will take it, and yet it is given to the poor soldiers, and they are told
to go and buy what they want, Weyler well knowing that they cannot