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.

There has been great rejoicing during the last few days over the escape
from prison of a young Cuban, Evangelina Cisneros.

This girl displeased the Spanish commanders, and in revenge they accused