nough they had obtained the money. What was his
surprise and indignation to find that, instead of bringing it to him,
they had deserted to the Cubans with their booty.

While the promised reforms are being put into practice without delay,
the new Captain-General is, it is said, making active preparations for
war. The winter campaign against the rebels is to begin at once, and it
is believed that severe fighting is ahead.

It remains to be seen whether the soldiers will do better under General
Blanco's leadership than they did under Weyler.

* * * * *

You will be interested to know that the trial of the _Competitor_
prisoners takes place in Havana this week.

The Spanish Government evidently wishes to settle this matter, which has
been a grave source of difficulty between Madrid and Washington.

Under General Weyler's rule it was impossible to get these men tried,
but Blanco has brought orders that they be tried immediately, and it is
rumored that if they are found guilty they will be pardoned on condition
that they leave Cuba and never return to it.

The _Competitor_ case was explained to you in No. 40 of THE GREAT ROUND
WORLD. Briefly, she was a schooner engaged in a filibustering
expedition, and was overhauled and captured by the Spaniards. All the
persons on board escaped but five, three of whom were sailing the ship,
and claimed to be American citizens.

The defence made by these men was that the filibustering party had taken
passage for Florida, and had given no indication of being engaged in any
unlawful pursuit till the vessel was out of sight of land, when they
took possession of her, and forced the captain to carry them over to
Cuba.

[Illustration: Cuba]

This defence was not believed, and the men were sentenced to death. Our
Government interfered on account of their being American citizens. A
protest was sent to Spain, and a new trial was ordered. This was over a
year ago, but by one means or another Weyler always contrived to prevent
it.

It is reported that this _Competitor_ case was one of the main objects
of General Woodford's mission, and that the pardon of these unfortunate
prisoners is in response to the President's request.

If all we hear is true, the _Competitor_ prisoners will only be a few of
the many persons whom General Blanco has been authorized to pardon. It
is said that all persons prosecuted for rebellion, and all rebels
accused of other crimes,