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The Orders and Administration of Weyler: Spaniards

This touched one of the sorest points of the Spaniards, whose greatest and incurable trouble is, the rebels are constantly perfectly informed of the movements of the Spanish columns that have to grope their way, for, as a rule, the inhabitants do not tell on the insurgents and are vigilant and untiring to report all the activities of the Spaniards.

The rigor of the military law was applied " to those who by means of carrier pigeons, rockets or other signals, send news to the enemy." And in such case the captain-general said that capital punishment or prison for life "be applicable by law, shall be tried in summary proceedings." The Spaniards attached much importance to the use of carrier pigeons, though they could hardly have done more than suggest possibilities of furtive communication. This following command caused a great sensation:

All rural inhabitants of the Sancti Spiritus district and of the province of Puerto Principe and Santiago de Cuba, will make their concentration at the towns having any division, brigade, column, or other troops of the army, and then get documents of personal guarantee, within eight days after the present decree has been at the nearest township.

Most rigorous regulations as to "passes" in the country were proclaimed, and it was ordered that:

Storekeepers established out in the country will empty their shops, and the chiefs of columns will take such steps as may favor the success of operations in regard to buildings or other property, which while not being of considerable value, may afford shelter to the rebels in the interior of the woods or on the open country.

The country stores were ordered to be emptied, because they were a great resource for the rebels.