Arsenio Linares y Pombo

Arsenio Linares y Pombo

Arsenio Linares y Pombo (1848 – 1914) was a Spanish military man and government official. Born in Valencia, he earned the rank of lieutenant in 1868 and participated in operations against rebellions in Cuba, and in the Carlist Wars on mainland Spain. He occupied posts in the Philippines, Madrid, and Melilla, and later returned to Cuba.

He organized the defense of Santiago de Cuba during the Battle of San Juan Hill. Linares failed to reinforce this position, choosing to hold nearly 10,000 Spanish reserves in the city of Santiago. Spanish hilltop entrenchments, crucial to the defense of the city, had been poorly constructed and would make even point-blank rifle volleying at the advancing Americans difficult.

He was named Minister of War in 1900 by Prime Minister Francisco Silvela, and occupied this post under subsequent governments. He was appointed senator for life in 1900. In 1909, his call-up of troops from Catalonia to be sent to Morocco led to the Tragic Week in Barcelona. He died in Madrid.

Sources

• (Spanish) Arsenio Linares y Pombo