Eastern times., 1854-09-21
MiseGllanp.
From Ballou's History Of Cuba.
The story of Marti, the Smuggler.

the Governor General himself Formerly he
was notorious as a smuggler and halt-pirate
on the coast of the island, being daring and
accomplished leader of reckless men. At one
time he bore the title of King of the Isle Of
Pines, whera was H. "PrineiPaE--~zrdezvOas :
and from whence he despatched his vessels,
small, fleet crafts, to operate in the neighbor-
ing waters.
When Tacon landed on the island and be-
came Governor-General, he found the revenue
laws in sad condition, as we'll as the internal
regulations of the island, and with a spirit Of
mingled justice and oppression, he determined
to do something in the way of reform.* The
Spanish marine, sent out to regulate the mari
time matters of the island, lay idly in port, the
officers passing their time on shore, or in CIV
ing balls and dances on the decks Of their
vessels. Tacon saw that one of the first
moves for him to make was to suppress the
smuggling upon the coast at all hazards, and
TO this end he set himself directly at work
The maritime force at his command were at
once detailed upon this service, and they
coasted night and day, but without the least
success, against the smugglers. In vain were
all the vigilance and activity of Tacon and his
agents-they accomplished nothing.
At last, finding that all his expeditions
against them failed, partly from the adroitness
and bravery of the smugglers, and partly from
the want Of pilots among the shoals and rocks
that they frequented, large and tempting
reward was offered to any one who would de-
sert his comrades, and act in this capacity in
behalf of the government. At the same time,
double sum, most prifcely in amount, was
offered for the person of one Marti, dead or
alive, who was known to be the leader Of the
lawless rovers who thus defed the govern
ment. These rewards were freely promul-
gated, and posted so as to reach the ears and
eyes of those whom they concerned; but even
these seemed to produce effect, and the
government officers were at loss how to
proceed in the matter.
1t was a dark, Cloudy night in Havana.
some three or four months subsequent to the
issning of these placards announcing the re-
wards as referred to, when two sentinels were
pacing backwards and forwards before the
main entrance to the Governors palace, Just
opposite the grand plaza. A little before
midnight a man wrapped in a cloak was
watching them from behind the statue Of Fer
dinand, near the fountain, and after observing
that the two soldiers acting as senines paced
their brief walk SO as to meet each other, and
then turn their backs as they separated, leav-
ing brief interval when the eyes of both were
turned away from the entrance they were
placed to guard, seemed to calculate to pass
them unobserved. 1t was an exceedingly del
icate maneuvre, and required great care and
dexterity to effect it but at last it was adroit-
Iy done, and the stranger sprang lightly
through the entrance, secreting himself behind
one of the pillars in the inner court of the
palace. The sentinels paced on undisturbed.
The figure which had thus stealthily effect
ed an entrance, now sought the broad stairs
which led to the Governors suite of apartments
with confidence that evinced perfect
knowledge of the place. A second guard
post was to be passed at the head of the stairs;
but, assuming an air of authority, the stranger
offered a cold military salute and passed for
ward, as though there was not the most distant
question of his right to do so and thus avoid
ing all suspicion in the guards mind, he
boldly entered the Governors reception room
unchallenged, and closed the door behind him.
In large easy chair sat the commander-n-
chief, busly engaged in writing. but alone.
An expression Of undisgused satisfaction
passed across the weather-beaten countenance
of the new conner at this state of affairs, as he
coolly cast off his cloak and tossed it over his
arm, and then proceeded to wipe the perspira-
tion from his face. The Governor, looking up
with surprise, fixed his keen eyes upon the
intruder-
who enters here, unannounced, at this
hour! I! he asked sternly, while he regarded
the stranger earnestly.
8 One who has information of value for the
Governor-General. You are Tacon, I sup
poser
Il am. What would you with me or,
rather, how did you pass my guard, unchal-
lenged!'
'Of that anon. Excellency, you have Of
fered reward for information concerning the
rovers Of the gulfl'
Ha! yes! what of them 2 said Tacon
with undisguised interest.
Excellency, must speak with cauton,'
continued the new conner; otherwise | may
condemn and sacrifice myself
You have nOught to fear on that head.
The offer of reward for evidence against the
scape-graces, also vouchsafes pardon to the
informant You may speak on without fear
for YOURSELF even though you may be one Of
the very confederation.
You offer reward, in addition, for the
discovery OF Marti-Captain Marti, of the
smugglers-do you mott
I'VE do, and will gladly make good our
promise of reward for any and all information
upon the subject replied Tacon.
First, Excellency, do you give me your
knightly word that you will grant free par