Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1870-02-22
The Key West Tragedy.

A correspondent writing from Key West
gives detailed account of the tragedy at
that place, the 31st of last month, resulting
in the death of Gonzales Castanon, editor of
the Spanish paper La Koz de Cuba, pub
lished at Havana. Castanop, it appears, with
four other Spaniards. arrived Key West on
the msrning of the 29th, being expected on
that day the editor of the Cuban paper there,
tho RcpuJEcan, having accepted the chal-
lenge from him TO eight. The party was met
on the steamer by two Cubans, representing
themselves as the seconds of the Republican
editor The former then came on shore and
put up ut the Russell House. Castanon soon
found out that the editor of the Republican,
who had accepted the duel, was poor fellow,
unfit to fight child ten years old. He is a
man about fifty years old. quite small in size,
half blind, and his name is Juan Mary Reyes.
Two hours after they had been in the Russell
House Castanon and party sent for Juan Mary
Reyes. and when the little old Cuban APP
peared before CRtanon the latter attacked
him and began to beat the poor old man.
Soulc parties interfcred and he was soon parted
from him.
On the both another Cuban called on Cas-
tanon and duel was arranged to take place,
but the parties were arrested and held to bail
in the sum of 5000 each. Various measures
were again resorted to in order to bring about
fight, and it was announced that one would
take place; but next day the Spaniards pre-
pared to leave on the steamer. About half
past twelve p. NJ. two Cuban gentlemen re-
paired to the Russell House and inquired for
Castanon A few minutes after Castanon and
two moro Spauiards- big, stout fellows, one
his doctor and the other commander of
Spanish volunteers, came down stairs. One
of the two Cubans who had called and were
waiting fer them had revolver, the other had
no weapon at all. Once down stairs in the
front parlor, the unarmed Cuban told Castanon
he wanted to arrange matters for the duel
Castanon answered he was not going to fight
duel he had slapped the face Of Cuban
and felt satisfied. The Cuban then called him
n ID coward, Castanon raised his hand and
hit the Cuban. His friend drew the revolver
he had in lis hand, and the unarmed Cuban
snatched it from his hand. While this was
going ON Castanon took two steps backward
drew his revolver and fired at the Cuban,
without effect The Cuban then fred his
first SHOT, and Castanon, who was standing by
an iron safe, fell on his knees, and in that
position fred the second time. The Cuban
then fired again, and brought Castanon fiat
on the ground, where he received two m orc
shots. AS soon as the firing commenced Cas-
tanon's two friends abandoned him and fed
to the stairs, firing as they retired. One of
them in his haste fell and hurt his shin. l
think the other is badly wounded.
The Cuban who had killed Castanon in the
contest came to the street with firm coun-
tcnance, and, brandishing his revolver, said,
"Cubans, you are revenged. Fioa Cuba
Mrc The instigGto- for the murder Of all
Cubans is dead"
The following Gubans zero soon after the
Moreiru, I. Accruno, j. Barces, p. Osorcs
and A. Aguero The three last named have
been released Several houses have boon
searched 4 colvred man has also been ar
rested.