The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-05-13
INSULT TO TIE BRITISH Lion.
An English Consular Agent Publicly
Flogged in Central America.
Guatemalan Outrage-The PerpetratOr Of
the Deed Assassinated.

fSan Jose de Guatemala (April 25j correspondence
OF Panama Start
1 have before me the painful task OF recording
one OF the most unprovoked acts of brutality it
has ever been my misfortune to chronicle, and as
the circumstances are Of such a revolving nature
shall be as BRIEF as possible in the recital.
DARING AND AGGRAVATED OUTRAGE
Soon after the arrival oil the steamship Arizona
at San Jose de Guatemala on April a. news reached
us that Mr.. Moncriefre, agent of the Pacific Mail
Steamship Company, ana Mr.. John Magee, Her
Britannia Majesiy's Vice Consul. had been arrested
by order Of the Commandant, Colonel Gonzales, and
that Mr.. Magee had been sentenced TO receive 400
palos" llashes) at four p. NJ. As it was known
that Mr.. Ma0ee represented the British govern.
ment the statement was scarcely credited; but
about two hours later Mr.. Moncriene was released
and came on board. He confirmed the report and
gave US details respecting the arrest. The only
known cause, aside nom strong personal dislike.
for the arrest OF Maaee was failure to appear on
the Muella before the Commandant when sum.
iuOned, on the ground that an injured foot made
walking extremely painful. An armed guard was
then sent to bring him, 'dead or alive" He was
P iasea on INC caTIneng unable TO walsoand
Commandment attempted to shoot him, nut was
prevented BY the lntercession OF friends He, how
ever, struck him In the face with the butt Of his
pistol, also several times with his fists, using the
vllest epltnets known TO the Spanish tongue.
He then ordered his confinement and prepare
ton to be made nr administering 400 palos,n or
lashes.
Mr.. Magee, as Her Britannia Majesty's Vice Con-
sui, invoked the protection his nag but without
effect. MIR. James, the Consular Agent OF the
oil his government, and under the consular seal,
protesting auainst the proceeding, and at four
O'Clock, Just as Mr.. Magee was about to receive
the asnes, he formally presented IL; but the Com
mandant refused to receive 1t, ana announced
that he would not only fog Mr.. Magce, but would
ul,A nf a niuhf f.A tAIID 1nx, n,,I
that he would then serve the representative
Of the United States and every foreigner in like
begged that the would o.
the matter, as 400 stripes was more than any
mortal could bear, and would certainly Kill Mr..
Magee HIS reply, coupled with vile epithet,
was "let him die then,'i aud ordered the soldiers
to commence. Mr.. Magee was then partially
stripped ana laid on the ioor-three men being
seated on Ills head and shoulders and TOUR upon
his feet, while two held each arm, and the fog-
glng commenced. It was continued by four
soldiers relieving each other at every fifty lashes-
the C0mmandant Keeping the tally himself BY
the time that 2o0 were administered Mr.. Magee be-
came insensible. The order was then given to
place hun on Bed in an adjoining room and .let
him revive, 80 tnat the other 200 might be admin
istered IN tng morning before shooting him."
During the night he was visited repeatedly by the
Commandant, who placed the cold muzzle OF his
revolver ready TO discharge at his temples during
marks as '.D0p't you think you have lived long
enoughp' 'sWSudn't you thank me to put You OUT
OF your miserHH l hive ruined myself, and III
LUCKY ESCAPE.
During the night aided by his soldiers, he broke
into the business mousse OF Mr.. Magee and removed
all the moneys from the safe and other valuabes
visit was then PAID to the agency OF the Pacific
Mail Steamship Company with the intention or
setting upon Mr.. Moncriefe; but that gentleman
being fOrewarned. escaped with his vauables to
the woods. Mr.. Moncriene, after enecting his
escape, proceoded towards the capital with the
hope OF interccpting and fastening relief. A pri-
vate courier was de. patched early IN the day. At
near morning he met General Solano, with about
100 men, SIX miles rom san Jose. All possible
haste was made TO reach the port before the Com
mandant could carry out his designs
AvENGEMENT And DEATH.
At eight O'Clock Mr.. Magee was again prepared
to re ceive the other 200 stripes ana just as the
order was given to commence soldier on the bal
cODy saw the approaching force OF General SolanO
| and notified the Commandant. MT. Magee, seeing
| CLEAN OF hCEB, begged the commandment to desisl
and to escape on board the Arizona, promising
him letters OF Introduction that would insure his
safety In Salvador. The United States Consular
Agent, Mr. James, echoed Mr. Magee's advice,
sition was accepted, the letter written By Mr.
Magee and handed to the COmmandant who, as
soon as ne received It, ordered his soldiers to
his downfall to be certain, refused to obey
the order. He then maize all haste to
reach the Arizona, and as he left the Muella In o
small boat, accompanied by the United States Con-
sular Agent, General Solano entered the town.
On arriving alongside OF the Arizona Mr.. James
came on board. He was followed by the Com
gangway ladder, when he was shot by some unseen
hand, the ball taking enect in the abdomen, pro-
ducng mortal wound. He, however, managed
to reach his boat and escape towards the shore.
Two other shots were fred by parties unk nOwn
one OF which took effect In his shoulder. One or
two shots were returned from the boat, but with.
out effect.
/ have now only to add that Mr., Mapee will
doubtless iully recover from his physical injuries;
but his nervous system has received shock that
win require many years to efface.