Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1883-11-19
A DEADLY DUEL.
a letter from Havana. dated November

y DEhl)II1 lJtLlI.
A letter from Havana, dated November
10, says:
'Society here is still agitated over a ia
nous and fatal duel between 4 Spanish edl-
tor and a young Cuban officer which occur
red some days ago. 1t all arose out Of the
curse of politics unswayed by reason and
good feeling.
There came here from Spain about eight
years ago young Austrian named Nicho.
las Rivero. He was hot-and-hot Spaniard
and was speedily made captain of the vol
uuteers, who were so conspicuous on the
side of the government during the insurrec-
ton. He started Il newspaper FL R0yo The
TAundnJolt), which, though not 4 govern
ment organ, was ultra fierce on the govern
ment side. The memories of the insurrec-
ton were still keen and cruel enough in the
minds of both Spaniards and Cubans. So
fierce and constant were his attacks on The
Cubans that Captain General Blanco, hav
ing a head on his shoulders and feeling the
responsibility of power squelched the over
Jealous Ruyo and sent its fiery young editor
to cool OFF in Spain for spell. During the
late Prendcrgast administration Rvero was
permitted to return TO Havana, and he im-
medately resumed his old work of journal
ism with much the same animosity against
the Cubans as before. He started new
paper, the Hclampago which he soon chang
ed again into the RdNo
"Thc Cubans are not the most patient OF
mortals. and swa n Of challenges to mortal
combat invaded the office OF the Rayo. The
editor Of the Rayo received the challenges
with great equanimity, suayely assured the
challepgers that he was no fighting man
and calmly pursued his journalistic course.
.'In this pleasant fashion matters went on
until the other day the Rayo announced a
series of open letters to be published in its
columns, and addressed to the new Captain
General Cas.illos, who, by the way, happens
himself to be y creole, for he is Il Mexican
by birth The object of the Rayo's letters
was to show up, SO to say, the real character
of the Cubans Tor the special instruction of
the Captain General. IN the second letter
of the series occurred these pleasant words
The Creoies lCubans) are consummate
masters OF the Infamous art Of Discrimination
and perlidy' The Cubans went wild over
it. The Palcnq"e, q leading democratic
paper on which Spaniards and Cubans are
associated to advocate reform, not autono.
my, in the island, published a protest. The
protest resulted in the issue Of an extra
edition of the Rdyo emphasizing its former
statement. The paper was distributed
gratis among large audience assembled in
the Tacon Theatre to assist At presenta-
ton Of La Sonnambula' for the benefit Of
the Orphan Asylum here. This proved the
last straw on the Cuban back.
;'On the Prado is the Cafe Louvre, where
the hoods assemble in the evening. Rivero
was saunterin,s past tie Louvre when boy
OF nineteen, Il nunchback, named Guintana,
e al, Il nd
asked Rivero if he was the author of the in
sutiug article in the Hayo, Il copy Of which
the youth held in his hand. Rvcro ac-
knowledge the article, whereupon the
hunchback sprang upon him, crumplcd the
paper in his face and knocked him over
against one of the tables. With Rivero was
Paacos, tall, strong, young Spaniard.
Palacios was what Mark Twain would call
the fighting editor, otthe Rayo. At GUM
tanas assault a tumult Immediately arose
in the cafe, the habitueS of which are more
or less acquainted with each other. They
gathered around the combatants. Palacios
raised his cane to strike the boy, when he
was seized by the neck by Cnban officer
named Angel Soler. Calling Palacios
coward Soler thrust him aside. The plot
was thickening and intense excitement fol-
lowed. The scene ended by a challenge
there and then between Palacios and Soler.
"Soler, having the choice Of weapons, chose
pistols at ten PAGES, the principals to advance
five and fire This was objected to on tho
other part as simple murder. Terms were
then allowed Paacos, who chose swords.
Soler insisted that they should be double
edged and pointed, and after some demur
those terms were finally accepted.
Next morning at six the duel was to be
fought at La Chorrera, Il small town along
the coast, three or four miles outside Ha
vana The principals rose at five and,
with doctor and seconds, met, prepared to
| take their fatal journey. A terrific rain
poured down and Heaven seemed to inter-
vene on the sad folly. But they were bent
on battle SO the party adjourned to the
| Payret Theatre, right in the heart Of the
city, Just off the Prado, and a stones throw
from the room in which | am writing this
letter. The Payret was the finest theatre
in Havana. A year ago part of the roof
fell in through accumulation o.! rain on It's
& 1t surface. and the place is now in ruins.
| 1t is being rebuilt and tn" doors are harri-
caded They forced open "ne of the doors
and entered the artists dressing room. The
prelimiuaries were brief. The keen pointed
blades were drawn and the duel began.
Palacios. being the more skilled swordsman
and confident OF victory, attacked the other
in fury, aud from tie first forced the fight
ing. Soler, cool and wary and knowing his
man, acted wholly on the defensive.
His failure to end the matter Is
briefly as he had expected seemed TO exas.
perate Palacios. He pressed his adversary
desperately, but was met with firm de-
fence. Not word was spoken nor q sound
heard save the rush of the rain withoutand
the clish-clash of the STEEL Palacions re.
doubted his efforts A parry on Soler's
part knocked his adversary's weapon wide
aside. A swift. straight thrust followed in
simultaneously before the other could recov