New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-05-26
ACCOUNTS ITEMlzED WITH THE PISTOL.
CLOTHING STRIPPED FROM DEAD MEN AND SOLD


VIoKssu%G, hay z5.-John Early, an intelli-
gent young Mississippan, returned rev
days since from Guatemala, where he had
been induced to go last fall. le''
Vicksbrrg in September to 90 TO Puerto Barrlos' 10
work OH the Puerto Barrios and Guatemala City Ran
road company with l6O others signed contract 10
work at 50 u day. We were to pay 50 transportation
out OF our pay and 81 80 week for board upon our
arrival at the work. We sailed on the steamer Ella
Knight
"When landed were put ashore In the night In
the ran and had shelter. In the rain the next day
put up poles forks and covered them with men,
acca leaves, and those constituted our tents 1t con-
nued to rain for about two months IL would rain TOT
an hour and then the would come out hot We were
not allowed to stop for ran hut kept on IN the mud
and slush. | taken with fever, which would
lay up for day and leave me weak the next.
When the fever me could not eat, but the tol-
lowing day always had q ravcnous appetite Meal
tickets issued to the workncn when the meals
were ready, and could get nothing to cat without
ticket The day after was sick went to the timekeeper
who gave ont meal tickets, and asked him for one lie
looked over list OF those who worked the day previous
and said 'You didn't work yesterday No, was slck
Wel' said he feed here but those who work
get out OF here and go to work and Wen feed you.
81 unable 10 work and had to so to tho thickets
get fruit to my hunger until could re-
cuperate enough go to work worked 22.lays had
done 81 90 worth OF station work One day when was
unable put in full day went to the tmekceper and
asked him how stood when he told me that my passage
was Sl3 jO that my board 90 per week and that
| was indebted to tho company 81 90 l told MIN
thought he mistaken aud asked HIM for an iemLed
statement lie said will give you itcmized state
iuent' Then turning to "a drawer he took out pistol.
and presenting II at me said Will give you an Item
lied account with this "
soon afterward, in company with six others pro;
cured small saboat and in the night we escaped and
made ohr way 10 Belize British Honduras thence we
sent home In the same ship We went over IN Oi
the l60 VINO went over with me, thore were not more
than ninety left when escaped. For time they died
the rate OF eight day. Two companions OF
mine died. and stripped Of their clothing ana buried
without collins within an hour saw their clothing IN
the cOmmssary for sale aud II sold on account 10
some OF the men, Men who were unable 10 work, Dut
not sick I'm bed. forced by soldiers To go TO W0Ik
and when the road II they refused 10 work they were
arrested some trivial charge and placed In stocks
Few Americans put In the stocks but the Germans
were often thus punished.
a number OF the attempted TO escape
but the soldiers arrested chem and brought them OacA'
heavy fines being put against them In every instance
Some OF the appealed TO the American Consul AT
Livingston, about nine miles from where We were NJ
work. He said that lie cOu Il do nothing for us. The
Consul at British Honduras heard Of our condition, ana
in company with some ladies' came over TO see Tor hr-
self Aftcrward he reported the matter and the lnted
states nan-Ofwar swatara went over and brought the
Americans away. My feet have been swollen ever snce
worked In the rain last fall and don't think ever
shall regain my health didn't get dime or stitch OF
clothing for my work"