The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-10
GOV. TACON'S RULE OF IRON.
Anecdotes of the Man Who Taught
Cuban Criminals to Obey the Law.
How He Upset All Existing Notions of What
Governor General Should Be-Pepita's
AbductOr and His Fate.

faction with the condition Of things here, the
official corruption, the corruption of the judi
ciary, the cunningly involved nature of the law
which lays itself studiousy open to opportu-
mites for just such corruption, and the constant
intrigue carried on between officials here and in
Spain. The offices in Cuba, civil as we'll as
military, are farmed out by powerful politicians
sn Madrid. captain general like Pendergast
who shows any foolish disposition to do some
Justice to the suffering people of Cuba, and who
kicks against the behests of the Madrid ring,
speedily finds himself recalled. So, in lieu of
something better in the shape of representative
government the Cubans sigh for man like
Tacon, who at least took the law into his own
hands and dealt mercilessly with all evil doers
high or low. His name is craven on the heart of
Cuba more deeply than that of any captain
general that the island has known.
1t was, believe. in 1887, that he was first
sent over Havana even then was very power
full and wealthy city, and fine prey for those
strong enough to fleece it. The city was, more
over, den of gamblers, thieves and cut-throats
Murders and robberies were of daily occurrence
and without much attempt at disguise. The
police and military system was practically
inals, while justice was very blind indeed. 1t
was to break down this state of lawlessness that
the home government at last aroused itself to
the necessity Of sending over as captain general
a m an on whose infexibility and integrity they
could absolutely rely.
Havana was not in the least disturbed by
Tacon's coming. One captain general was as
Venal as another, in the judgment of the Haoan-
eros. The usual show OF loyal welcome was
do 10 10 y al
took it cooy He gave himself week or two
to study the situation, sending for private
persons whose information he considered
Of value, and looking into things for himself.
The Habaneros laughed in their sleeves. In his
own time the Captain general summoned to his
presence the police inspectors. They were told
that crime must be put down in Havana, and
that If not put down they would be held to
account. The police force.was acknowledged to
be very inefficient and the police officials owned
that the criminals were too strong for them,
''But the persons and haunts." said Tacon,
''and methods of these law breakers are known
to you, are they nOt|
''Ohi yes. your EXcellency."
"And you could put your hands on the ring
leaders
''Most certainly, your Excellency.
''Very well, you shall be reinforced if neces-
sary, but secure the ringleaders at any cost"
Within two days Havana was astonished
by sudden police raid and by the wholesale ar
rest, without any immediate cause, Of men who
had been the terror of the city: They were
marched in body to the palace of the Captain
general. Tacon had informed himself as to the
grimes and persons Of each.
81 know you all" he said, "an9 Of what you
nave been guilty, each man of you Now, L lay
a choice before you. You are at liberty to go
and resume your criminal careers. But warn
you that if caught in criminal act of any kind
your punishment will surely be death. Make no
mistake mean death. Or | will give you
chance TO redeem your lives and become decent
men. | am willing to try you in the service Of
the state, as police You will be rewarded &C
c0rding to the zeal and ability you display Now
what do you propose to do!"
'Of course there was but one answer, for they
all felt that this blunt man meant what he said.
They were drafted into the police, and, knowing
their kind became most efficient arm in the
service Of the state.
Tacoyl had not been long at work when one of
the usual murders committed by a man Of
some influence, who had powerful friends. The
murderer was speedily captured and clapped i'll
prison. There he remained week without be
ing brought to trial Tacon summoned the
judge in whose district the murder had been
committed, and asked what had been done in the
case.
'Oh, the usual preliminary processes have
been gone through with, in accordance to law"
said the Judge.
WAS the man guilty of the murder or not?"
According to the testimony of the witnesses,
he is guilty.
''Then why is he not brought to trial? A
murder has been committed, and there are
witnesses who assert that they the deed
done. | want this case proceeded with at once
The case came on next day for trial. There
was no oophole of escape for the murderer save
in the laws delay through the efforts of his
friends and counsel. He was pronounced guilty,
and the stern captain general ordered the eXecu
ton to take place in the open plaza in front of
the prison, so that all the world might see, the
body to remain exposed for many hours in
the chair of execution. The Spanish execution
Is the garote
An execution had not taken place before in
years least of all in public. The sentence was
carried out IN this case, however, ordered, and
thrill went not only through Havana, but
through all Cuba Both criminals and honest
men began to feel that authority was something
more than fiction in this island
Nor did TacOn restrict himself to enforcing
the law alone. He cleansed, and in great meas
ure helped to beautify, and otherwise improve
the cities He protected travellers on the road.
and many are the stories told of him in this
regard. Before he left, agents and others, who
formerly Travelled with their lives in their
hands. could move from place to place with
money and vauableS as safely as though in the
precincts of the palace. He heard the claims of
all who appealed to him, however humble and
against persons however rich and powerful. One
instance of this kind reads like romance, yet it
is hard matter of fact.
About two or three hours ride out from Ha-
vana was the magnificent estate of the MARQUIS
of Villatores. He was a young widower of
enormous wealth. and famed as man of pleas
IRE. He was as daring and INSCRIPTIONS as
ever was a bandit knight of the middle ages
His house was vertable castle. and among his
slave retainers he had organized a band of braves
to protect him from assault and aid him in
carrying off his prey by main force when softer
means were uuayailing.
1t was while Tacon was carving out his re-
forms with will and hand of iron that the CAV
Marquis, passing through Havana one day
cast his eyes on a blooming Andausian face
bent over her work at the open bars Of window
in one of the poorer streets. He STONED his
volante, and Insolently gazed his fiji, until the
beautiful dark eyes we're raised in startled
wonder to those OF the fascinated ibertine The
frightened gaze, the mantling blush and the
hasty disappearance of the graceful girl did the
work. The Marquis of Villafiores had discov-
cred flower for his garden.
1t was easy for him to force himself upon the