Evening star., 1893-11-22
WAR ON THE RIFFS.
Convicts at Melilla Show Them
selves Brave Men.
TRAITORS TRIED BY COURTS-MARTIAL
ENJOYS Sent to Gen. Macias Ask
ing for Peace.
COMMANDER DISTRUSTFUL.

LONDON, Nov. 22.-A dispatch via NAL
aga from the United Press representative
at Melilla, bearing date of Monday evening,
says that hurricane had prevailed there
for two days. The weather was so severe
that 1t compelled a cessation of work at the
forts that are being constructed by the
Spaniards. The tents occupied by the
troops and workmen were blown down and
the camps were inundated by the floods
that poured down from the mountains
The mail steamer for Malaga was
forced to put back to Mellla and remain
for forty eight hours. Notwithstanding the
severity Of the storm skirmishing proceeded
between the Spanish forces and the Riffs
During the fighting two Spaniards were
wounded by bullets falling into the camp.
Bravery of COnvicts.
The band of thirty convicts under COM
mand of Capt. Aria, who have heretofore
done excellent work in fighting the Riffs,
continue to make trouble for the enemy.
Every night they make sorties from Meilla
and carry provisions to the outlying forts.
The Riffs lie in wait for them but the con-
vict band nearly every night choose a new
route and when the enemy discovers them
there Is no time for the Riffs to gather in
force to attack them. Sometimes the con-
vlcts go on hunts for the Riffs and kill
some OF Them. The convcts are proving
themselves experts in this guerilla warfare
and are becoming a terror to the Riffs
On Monday last the convicts encountered
large body of Riffs. The former were
ordered TO charge upon them, and obeyed
without hesitation. With fixed bayonets
they rushed upon the Riffians under a
heavy fire and put them to flight. One con-
Wet was killed and two wounded. The bra
very OF this band is highly praised by the
military authorities, and 1t is generally
thought that represent ta tions will be made
TO the government that will result in par
don being granted to those men,
After the storm had subsidized. the general
operations became more brisk Artillery
was placed In the new redoubt on the hill
santiago, which dominates the Frajana val
ley. IL is believed that an advance will be
made this week upon the enemy's trenches
ana beyond. The plan seems to be to have
three battalions protected by artillery and
guerrillas attempt an advance upon Riff
territory, and there encamp to protect the
forces employed in the construction of the
Tort at Sadi Guariach.
Traitors in MeIilIa
The facts that certain persons in Nelilla
are giving aid to the enemy is bitterly
commented upon by those who have to do
the lighting. A court-martial was held on
saturday to try some of these offenders
Twelve Spaniards, in whose houses rifles
that were intended for the Riffs were found
were each sentenced to six years penal SER
vitude.
On Monday afternoon the Riffians sent
an envoy to Gen. Macias, the Spanish COM
mander. An interview was granted and
the chief declared that the Riffs were
ready for peace. He had already he added,
compelled portion of the Riffs to cease
flghtng. He announced that Muley Araaf.
brother of the Sultan of Morocco, who,
with company of cavalry, is encamped
within four hours of the Spanish lines, had
resolved to send 300 rebels to Melilla as
prisoners, to be punished as the Spaniartls
pleased Muley Araaf. he added, would
come to Melilla on Wednesday, In conclu-
sion. he asked that truce be declared un-
til Saturday
Gen. Macias distrusted the envoys, and
refused to grant their request.
Senior Reparaz, a member of the Geo
graphical Society, has issued a pamphlet
in which he maintains that the best policy
for Spain to pursue concerning Morocco is
to adhere to the powers supporting the
status quo. Tangier. 9 says. would be
invaluable to England assisting to pre-
serve the key of the Mediterranean. 1t
took France. he further says, fifty years
to effect the conquest of Algeria and it
cost her 100000 soldiers and S4OO. 900 OOO
Senior Reparaz thinks that France, next
to England. is the true rival of Spain in
Morocco.