The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1893-10-04
BATTLING With MOORS
They Make an Assault on the
Spanish Fortress at Melilla.
CIVILIANS AID THE MILITARY.
All Are Finally Driven to the Citadel
Where They Make Gallant Defense
Against Overwhelming Odds, the Moors
Fighting with Reckless Bravery.

Where They Make n Gallant Defense
Against Overwhelming Odds, the Moors
Fighting with Reckless Bravery.
MADRID, Oct. 4.-The Spanish authori-
ties recently decided to add to the strength
of the fortification OF Melilla, on the north
coast Of Morocco. The work was begun
md pushed forward rapidly.
This increased the Moors, and on Mon
day morning force Of more than 5000
natives attacked the Spanish garrison
400 souls. The Spanish troops had no food,
but this was a matter of small conse-
quence to them, as they knew that death
or slavery awaited them should they be
captured. They fought desperately.
The white residents of the town organ
lied force and took part in the defense
They were greatly outnumbered by the
Moors, however, and were finally com.
PEELED TO retire into the fortress located on
the outskirts of the town, where they are
still besieRed.
During the battle eighteen of the Span
iards were killed and thirty-flve wounded,
including three officers
The Spanish gunners at one time directed
their fire upon a mosque, and almost com
pletely destroyed it. Other buildings in
the range of their fire were also destroyed.
Northern Morocco has been greatly ex-
cited by the news of the attack, and the
fanaticism of the inhabitants is being
aroused by Mohammedan demands for re-
venge upon the "infldcls" for destroying
the mosqne
Tho Spanish officers and troops di splayed
the greatest bravery. The town, which is
one of the Spanish penal settlements, is
| commanded by citadel, which is built on
rock. After the Spanish troops and their
| civilian allies were forced by overwhelm-
| Ing numbers to retreat into the citadel
the Moors attempted TO take the place by
assault They swarmed up the roadways
and tried in every way to scale the walls.
The beleagured men poured volley after
vollcy at them, but MS the Moors did not
| fight in any regular order, the fire was not
as destructive ms it would otherwise have
been. Several sortics were made upon the
| Moors, but each time the defenders were
driven back.
A small body of the Spanish cavalry that
was well drilled and well handled proved
of the utmost service Toward the end of
the day the Moors abandoned their guerilla
mode of warfare and formed themselves
into ranks. Then, shouting their battle
cries, they advanced upon the citadel.
When they were within short distance OF
the wall the heavy main gate swung open
and out galloped the cavalrymen. They
dashed into the ranks of the advancing
Moors, their keen edged sabres swinging
right and left among the enemy, who broke
ranks and retreated ms hastily as possible.
The Moors We're ridden down and tram
Piled upon by the iron shod hoofs of the
horses, and number of them met their
death in this manner. The cavalry made
several charges, always with the same re.
suit. The Moors would retreat until The
chase was abandoned, when they would
again assume the aggressive
The Moors displayed an absolute disre-
gard for danger that compelled the adj
miration of the men fighting against them
A S the news Of the battle rapidly spread
by runners reached the villages back from
the coast the male inhabitants sprang to
arms and hastened TO the aid of the tribes
men.
The fury OF the Moors was added t.
when the Spanish artillery men wrecked
the mosque, which was sacred in the eye.
of the natives
The citadel is well supplied with pro
visions and water, and can be taken only
by assault. Meantime the Spanish gov
ernment is hurryiug forward reinforce
ments.
The Moors requested truce yesterday
The request granted and both sidei
buried their dead. The Moors have suet
for peace. The Moorish government hai
been eowed completely by Spain's prepara
tion for war. 1t has promised to make any
reparation and has assured Spain of it,
most earnest efforts to repress the say
agery of the hostile tribes. Most of tn,
tribes are reported to have promised t,
abstain from all further hostilities agains
the Melilla garrison, but there is littl
confidence that they will keep their word