The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-10-30
SPANIARDS DRIVEN BACK.
THEY SUFFER BELTT LOSSES IN
BATTLE UIIH RIEIIxNs.
Gen. Mnrrniio Shot Dead While leading "a
sortie-Seventy Men Killed and 12e
Wounded - Asking for Kc.rnforcemcnts.

Gen. MnrE,ro Shot Dead White leading IA
sortie-seventy Men Killed and 12e
Wounded skiing for Kc.rnrorcements.
MADRID. Oct. 2n-Gen. Margallo. Comman-
der-in-Chief of the Spanish troops at Melilla,
was killed yesterday while leading sortie
against the Kiflinns Seventy OF his men were
killed and I'D others were wounded. The
sortie was made after tho Rifllans had driven
back to the citadel the Spanards who had
been building o redoubt near Fort Cabrerizas.
The tribesmen. although under heavy artil-
lery fire from the Spanish forts did not retire
after nhandon ming the pursuit OF the Spanish
troops. Eventually they occupied the trenches
which had been dug near Fort CabreriZns to
protect the Spanish soldiers at their work. To
dslodge them MarEallo led out 1000 infantry
from the tort. Tho Rinians In the trenches
held them in check until reGnforcements G0O0
strong were brought up from the main body
about mile back in the hills.
Tho tribesmen then had some 1000 war
riors. They stretched out their line apparent
ly for tho purpose OF surrounding Mar9allo.
and at one time the fighting extended along q
three mile front Margalo tried to break the
centre OF their line and charged with half his
men. but was repulsed with heavy losses. Just
rs the order for retreat was given he fell from
his horse. shot through the heart, The Rif-
fans rushed forward to seize tho body. The
Estremadura regiment and the disciplinary
battalion shouted and charged with fixed bay
onets. cleared away the enemy. and secured
the body OF their dead commander. They
carried it from the field. and it now lies in the
citadel at Melilla.
Under hot fire from tho Riff1ans tho Span
iards retired to Fort Cabrerizas. The Rifflans.
despite the heavy artillery fire. came within
fra ~ r1a Of Cnhr nj
tanned q constant fusillad and fought through
out the baltic with audacous bravery. The
guns Of the cruiser Conde dc Venadlto alone
prevented still worse disaster to the Spanish
troops and kept the tribesmcn from attacking
Melilla.
When the RifHans en- injured the redoubt build
ing near the fort they found two cannon.
These they turned at once against the forts.
answering rapidly the Spanish fire. The tribes
men rioted in the village OF MezQuta after
tho fight They Kept up desultory
fire upon the forts and the Condo de
Venadito throughout the night. At midnight
Gen. Ortega. upon whom the command de-
volved after Mareallo's death. went to Fort
Cabrerizas with 800 infantry. This morning
lie led out 5000 men and drove the Rifilans
from the trenches. which the Spaniards were
occupying when the last dispatches were re-
ceived. Ortega has telegraphed that the
situation is serious. and there is imperative
need OF immediate rernforcements.
The commander OF the Spanish cruiser Condo
de Venadito has telegraphed report in which
he said: THE Arabs approached so near ut
times that their bullets reached our deck"
The city has been intensely excited by the
news of the battle. The official dispatches
which have been made public are SO meagro
that the people believe the worst has not been
told. There is little doubt anywhere that the
losses OF the Spaniards have been under
stated. Great crowds have paraded the streets
since noon. singing. waving banners. and
shouting for the determination Of the Rit'lans.
Unbounded enthusiasm was caused by the
nows that Gen. Macias. with Ave battaliona
and three batteries. would reach ATeilla before
midnight Macias is expected by the Govern
ment to await further instructions before at
lacking the Rif1ans-
The Ministers were minoned in haste to
Cabinet meeting Immediately after the news
OF the disaster was received. Orders have
been issued for three regiments OF cavalry and
four batalions Of infantry to embark at once
for Melillu.
While the Ministers were In council to-day.
Premier sagasta presiding ell were sum-
moned to the palace by Queen Regent Chris
tina who wished to learn what measures they
would take to repair tho disaster.
The Ministers informed her that they had
decided to call out the reserves and mobilize
several army corps. as the latest events had
shown that more than 1900 men would To
needed to subdue the Riffians.
The embarkation of the Second Army Corps
will be completed ON Tuesday. Troops are
leaving all parts OF the country to form an.
other corps in Andalusia.
Madrid Oct. Boa despatch from Mellla at
midnight says that the troops and war ships
there are in pressing need Of more ammuni-
ton. The firing Is kept up night and day. The
forts have shelled the village Of Frejana. All
but few huts were totally destroyed. The
mosque was shattered and the ruins are in
flames
The cruiser Alfonso the Twelfth. with twelve
guns. will proceed to Melila ut once.
LONDON, Oct. 20 The Spanish Minister here
Is informed officially that the fighting at Me-
lila Is OF small import. and that beyond the
death Of Gen. Mareallo the Spanish losses
were insignificant.