The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-08-25
GEN. EZETA IN COURT
THE SALVADORIAN REFUGEE AND
HIS FELLOWS ARRAIGNED.


SAN FRANCISCO, Aug 2i-General
Ezeta and his fellow refugees from San
Salvador were prisoners before Judge Nor
row in the United States District Court this
morning. The attorneys who came from
New York to defend them had been in
consultation with them nearly all night.
AS the prisoners appeared in court, Ezeta,
who is a fine physical specimen, with de-
cided features and courtly bearing was
the most observed. From his waistcoat
hung a magnificent gold chain studded
with diamonds The Generals enemies
pointed it out as relic of his cruel reign
in San Salvador. They said ii had formerly
been the property of Carlos Mendezos, a
millionaire planter, who had been robbed
of his wealth by the Ezetas and that the
chain was among the spoils greedily seized
by Antonio.
The court proceedings were opened by
United States District Attorney Garter,
who stated that the warrants had been
issued in conformity with mandate issued
by Vhe Secretary of State. Mr.. Garter said
that he appeared in the case at the request
Of the Attorney-general of the United
States. He explained that the United
States government had no further interest
in the proceedings than to see that they
process in the case had been read, attorney
Garter stated that the United States gov
ernment left the further prosecution of the
case to the private attorney in the employ
of the Salvadorian government. At this
juncture the prisoners council interposed
and demanded an immediate hearing under
the charges. They stoutly maintained that
the prisoners were political refugees and
were unlawfully detained, and that they
had been illegally restrained since June G.
last. Ezeta, it was argued was then Presi-
dent of the de facto government and was
afforded asylum on an American man-of-
war at the time there no authority
in San Salvador which the United States
government could recognize. 1t became
necessary for them TO fight their way TO
the coast, where they asked and were ac-
could board the steamer San Bias
The attorneys for the government of San
Salvador argued as earnestly to show the
that the important evidence against the
accused mad yet to arrive A continuance
said to bear documents important to the
prosecution will arrive here Sept s. After
listening I.;6 to the argument pro and con
Monday, Sept 3, declaring that the treaty
with San Salvador provides for such con-
tinuances and that the delay asked for
was not unreasonable. Thereupon counsel
for the defense Immediately moved that
the defendants be admitted ID bail. TIE
motion was taken under advisement,
though Judge Morrow stated that he had
doubt that the law would debar him
from releasing the defendants. Finally the
defense objected TO the Jurisdiction of the
court, arguing that the defendants had
been brought into the United States
against their will. 1t was stated that the
case was different from eny other in this
in the country, but had been forciby
brought into IT, The point was left in
absyance.
Marshal Baldwin has not yet decided
how he will dispose of the prisoners. He
stated this afternoon that he would per-
NIT them TO take up quarters in one of
the hotels under guard.