The herald., 1896-05-09
serted that no cartridges had been found

In their pockets.
The prosecutor thereupon read the
formal act OF accusation, declaring tho
prisoners to be filibusters captured in
state of rebellion against the Spanish
government and classified the Competi-
tor as being Key West life boat found
landing arms and ammunition on the
sea coast of Cuba.
therefore, in the name of the king
OF Spain, the prosecutor asked that the
death sentence be imposed on all the
prisoners.
Lieutenant Pardo, for the defense,
said he did not consider the prisoners
should be treated as though equally
guilty. For instance, he said, it seemed
clear that Laborde and Bedia were
more guilty than Milto and Gildea, and
that Milton was only guilty of excessive
zeal in trying to obtain information.
The court-martial adjourned for the
day shortly after IL o'clock, without hav-
ing arrived at a judgment on the cases.
AMERICANS RIGHTS
WASHINGTON, May S.-The pro-
ceedings Of the Spanish court martial in
the case of the men captured on the
schooner Competitor are being closely
followed here, and there is ground for
the fean rkat unless the matter is hand
led with great discretion it may result in
straining the present friendly and ami
cable relations between the United
States and Spain. Strong representa-
tions have been made to the state de-
partment on the subject, and the de-
partment certainly will not fail to inter-
vene instantly if it should ppear that
at least all the Americans among the
captives under trial are not treated with
all the privileges Cs1corded by the rules
Of civilized warfare An jnsistence on
this point would oblige the department
10 refuse to sanction the execution of
the Americans. and although it is not
believed yet there is disposition to
carry the case to extremes, there is some
danger that the Spanish may feel dis
posed to go further than prudence per-
mits in the effort to discourage Ameri
can hlibustering parties by harsh treat
ment of these, the first to fall into their
hands.
SUMMARY OF LOSSES
NEW YORK, May S-A dispatch to
the world from Madrid says: According
TO the Spanish official figures, the Cuban
lnsurgent casualties from the beginning
OF the insurrection. February "a, 1895. to
december 81. 1885, were: Killed, 26 chiefs.
Ii9o men; wounded, 1858; prisoners.
chlefs, us men. During the first four
months OF 1896 there are reported to he
killed 81 chiefs. 30S5 men: wounded, 20
Chiefs 1918 men; prisoners. 20 chiefs 32O
men. besides IA chiefs and $40 men who
came in and surrendered The total
number of horses taken from the ins,1r
gents is given as 465
The Spanish official statistics admit
that the royal forces have lost in killed
ana tnose who died of wounds or dis
ease, 8 generals, 90 field officers. 272 offic-
ers and 1892 men up to the end of March
1895. which does not include the heavy
casualties in April.
SIGNIFICANT SILENCE
PHILADELPHIA. May Sword was
received in this city today that the
steamer Bermuda. over which there has
been considerable anxiety because of the
report that she had been chased by
Spanish man. of-war had reached Pru-
Jillo and cleared for Puerto Cortez
Nothing is said as to the landing of any
arms and ammunition in Cuba.