The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1896-12-17
THE death OF General Maceo OF Cuba

The death OF General Maceo OF Cuba
has stirred the people to such feeling
that thu freedom OF Cuba may follow.
The manner of Maceo's killing is IN doubt
and there are various accounts given If
1t, At first the story was discredited but
when Maceo's personal physician sur
rendered himself and verified the report
all hope was gone.
Naturally, the Cubans suspected treach-
cry II the killing Of the dashing general.
The fact that be were accompanied by
only 50 men led 10 the belief that he was
decoyed to bis death. 1t was said that
the Marquis Ahumada = Spaniard, had
sent request to Maceo for an interview
the alleged purpose of which was to agree
on some terms of peace. Maceo suspected
no treachery and set ont with his staff
TO meet the Marquis. When he arrived
at the place Of meeting be and his men
were shot down. Zertucha alone escaped
for the reason that he was engaged IN the
plot.
There may be some truth in this first
report. But it is certain that Maceo was
given no assurances of safety, as Spain
would not dare to thus violate the articles
OF war. This would deprive her of the
good will of every civilized nation and
would justify active operations against
her by any nation which would choose to
espouse the Cuban cause II wolld be an
act OF folly as it would invite the active
intervention of the United States, coupled
with tie approval of every nation.
The second account is that Maceo was
on his way to meet the insurgent general
Sauchez who was holding bis troops in
readiness to unite with Maceo after the
latter had broken through the trOcha.
That after crossing the trocha Maceo
mistook Spanish troops for those of
Sanchez and did not discover his error
until 1t WAS too late.
This is no doubt the Spanish account,
but it is full of weak spots. In the first
place Maceo would not abandon his army
as his courage, resoluteness and devotion
are too well confirmed topernit any such
suspicion. His army is now under the
command of Rivera who seems to be hold
ing his own against Weyler. From all
accounts, Maceo was dressed as if for a
conference and not for battle, nor as a
refugee. He would not hold conference
with one of his own generals near Havana
and at time when he was most needed
at the head of his own army. Nor would
the major general be likely to wait upon
the brigadier. The order would be re-
versed.
1t is pretty certain that there was
treachery somewhere, but kept within the
bounds of Spanish responsibility for it
DR.. Zertucha was the agent, no doubt
but 1T was on his representations and or
no Spanish guaranty, that Maceo acted
The marquis must have been at the bot
tom of 1t, but was shrewd enough tC
keep his hand hidden. But even this
does not clear up the mystery unless We
assume that Maceo's ability and shrewd
ness are greatly overestimated,
1t is barely possible that Maceo's army
is myth and that Weyler has been chas
ing a handful of men wiped out by 6
majors command.
Zertucha Is constantly guarded. II
would be unsafe for him to be alone az
the Cubans would tear HIM to pieces II
they had an opportunity, He protests
his innocence, but the Cubans give nc
credence to his utterances.