The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1896-04-23
ARREST OF PREACHER DI4S.
Facts About the Man Whom the Spaniards
Have Thrust Into JaN.

HAVANA, April ls.-Alberto j. Dias. the Bap-
fist minister arrested on suspicion OF being in
sympathy with the rebellion was born in Guiana
baCoa, six mile. from Havana. lie is a graduate
OF the Medical College OF Havana. He joined
the in surgent forces at the outbreak of the re-
bellion OF 1858. and served us Captain until
nearly the close OF the war. in 1878. His ON
mand was nearly surrounded by n large force
Of spanish troops in the winter OF 1878. and to
save being captured he and two others took Il
plank and pushed out to sea on the south coast
of the island. The current carried them far out
to sea. where they remained for two days with
out food or drink. They were picked up by a
fishing schooner and taken to Brooklyn.
While in Brooklyn he joined the Baptist
Church and studied for the ministry. After he
was ordained the Philadelphia Bible Society
appointed him missionary for Cuba. Afterward
tho Southern Home Mission Board, a Baptist
organization. took charge Of the missionary
work here. leaving Mr.. D!as in charge. Soon
after Mr.. bias began HIS work here lac founded
IA hospital for the benefit nf the poor, giving his
service, gratuitously. The Government has
taken all kinds OF measures To- drive HIM away,
AT .Aguacaic, near here. he was arrested, while
holGtngdi,ine services, for disturbing the peace.
lie was assaulted by thugs while gong to the
Protestant cemetery. In 1888. while he was
confined To his bed with illness, his infant
daughter was kidnapped from Lis home in
this city. lie arose from his sick bed,
caught the villain after II desperate race,
kl'Nk"l nun tlbN u. ANU ltN"N as mn
In 1859, wllio holding divine services ~ ''uan-
alacua he was again arrested Tor disturbing
the peace. This time more persistent efforts
were made to hold him. lie WAS kept in jail
two days and then admitted u bail. Ihroug,
the Efforts of the late James q, Blaine \ pru:apt
hearing was given him. Blaine directed the
Consul to demand an immediate trial. and If
that was refused to drInRrd InS's Immediate
discharge. Upon the investigation II was found
tina, MIR. Dia- had cpni"rmed exactly To all the
technical requirements % tho law prescribed
for holding public meetings, so thnt he was dis
charged. He was Rtterward challenged 10 light
aduvi hy a thug whom he did not know,
tie j. "A member az the NpUIcty Of tabailrroS
HusuitalArlu-. lie rendered h'N services gratis
for the benefit of wounded spanish ana insur-
gent soldiers on the battlrfe!d-. His services
for the bei"Nt Of spanish wounded soldiers
only were accepted. lie went Ia all battle
fields that could br reached from thi. city ana
attended the spanish wounded. II" attended
the milhmAu WIN was shot in the leg by a
spanish picket. Recently, near here. hG found
Spanish soldiers lying bv the highway exhaust
ed from heat and fatigue. The officers had left
them without care, lie had them taken to the
hospital.
When he heard Of the wounds and suffering
Of Dr. DcigadO he obtained n permit from the
Ca~piain-Grurra Ia bring DelsadO from his
hiding place Ia this city, whore ur cuulu have
proper care and medical attendance. lie assist
ed IN bringing lr. ~lJtlgaio to this city, When
he WAS arrested lus hoIse was setrrhe'. from
top to bottom for cVIdruC" or paI"rs that would
associate him with the in-urrertlon, hut moth
ing whatever was f0rnd, II" hah no Weapons.
He is still confined IN a." fttEy lock up.
uAVANA April -! The Rev. Albert l'la2 and
hi. brother Alfred have brra SCI al bGrty, but
have been ordered 10 leave the country within