Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-12-14

Chicago, Dec. IA. The detailed
news that was sent broadcast
over the country yesterday regarding
the death of Maceo and declaring that
he was the victim of a premeditated
assassination by the Spaniards and was
lured to his death, caused a wave of
indignation through this country that
would only need to carry the executive
with it to eventuate in war with Spain.
There were many versions of the story
and all of them were emphatically and
officially denied both at Washington by
Minister De LONE and at Havana.
Later they have been denied by an AS
sociated Press dispatch from Havana
which If absolutely reliable stamps the
Cubans as very picturesque and per-
sistent prevaricators. The alleged lur-
ing of Maceo to his death. on the other
hand. was such q crime against mod
ern civilization as would undoubtedly
turn the whole world against Spain.
New York SUMS Story of the Crime.
The New York Suns account of the
alleged murder of Maceo is the least
sensational of the several printed and
commissioner from the insurgent camp
came to Havana and brought news to
the Cuban junta there that Antonio
Maceo, young Gomez and other men,
bers of the staff of Maceo had been as
ssassinated by the Spaniards, in ac-
cordance with a plan contrived through
DR.. Maxine Zertucha, by the Marquis
Of Ahumada, second in command, or
m hn nf M a Cpn n
of the island of Cuba Early
in November Maceo received a myste-
rious message which appeared TO him
to come from the Marquis of Ahumada,
with full authority from General Wey-
ler as the messenger carried a safe
conduct issued by Weyler personally.
Nothing was written; the message was
only verbal. At this conference only
Brigadier Miro. chief OF staff OF Aaceo.
was present. 'Well,' answered Maceo.
go tell the Marquis OF Ahumada that
will consider the thing and give him an
answer
Zertucha Puts IN Ills word
Maceo imediately gathered his staff,
and explaining the situation asked the
opinion of his subordinates. Brigadier
Miro expressed his belief that the whole
thing was scheme for the SpaAiards to
catch Maceo in a trap. But DIR. Max
imo Zertucha tried to convince the Gu
ban leader that ii was wise to meet the
Marquis of Ahumada, as the financial
situation of Spain clearly indicated
that the Spanish army would soon have
to abandon the fight Though Maceo
was satisfied that the situation Of
Spain indicated a coming crisis he ac-
| cepted the Views Of Miro and resolved
| to wait, thinking 1t strange that the
| first proposals for peace should be made
| to him and not to General Gomez"
A New Plot Is Concocted.
The Suns account goes on to say that
this attempt failing General Weyler re-
| turned to Havana to help concoct an
other plan. and Zertucha was retained
| to carry it out, the latter being prom
| doctor found means to communicate
| the plans and movements of Maceo
| to Ahumada, vie governor general, and
| to Ahumada, vice governor general and
this brought about Maceos death as
| follows: Maceo at Gomez orders had
| to cross the trocha to join the latter
| who was moving west and intended
| to besiege Havana. THE crossing of
the trocha was not an easy affair with
| large body of men, and even when
| opportunity offered but few Cuban
soldiers could do it without attracting
| attention. Maceo knew how, and moved
| to Mariel, but the Spaniards, through
| Zertucha, knew of his movements and
of the communication from Gomez.
| LED INTO AMBUSH BY zERTUCHA.
| A. u-,,,, D.f,.;n~ A., Su.->u.l>. Sr,~H ec