The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1896-12-17
BUTCHERED.
Spanish Treachery Responsible for
Maceo's Death.
Invited to . Conference. the Patriot and
His STAFF Arc Slaughtered Under
Flag of Trace-betrayed
BY Zertucha.

HIS stan Arc Slaughtered Under
Flag of Trace-betrayed
by Zertucha.
Jacksonville, Fla, Dec. 14.-Gen. An
tonic Maceo, the famous Cuban leader,
il really dead, having been treacherous-
ly murdered by Spauiards December Z
while on his way to attend q conference
to which he was invited by the marquis
of Ahumeda, acting captain general OF
Cuba, while Gen. Weyler was in the
field. Saturday noon a letter was re-
ceived by Col. J. a. De Huau. the head OF
the Florida junta, from his secretary
correspondent in Havana. giving de-
tailed account of the assassination OF
Gen. Maceo and his entire staff, with
the exception OF DR.. Zertucha, who was
Maceo's physician. The letter came
from a reliable source in Havana, but
the correspondents name. OF course,
cannot be made public, for, us Mr.. Huau
said: "rhe writer would be shot with
in an hour by Spanish authorities it
they knew who gave away details of one
Of the most horrible atrocities ever
chronicled in modern warfare"
Led Into q Trap.
It appears that the marquis OF Ahu-
media, who is officiating AS captain gen.
eral of Cuba during Weyler's absence i'll
the field, sent a letter to Gen. Maceo
inviting the Cuban leader to confer"
ence near Punta Bravo, stating he de-
sired to confer with him as to Some
means of stopping bloodshcd and the
great waste of human life, aud to get
ting his views on the subject. Maceo.
who was the soul of honor, never for
moment thought treachery was lit
tended, especially as the invitation came
from such a prominent Spaniard as the
marquis OF Ahumeda, and he imme-
diatcly returned an answer, saying he
would be glad to meet the Spanish gen
eraI. Attended by his staff only, COLI
sisting Of IS men and officers, he went
to the rendezvous. little dreaming Of
what was in store for him.
Ambushed.
On his arrival at the trocha, the Span
ish soldiers there, acting under orders,
actually saluted the rebel chieftaln as
he passed, but after reaching the rem
devious on the east side near hill
side, thickly wooded, the Cuban leader
was surprised to see, instead OF the
marquis of Ahumeda, large body Of
Spanish soldiers, who seemed to come
from every side. The actions of the
Spanish troops were so suspicious that
Maceo felt that he had been cruelty
trapped, and his suspicious we're con-
firnled when peremptory orders came
from Maj. Cirujeda. who dashed up to
the gallant Cuban leader as he stood at
bay, surrounded by his staff, and de-
manded his unconditional surrender.
IF you surrender" said he, 1--WE offer
you your life and an honorable treaty."
Maceo Shot Down.
"Never!" was the brave reply, and
hardly had the words been uttered when
volley after volley was poured into the
little band of patriots, who, although,
hemmed in on all sides and outnum-
bered almost one hundred to one, struck
spurs into their horses with cries of
Scuba libre" and rode gallantly to their
death, striking down as many of the
enemy as they could. Maceo is reported
to have fallen at the first fire with a
bullet through the head. breaking his
Jaw, while another hit him in the alb
adomen. Each was fatal.
Young Francisco Gomez, son of the
Cuban commander in chief. was the
next to fall, and in few moments e
number of bloody corpses. all shot almost
beyond recognition so fierce and concen-
trated was the Spanish fire, was all thai
remained Of the gallant Cubans, who
had trusted not wisely but too well to
Spanish honor.
Zertucha Spared.
The fire was continued until every
man was killed save DR.. Zertucha, who,
the Cubans say. is traitor. The bodies
of Maceo and young Gomez were then
tied to the tails of the soldiers horses
and dragged over the field so rs to dis
figure them, as the Spaniards did not
wish to have them discovered and iden-
titled at first.
!: At this moment, said the Cuban COM
missioner to the junto, in Havana, Il
band of rebels who were going to join
Maceo at the Havana side of Mariel, ap-
preached and were informed by Miro Of
the ambush. The Spaniards had al
ready searched the bodies, and four men
were carrying them when the Cubans
came up. A terrible fight ensued. and
the Cubans recovered the bodies of the
two leaders, pursuing the Spanish wit tn
their machetes clear to Punta Bravo.
Maj. Cirujeda had a narrow escape, 5ut
he was able TO take with him the objects
seized in the first search, though he left
the bodies of Maceo and Pancho Gomez
dressed and in the hands of the Cubans.
Zartucha's Price.
Zertucha was taken BY Spanish SOL
der to San Felipe. because he said it
was agreed with him that he should sur
render to Col. Tort When Wevler
heard that Zertucha had informed
Ahu,neda of the passage OF the trocha
by Maceo, he said he was glad. He pre-