The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1896-12-18
INFAMY FOR SPAIN.
THE WAY MAcEo WAS LURED INTO A
DEATH TRAP.

deliberate Plot by weyler, Ahumada and
Doctor Zertucha TO Trap the Great Chief
tain and Kill Him Like "a Dog Details
of the Alleged Plot.
Chicago. Dec. a. = 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 anG
officially denied both at Washington by
Minister De LONE and at Havana.
Later they have been denied by an AS
ISOLATED 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 crime against mod
ern civilization as would undoubtedly
turn the whole world against Spain.
New York Suns Story of the Crime.
The New York SUMS account Of the
alleged murder of Maceo is the least
sensational of the several printed and
is in substance as follows: Dec.
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 plan contrived through
DR.. Maxine Zertucha, by the Marquis
of Ahumada, second in command, or
segundo cabo of the captain generally
of the island of Cuba. Early
in November Maceo received mystic
rious message which appeared to him
to come from the Marquis of Ahumada,
with full authority from General Wey-
Ter, as the messenger carried safe
conduct issued by Weyler personally.
Nothing was written; the message was
only verbal. At this conference only
Brigadier Miro. chief Of staff of Maceo,
was present 'Well,' answered Maceo,
go tell the Marquis of Ahumada that I
will consider the thing and give him an
answer
Zertucha Puts in His 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 Spaniards to
catch Maceo in a trap. But DR.. Max
limo Zertucha tried to convince the Gu
ban leader that it 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 coming crisis he ac-
copied 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 1t 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 Maceo's death as
follows: Maceo at Gomez orders had
to cross the trocha to join the latter
who was moving west and intended
to besege 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