Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-07-24
YOUNG AGUIRRE'S CASE
An American Citizen Tried by Court Martial
8 in Havana,
Efforts Being Made to Save His Life
The State Department An.
peaIed To.

The news of the trial Of George Wash
ington Aguirre an American citizen, by
court-martial In Havana has greatly agl-
tated the sympathizers with the Cuban
cause in this country as we'll as the rela-
ttves and friends of the young man. who
spent some time in Washington a year
ago and created a most favorable impress
sion. A presentation Of the facts in the
case has already been made to the State
Department officials, and 1t is underst ood
that steps have been taken to prevent
Aguirres execution In case the trial should
result in a conviction. Unfortunately the
chances are against his acquittal, for the
Spanish methods Of administering sc-called
military justice are famed for their lack
OF opportunity for the prisoner to defend
himself. Accordingly haste Is necessary II
the young mans life Is to be saved and 1t
is hoped by his friends here that no time
will be lost before this government de-
rnands his release under treaty obligations,
cr in the event of a failure of Spain to re-
gard his American citizenship, to insist
that he be given civil trial.
What marks the Agllirre case as one pe-
cuiiariy designed to appeal to the sympa-
th1es OF this government Is the fact that
this young man, who is but twenty-one
years of age, accepted the terms of Gen.
t VIEWERS proclamation of May last. in
which amnesty was offered to all insur-
gents who should lay down their arms.
He had reason to expect immunity under
the terms of that promise, but the Spanish
authorities have denied him the right.
The court-martial was organized in Ha-
vana yesterday morning.
Aguirre, when sworn, said he was born
In Paris; that he was twenty-one years old.
naturaliZed American and resident of
Now York. He came to Cuba with a fill
clustering expedition led by Sanchez Ech-
everria, landing near Baracoa. He ranked
as captain. He had recently commanded a
rebel cavalry force IN this province and
had taken part in various engagements. He
had assisted at the capture Of Fort Santa
Cruz del Morte, where he released many
prisoners after relieving them Of their
arms.
take him aboard his boat with the object
OF coming to Havana to present himself to
the government authorities and claim am
nesty under General Weyler's late decree.
He had not surrendered previously to the
local Spanish garrison in the district
wherein he operated. owing to the fact that
the insurgents watched very closely all
companions suspected of a desire to aban-
don their cause. He had no arms in his
possession when overhauled and alleged
citizenship. He claimed the right Of civil
trial.
Aguirre's mother, resident of this city,
appeared in court and greeted her son,
whom she identified. She had heard he
was in the revolution. Other witnesses also
Identified the prisoner.
The cases being separated, the Fiscal de-
manded sentences Of death for Coll and
perpetual chains for Delgado, another
boatman, rs accomplices and protectors
of Aguirre in the crime Of rebellion.
Aguirre, being reclaimed by the army
was ordered transferred to the military
Jurisdiction, ard was not included by the
marine authorities in their sentences