River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1896-12-17
TREACHER0USLY SLAIN.
Antonio Maceo Was Lured to His
Death
He and His Stan Ambushed Under Cover
of an Invitation to a Conference with
Spanish Leaders-WeyIer De-
mics the story.

Jacksonville. Fla. Dec. 14.-Gen. M
tonic Maceo. the famous Cuban leader.
is really dead. having been treacherous-
~ murdered by Spaniards December
while on his way TO attend a conference
to which he was invited by the marquis
Of Ahumeda. acting captain general of
CLba. while Gen. Weyler was in the
field. Saturday noon letter was re-
ceived by Col. j. A. DE Huau, the head of
the Florida junta, from his secretary
correspondent in Havana, giving a de-
tailed account of the assassination of
zen. Maeeo and his entire staff. with
the exception Of DR.. Zertucha, who was
Macco's physician.
Led Into a Trap.
II appears that the marquis or Ahu-
media, who is officiating as captain gem
eral of Cuba during Weyler's absence in
the field, sent a letter TO Gen. Maceo
inviting the Cuban leader TO a confer
ence near Punta Brava, stating he de-
sired to confer with him as to soine
means of stopping bloodshed and the
great waste of human life, and to get
ting his views on the subject. Maceo.
Hho was the soul of honor, never for
moment thought ireachery was in-
tended. especially as the Invitation came
Il ou such a prominent Spauiard as the
marquis of Ahumeda, and he imme-
diately returned an answer, saying he
would be glad to meet the Spanish gen
eral. Attended by his staff only, con-
sisting of IS men and officers, he went
TO the rendezvous. little dreaming Of
A. hat was in xforp for him
Ambushed.
On his arrival at the trocha. the Span
ish soldiers there, acting under orders,
actually saluted the rebel chieftain as
he passed, but after reaching the rem
devious on the east side near a hill
side, thickly wooded, the Cuban leader
was surprised to see, instead of the
marquis of Ahuneda, 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 were con
firmed when peremptory orders came
from Maj. Cru ieda, v no dashed up to
the gallant Cuban leader as he stood AZ
bay, surrounded by his staff. and de
manded bis 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 ard outnunl-
bered almost one hundred to one, struck
spurs into their horses with cries of
Cuba libre" aud rode calamity TO their
Heath, striking down as many of the
enemy as they could. Maceo is reported
TO have fallen at tine first lire with a
bullet through the head, breaking his
Jaw, while another hit him in the alb
1omen. Each was fatal
Much Indignation.
Chicago, Dec. l5.-Dispatches from
all sections of the United States tell of
the horror and Indignation felt at the
manner in which Maceo and his com
rades were lured to their deaths. In
many places recruits are presenting
themselves, eager to proceed to Cuba
and aid the insurgents. Gen. Weller
was burned in efligy at Dubois, Pa.