New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-19
FIGHTING IN PINAR DEL RIO.
INSURGENTS REMARKABLY AGGRESSIVE IN

IN
THAT "PACIF1ED" CUBAN PROVINCE.
Havana, Feb. 1S.-Advices received here from
Madrid report an interview with the Marquis
de Apeztegua, the leader OF the Cuban Con-
servatives. on the subject of the relations be-
tween Spain and the United States. Referring
to the question of a commercial treaty the Mar
quis said that the matter should be most care
fully considered. in order that the interests Of
Spaniards in Cuba should not suffer. Such con-
sderation could be given. owing to the fact that
the signing Of such a treaty was not urgent.
The 'Dario de la Marina" to-day publishes an
article eulogizng President Cleveland for his
attitude toward the Cuban ilibusters, and say
ing that he is determined to punish those who
seek to aid the insurgents
The town of Dimas. in the "pacifed" Province
Of Pinar del Rio was the scene to-day Of a hot
that place and the garrison made gallant re-
sstance The insurgents were finally repulsed.
The rebel losses, if any are unknown.
Commander Perez Of the gunboat Fecha fired
to-day on the rebel quarters the beach at
Santa Rosa, Pinar del Rio. The huts occupied
by the insurgents were destroyed and the rebels
driven from their encampment.
Ricardo RiuZ, American dentist. who shot
himself at GuaEabacoa, died last night After
an autopsy the body will be delivered to Consul
General Lee and DR.. Burgess and will be buried
in the Colon Cemetery.
Madrid. Feb. 1s-A dispatch to the "Impar-
cal' from Havana says that the opinion Is gen.
orally prevalent in Cuba that the proposed re-
forms in the island will have absolutely no In
f1uenca upon the Cuban war.
DR.. ZERTUCHA REPORTED KILLED.
VENGEANCE ovERTAKEs THE ALLEGED Be
TRAYER OF GENERAL MACEo.
Madrid Feb. 1s-A dispatch received here from
Havana says it is reported there that Dr. Zertucha,
who Maceo's physician and accompanied him at
the time the insurgent leader met his death. has
been assassinated
After the killing of Maceo Dr. Zertucha was per-
mted 10 go free by the Spaniards. and ii gsner-
ally believed that he paid price by the Span
iards for his part in the death of Maceo
Zertucha lived in constant dread Of being killed.
According 10 the Cuban story, when Maceo invaded
the province Of Pinar del Rio for the second time
pan 10 assassinate him was arranged in the palace
at Havana Maxine Zertucha. the surgeon was
chosen 10 carry out the plan. First. Barrera. the
chief of police found a way Of communicating with
Zertucha, and later the Doctor had communications
with the Marquis Of Ahumada through Colonel Tort.
who before the war was an intimate friend OF Ter
tucha. and 10 whom. as arranged previously. the
physician surrendered In San Felipe
General Maceo crossed the trocha near Mariel at
o'clock on the night of December of last year
Maceo was accompanied BY part of his general
staff, including DR. Zertucha.
While accommodating under the guidance of Ter
tucha, who knew the country We'll. Maceo and a
small party, among whom was of General
Gomez, took route through a canefied. This was
ct the suggestion of Zertucha They fell into an
ambush of 800 SDaniards commanded by Major CT
rujeda. Pancho Gomez was wounded by the Span
ish fire and fell before Maceo, body of patriots
came up after the killing bad been done and drove
the SpaEiards off. The bodies of Maceo and young
Gomez, who killed himself with the last bullet Of
his revolver. had been stripped of clothing and
jewelry by the Spaniards.
Zertucha alone in all Maceo's party was not
wounded He was taken TO San Felipe and turned
over TO Colonel Tort who aftarward releas ed him.
1t is said that $4,000 was the price OF Maceos life
Zertucha belonged 10 all political parties in Cuba
He had been a bandit In the Nueta Abajo and his
record was discreditabe.
Zertucha issued a statement in which he tried 10
show that Maceo was killed in battle and the ply
stefan also assaed the honor Of the Cuban leaders