Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-22

Weylef to continue his vigorous policy
and adopt harsher measures to offset the
alleged Cuban atrocities now evidenced
In this case.
Many said Fondeviela would initiate re-
tallation, Strengthening over 200 people
that night. The town was terror-stricken
and parties went Sunday evening to in
vestfgate the facts. They found the town
deserted. All houses were closed and
only armed soldiers were parading the
streets.
Persons speaking with Fondeviela say
his face, usually repulSive, was fiendiSh
| when referring to the fact that he knew
the blow was aimed at him. He said the
conspiracy was originated al Guanaba-
| Goa, and all connected with 1t would suf-
fer. Rumors reached Havana next day
that many were killed on the previous
night, but 1t is impossible TO ascertain
the number or names of the victims. The
occurrence referred to happened as fol-
| LEWIS:
The train leaving Regla station, oppo-
site Havana, at 10 p. m, was derailed a
kilometre and half on the way to Qua
nabacoa, by. two dead cattle placed on
the track. Fifty men, lying in waiting,
instantly, with leveled guns and drawn
machetes, ordered all to remain quiet.
The civilian passengers, especially the
ladies', We're politely assured that no
harm would be DONE The men were
deprived of hats and coats. No other
theft was committed. All the military
men were ordered to leave the train.
One escaped by jumping from the car
window, and another by striking
blow on the jaw, telling his captor, Cor
poral Francisco vento, offering resist
ance, was given five machete cuts and
seriously wounded. Two mulattoes,
dressed in firemens suits, tried to es-
cape and one was killed. The other was
seriously wounded. The engineer and
fireman were also ordered to leave the
train and follow the rebels. but were re-
leased after a short distance.
When all the prisoners were together,
the rebels started to march a distance
of about a kilometre where Arranguren,
with the main body of his men, had re-
manned waiting. AS soon as junction
was formed the whole body disappeared.
The names of the captured are: Cap
tains Res Soriane. Joaquin Otero, An
tonic Fernandez First Lieutenants
Tomas Gonzalez, Ricardo Betancourt,
Antonio Perez Martinez; Second Lieuten-
ants Jose Marrero, Jose Velasco, Pic Gil,
Bernardo Barros, four soldiers and
brakeman-in all fifteen persons.
In order to appreciate the Importance
of the deed, 1t is necessary to know that
it took place three minutes ride from
Regla, opposite the last houses of the
town, in full view of Havana and only
100 yards from a Spanish detachment of
twenty five soldiers, close to the switch
ing station of the branch road to Ma
tanzas. There are no bushes, but open
fields for long distance, and 1t was a
clear moonlight night.
The Spanish officers admit that Ar
ranguren'S tactics were wonderful, and
says he calculated with mathematical
precision They admire the audacity and
recklessness displayed.
Monday morning the report reached
Havana that all had been released with
the exception of Barros and the brake
man.. A reaction of sentiment at once
followed. Rabid Spaniards were vexed,
and the Cubans, joyful over Arrangements
mastery diplomatic stroke. 1t showed
that the rebels continued their humane
policy, despite provocation offered by
Spanish atrocities, sufficient to tax the
patience of any people on earth. Liberal
Spanfards are enthusiastic over Arran-
guren's action. They say it gave them
a lesson In Spanish chivalry.- The re-
leased officers are full of praise Of the
treatment they received, which was most
kindly and courteous. They refer to many
instances Of delicate attention. The best
food was given. No harsh words were
used nor offensive remarks made. They
had friendly conversation with Arran-
guren, in which the Cuban question was
discussed, Arranguren trying in quiet
way to convince them that SPANS efforts
to crush the revolution were powerless
before the Cubans' determination to fight
to the end accepting no compromise.
They admired the organization of Ar
rangurens forces, whose drilling was
perfect. They admit there is nothing
similar in the Spanish ranks. The men,
toned as curious fact that the leaders,
adjutant, lad of 10 years, has already
been pierced through the body with
Mauser bullet.
They detail their adventure as follows:
They marched all night and arrived
early in the morning at the San I4uds
camp, near Camp Florida. There their
captain took the names of all and held
a council of war They found that Bar
ros was Cuban. and decided to hang him
as a traitor to his country and the brake
man as spy. The officers were not pres
emit at the council, nor did they witness
the execution. Barros was hung from
tree and sign placed on the body, say
ing: Acts like this are regrettable, but
it is necessary to give an example; there
are so many traitors. Inside the pocket
communication will be found 1t is
urgent that this reach the military conn
mander."
On the brakemans body was placed an
other sign, saying: Hung as spy"
The communica ton read:
General Staff of the Liberating Army,
Fifth Army Corps, First Division of the
Northern brigade, Havana Cavalry
Regiment:
On the night of the 18th I attacked the
train leaving Regla for Guanabacoa at
10 O'Clock D. H. which carried many mil
itary Those who made any resistance
persisted, and those who did not, were
made prisoners The prisoners are:
Capts. Res Soriano. joaquin Otero, An
tonic Fernandez First Lieutenants
Tomas Gonzalez, Ricardo Betancourt
Antonio Perez Martinez; Second Lieu
tenants Jose Marrero, Jose Velasco, Pho
Gil, Bernardo Barros and four soldiers
and brakeman--in all fifteen prisoners
All these are Spanish citizens with the
exception of Lieut.. Barros. the bearer of
this message, who was killed for being a
Cuban traitor.
(signed.)- NESTOR ARRANGUREN.
To General-in-Chief valeriano Weyler
San Luis Camp. Jan. II, 1897.
Further details show Arrangements
magnanimity. All the prisoners were es-
corted to near Jaruco. At the moment OF
narting one Cuban shouted Cuba libre."
Arranguren at once silenced him, saying
II was not manly to force Spanish Of
ficer to repeat the cry, since they came to
Cuba in obedience to the duty required
by military discipline.
The above facts have created great
Impression. The rest of the OFFICERS In
,v1 oIcouvbpre know the truth.