The morning news., 1897-01-22
HONOR Welded WITH WAR.
CUBANs COUPLE CHIVALRY WITH
COURAGE.

Dashing Patriot Omcer-An Act
characterized the BOldcst
stroke of the Present Wharf.-The
Cuban Side of the story of stop
ping of "a spanish Train.
Havana Jan. 20, via Key West, Fla,
Jan. 21-Passengers by the Olivette report
that the most daring deed ever done by
the rebels during this war was performed
by the dashing leader, Nestor Aranguen,
commanding the Cuban forces in the Ha-
vana province When the news reached
Havana Sunday morning the people were
thunderstruck. The sensation was tre-
mendous, the Spaniards were furious, and
the Cubans elated at the boldness and
courage displayed by the young leader at
the very gates of Havana.
Many rumors were afioat as to the fate
of prisoners. 1t was currently believed
that all were hung. Rabid Spaniards
were pleased. and said 1t would author
ize Weyler 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-
taliation, slaughtering over two hundred
people that night The town was terror
stricken, and parties went Sunday even
ing to investigate 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 iendish
when referring to the fact that he knew
the blow was aimed at him. He said the
conspiracy was organized at Guanabacoa
and all connected with it would suffer.
Rumors reached Havana next day that
many were killed on the previous night,
but II Is impossible to ascertain the num-
ber or names of the victims.
The occurrence referred to happened as
follows The train leaving Regla station,
opposite Havana, at 10 p. M, was derail-
ed kometre and half ON the way to
Guanabacoa by two dead cattle placed on
the road. Fifty men, lying in waiting, in
stantly, with leveled guns and drawn ma
chetes, 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 commit
! ted All the military men were ordered
to leave the train. One escaped by jump
ing through the car window, and another
by striking a blow on the jaw, telling his
captor. Corporal Francisco Vento, Offer
ing resistance, was given five machete cuts
and seriously wounded. Two mulattos,
dressed In firemens suits, tried to escape
and one was killed. The other was serious
iy wounded. The engineer and fireman
were also ordered to leave the train and
follow the rebels. but were released after
a short distance.
When all the prisoners were together the
rebels started to march a distance of
about a kilometre, where Aranguen, with
the main body of his men, had remained
waiting. As soon as a junction was form
ed the whole body disappeared.
The names of the captured are: Capts.
Res Soriane, Joaquin Otero, Antonio Fer
nandez; First Lieuts. Tomas Gonzales.
tinez; Second Lieuts. Jose Marrerro, Jose
Ve.asco, Pho Gil, Bernardo Barros, four
soldiers and a brakeman-in all, fifteen per-
sons.
In order to appreciate the Importance OF
the deed, It Is necessary TO know that it
took place In three minutes ride from
Regia, opposite the last houses OF the
town, in view of Havana, and only 100
yards from a Spanish detachment OF twen-
ty-1ve soldiers, close to the switching sta
tion Of the branch road to Matanzas.
There are no bushes but open fields for
light night
The Spanish officers admit that Aran-
guen's tactics were wonderful and say he
calculated With mathematical precision.
They admire the audacity and reckless
ness displayed.
Monday morning the report reached Ha-
vana that all had been released. with the
exception Of Barros and the brakeman. A
reaction of sentiment at once followed.
Rabid spaniards were vexed and the Gu
bans joyful over Aranguen's mastery di-
plomatic stroke. II showed that the re-
bels continued their humane policy, de-
spite provocation offered by Spanish
atrocities, sufficient to tax the patience OF
any people on earth. Liberal Spaniards
are enthusiastic over Aranguen's action.
Tney say 1t gave them a lesson In Spanish
chivalry.
The released 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
Aranguen. in which the Cuban question
was discussed, Aranguen trying In a quiet
way 10 convince them that Spain's efforts
10 crush the revolution were powerless
before the Cubans determination TO fight
TO the end, accepting no compromise. They
admired the organization Of Aranguens
forces. whose drilling was perfect. They
admit there Is nothing similar In the Span
lsh ranks. They mentioned as a curious
fact that the leaders adjutant a lad Of
- years. has already been pierced through
the body by a Mauser bullet
They detail their adventure as follows:
They marched all night and arrived early
in the morning at the San Luis camp, near
Campo Florido. There their captain took
the names OF all and held a council OF
war. They found that Barros was 2 Gu
ban and decided TO hang him as a traitor
TO bis country, and the brakeman as
spy The officers were not present at the
council. nor did they witness the execu-
tion. Barros was hung from a tree and
"A sign placed on the body, saying: Acts
like this are regrettable, but it Is neces-
sary to give an example; there are so
many traitors. Inside the pocket a COM
munication win be found. IL Is urgent
that this reach the military commander"
on the brakeman's body was placed an
other sign saying: Hung as a spy"
The communication said. General
STAFF Of the Lberating Army. Fifth Army