The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-01-21
SPANISH ATROCITIES
As Reported by an Insurgent
Sympathizer from Havana.
GUERILLAS INVADE A TOWN,

The Mayor Hanged in Front of His Door
in the Presence of Wife and Daughter
| and Helpless Women and Girls BrutaIiy
| Maltreated.
KEY WEST, Fla, Jan 2l.-Among the
| passengers on last nights steamer from
Havana was Jose Micando, from the int.
rior, south of Havana. He reported figh,
at Helena del Sur, in the southern part Of
Havana province two weeks ago, that the
officials in Havana have not yet reported.
A Spanish cavalry force of some 600 men
camping there were surprised by 400 Gu.
bans under Colonel Sanchez one of Ma.
coos old officers. The Spanish forces
fought bravely, but reiterated within half
an hour with twenty men killed. The
Cubans suffered a loss of eight. The Gu
bans pursued but were drawn into am.
bush and punished terribly, losing fifty
men. They Withdrew and the Spanish
troops re-entered their old camp, and be.
gan merrymaking in honor of their VIC
tory
Late that night the Insurgents again
attacked and surprised the camp forcing
their way to the commanding officers
quarters before their presence was dis.
covered. Then the terror stricken Span
ish soldiers fed, finging down their
weapons The insurgents pursued them
Tor miles, wounding over hundred. The
captured officers were finally released on
parole. The Cubans were received by the
people as deliverers After remaining
there two days they moved northward.
Three days after that Spanish force
commanded by the guerilla, Felix des
Gras, marched in. After securing the
mayor and other officers as prisoners he
secured the leading women of the place
and then gave the town over to his ruffianly
soldiers. For the next twenty-four hours
the Spanish guerillas had their own way
with helpless women and girls. Seven
men and four young lads were brutally
killed while attempting to protect their
relatives. Many women died from their
treatment Two young women killed
themselves rather than submit to the in |
suits Of the soldiers.
The mayor was hanged In front of his |
own door, his wife and daughter being
compelled to witness the execution The |
captain charged that he gave aid to the |
rebels Two Of the other officials were |
brutally beaten and then released with |
caution that the next visit meant death. |
The insurgents have set price upon the
head of this captain, and If caught his
trial will be short
AS the usual train left Regla at 10 |
clock, p. IN. on Saturday for Guannba.
Goa the train was derailed near the switch
ut Cambute. The passengers believed
that only trivial accident had occurred,
and jumped out Of the windows. Sud.
denly number of herculean negroes,
armed with carbines and machetes, in
Vaded the three coaches, threatening to
kill the passengers and compelling them
20 yacate the cars, killing a negro pas.
'enger and seriously wounding soldier
treat excitement Immediately ensued,
many of the passengers being.women and
children.
The insurgents Immediately set about
and despoiling the passengers
II their money and jewelry. They set at
liberty all excepting the officers and rail-
Dad employees They took from the officers
heir jewelry and from several passengers
Who were on the train over 5000 In
nopav l.