Evening star., 1898-05-31

companying him were a large number of
Spanish soldiers. The worthy father was
the object of considerable attention and re-
spect from them. While the journey was
still young the officers in charge of the
''seidados divulged their plans, their
strong points we'll their weak ones.
The most critical moment of the journey
was at the time of an attack on the train
by insurgents. Lacret sad that If 1t had
not been for the excitement of the Span
iards they must surely have penetrated his
disguise. He went SO far as to attempt to
join the attacking party, but the train pull
ed away in time to save his betrayal. To
the dying and wounded soldiers he had to
administer spiritual comfort and, this end
ed, was called upon to bless those VINO had
escaped unhurt. His muttered words may
have been blessings, but were more likely
impreca tions.
Being highly educated, a man of good
presence and padre was sufficient to
give him an entree into the best Spanish
society Of Sagua la Grande. Lacret stop
ped at the finest hotel, and when in the
cafe sat at the alcalde's right hand. While
enjoying their early morning coffee, noon
day breakfast and sunset dinner the COM
parative strength and positions of the COM
batting forces were discussed. The alcaide
was thoroughly Spanish and the priest
would hold up his hands in holy horror
when the alcalde would mention what he
would do to Lacret when he caught him.
He had heard that Lacret was coming to
command the "Bandittos' of that vicinity
The Padre Disappears.
After communicating with the insurgents
the padre" suddenly disappeared from the
hotel. The alcalde had become very much
attached to the fascinating man and won
dered what had become of him. The third
day brought unexpected tidings in the
shape of the following note:
Il congratulate myself upon having made
your acquaintance when in your city under
sacred guise. During my stay you frequent
ly referred to the pleasure it would give
you to meet Jose Lacret, at the same time
predicting great punishment for him. I
now have 400 MEN with me in this district
and assure You meeting would be mutual
ly agreeable.
(SgneD Jose LACRET MORLOT"
Since that time Lacret has done valorous
service for the cause of Cuban freedom
lie was transferred to the province of Ma
tanzas soon after his arrival, and his ca
reer there will form an interesting chapter
In the history of Cuba From Matanzas
Pio'ihNS iiC was sent lO tie eastward aS q
delegate to the assembly held in Puerto
Principe last February. at which the new
government was formed. From this as
sembly he was directed to come to this
country as q bearer of dispatches to the
Jrnta He enjoyed several months rest
and recuperation in West Tampa where
he was constantly with his eleven-year-old
son.
Sketch of His Life.
Lacret was born in 1S47 in Santiago, his
father and mother being of French and
Spanish extraction. Lacret received a fin
ished education in Paris. When the revo-
luton of 1858 began Lacret hurried from
France to Cuba by way of the United
States, and was early earning laurels on
the field. One day he and mis- company
were overwhelmed by Spanish soldiers
Lacret attempted to seek refuge in a
church, but turned, at bay, on the steps,
A Spanish soldier attempted to kill him by
a bayonet thrust, but Lacret caught the
weapon and depressed 1t to the steps,
The Spaniard pulled the trigger of his gun
and the shot shattered Lacret's foot.
Lacret was taken to prison, and it was
only through his fathers immense wealth
(about s3,0o0,0OO and influence that his
release was obtained. BY skiilful treat
Hlent ABROAD Lacret was able, after sew
eral years, to bear his weight upon the in
jured member. He then returned to the
field and rose to the rank of general
Red Cross ReIiefx Steamer.
The Red Cross relief steamer State CT
Texas, with provisions for the starving
Cubans. and which had been at anchor in
the harbor of Key West for three weeks,
sailed for Cuba on May 21 The ship flies
the Red Cross flag, and on each of her
black sides is painted a large red cross.