New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-21
REFUGEES FROM PORTO RICO.
THEY ARRIVE IN THE PRETORIA-THE STORY OF

A FORMER SPANISH CAPTAIN.
The Pretoria. OF the quebec Steamship Company,
arrived yesterday from St. Thomas. where she took
on board a number OF people who had fed from
San Juan and other ports In Porto Rico Among
the passengers was Captain Jose Perez Formerly
a captain in the Spanish army and now on his way
to Join the Cuban insurgents. with whom ne mas
already enlisted. Captain Perez. who Is native
Cuban, was captain in the Spanish army there
and when the Fire Department Of Havana was re-
organized three years ago after the American sys-
TEN he was placed at the head OF H.
At the time the Cuban revolution broke out.
though he continued his allegiance 10 Spain his
strong sympathies with the Cuban cause almost
led him TO throw In his lot with II then. His
brother. Ernesto. did 30 and elk months after was
captured badly wounded, by Weyler's soldiers
Most powerful intercess!on with General Weyler
for the brothers lie was useless. and ne was con-
demned to die Then Jose went TO Spain got
personal audience with the Queen. who was 10
moved by his appeal that she granted life TO the
brother. changing the death sentence to imprison-
n,ent for NE. General Weyler. however. at nrst
refused 10 recognize the Queens decree. ard was
determined TO carry out the sentence of death and
II only after the Queen had repeated the nrst
order that Communication was carried out and the
brother taken TO Ceuta. the penal colony OF
Spain He released last February, and as
soon as Jose heard OF It, for 1t was only for that
he had been waiting he enlisted with the insur-
gents.
Jose Perez left Cuba some time ago. and has been
In Porto Rico. where he acted as an adjutant on
the STAFF Of Captain General Marin. AT the out.
break OF the between the United States and
Spain the Spanish syInpathizers started TO form a
military corps and requested him to take command.
bu, when he made known his sentiments they at
He reached ST Thomas without money other
possessions except the clothes he had on his buck.
but when he made known his situation to his
friends in New-York f. Fares and another man
sent him all the means he needed to reach this
country. He Is a small dark man. quick In his
actions. and his friend, Mr.. Fares: proudly speaks
Of his bravery and tells OF the six duel. he has
fought in two Of which Mr.. Fares acted
ond. Captain Perez Will leave New-York at the
FIRST opportunity for Cuba.
consul. was another passenger lie said the peo-
pie Of ST. Thomas were much dissatisfied with the
passengers were Louis and Edward Azcaratc.
nephews OF General Azcaraga. exMnistcr OF War
under Canovas, but who nevertheless are fugitives
from Spanish dominion. together with their fami-
lies because OF their Cuban sympa ihles
Another passenger who said he was n sugar
planter and had left his wife. six children and con-
name withheld for fear OF harm to his family and
property. said that all the people Of Porto. Rico
States. and that Spanish rule WAS one OF terrible
oppression. People were hung up and whipped 10
obtain confessions from them as to who were
confined in prison among them several women.
suspicion only OF rebellion. The whole island
was under martial Law. and the people were simply
grooming under 1t. He also. said that the sugar
crop had all been marketed before the war he
gan. and the people were anxousy hoping for tho
war 70 end before the next crop
Porto Rico agent Of the Standard OIL Company
who saw the Commandment OF San Juan from the
deck Of German steamer bound from Porto Plata
to St. Thomas. but who positively refused to tell
anything about II.