The Saint Paul globe., 1898-07-10
CERvERA'S CAREER.
The Admiral Is Regarded as Spaln's
Foremost Naval Man.


Foremost Naval Man.
WASHINGTON, July 9.-Pascual de
Cervera Torpete Conde de Jerez Mar
quis de Santa Ana Is the somewhat
lengthy name and title of the Spanish
admiral, who is now an American
prisoner. Cervera Is a nephew Of Ad-
miral Torpete, one of the old-time ad-
n1irals Of the Spanish navy, and prcb-
ably in his time the best known naval
man in Spain, for his fame extended
country. He was the leader of the
revolt in Jerez, Spain, in 1868, which
took place at the heighth Of his ca
reer. His mantle fell upon the pres
ent Spanish admiral, to whom Spain
looked with such confidence.
Cervera is now sixty-fve years Of
age. He was born in the province Of
Jerez, where his father, Carlos de Ger
vera, was a man of large wealth, own
as one of the richest wine merchants
Of Spain Cervera's mother was Marie
Porpete, a daughter of Count Porpete
Velle, Of the royal family Of Spain.
They belonged to the aristocratic class,
and their son was afforded all the ad-
vantages which wealth and position
could secure for him in Spain He en-
nando when eighteen years of age
and graduated three years later, in
1854. He was afterward attached to
several different training ships to pre-
pare him for naval warfare.
In 1859 he experienced his first cam
paign, in the expedition sent out by
Spain against Morocco, and for his
services was promoted to first lieuten-
ant. He was next attached to an ex-
n i,,
Afterward he was attached to the
Spanish legation in this city, and sub
sequently made captain in the Span
ish navy and placed in command of a
ship and sent to Peru, where war was
In progress. He remained there but
short time when the ten years war
in Cuba broke out, and Spain found
1T necessary to recall her fleet from
Peru in order to engage in a blockade
OF Cuban ports to prevent the landing
OF filibustering expeditions, which
were carrying supplies to the Cubans
In that struggle.
During the progress Of the ten years.
war Cervera was recalled from Cuba
and made secretary Of the navy in the
Spanish cabinet. When he again en-
tered active service in the navy he was
created an admiral and placed. In COM
n,and of the Pelayo, the first and only
frst-class battle-ship in the Spanish
navy. It's construction was unde rtakea
and carried out under his suggestions.
He has been adjutant to the queen
regent, and several years ago was at
the head of the Spanish naval commits
sion sent to London to confer with
similar commissions from other Euro
pean powers regarding maritime mat
ters. He bears fifteen medals, bestowed
upon him by the Spanish government,
and Spain counts hin, as her foremost
naval man. His promotions, however,
have usually come by reason Of his
family connections and through the in
fuence of his uncle, Admiral Torpete,
rather than merit. although he has at
times shown himself possessed of abil-
ity, which must be recognized, even
though he is an: enemy, and his long
experience has increased his efficiency
at the present time.
Cervera, however, is generally dis
liked by the men under him. He is ac-
oused Of being most cruel to his men
and treating them without any show of
feeling. His characteristics are those
of the average blood-thirsty Spaniard
He IS described as naughty. insolent,