New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-07
SPANTARD AT FORT MONROE.
PRISONER WHO CAME NORTH ON THE GIN
CINNATI-AN OFFICER OF HIGH RANK

! PRISONER WHO CAME NORTH on THE GIN
CINNATI-AN OFFICER OF HIGH RANK
InY TELEGRAPH TIE TRrnrSr.1
| Newport News. Va. June 1.-THE Spanish Of
| hcer OF high rank who was brought up from
Key West on the United States cruiser Cincln-
NATL Captain Chester was brought over from
the ship to-day and transferred to cell
in Fort Monroe where he will be confined until
circumstances make II necessary for him to he
tried or exchanged. or the termination of the
war gives him his liberty.
The Tribune stated last week that the Gin
cinnau brought a prisoner Of unusual impor-
tance from Key West, but at that time 1t was
impossible to learn anything definite about his
rank or what disposition would be made Of him.
Captain Chester guarded his prisoner closely on
the Cincinnati. and would permit no one to en-
gage him in conversation.
The Navy Department knew 1t had an I'M
portant prisoner in the Spanish officer. and de-
termned that no news about his identity should
be let out The Cincinnati arrived in Hampton
Roads last Thursday, and proceeded directly to
the Navy Yard without stopping at Old Point.
hence the prisoner not transferred to the
fort in strict accorda zee with the instructions
received
II WAS at first intended to bring the officer
from the cruiser on Saturday. but Tor
some reason unknown this was not done and
It was said that SUNDAY was selected as the
time = crowd gathered at the wharf yesterday
al noon when the steamer Hampton Roads came
IN. expecting TO see him. but he did not appear
This morning however. 1t came officially from
Norfolk that preparations were making FOR the
transfer Of the prisoner. and when the steamer
Hampton Roads arrived at Old Point at l23o
O'Clock another large crowd gathered on the
pier.
The Spanlard walked down the gangway be-
tween an officer OF the United States Marine
Corps and n marine who carried his rifle over
his right shoulder. The trio marched rapidly
across the pier to the street and headed in the
direction of the fort passing the Chambern
and HyGela hotels
The first prisoner OF to cross virginia's
soil In this war walked with head erect. Shout
ders thrown back and presenting dignitled
front. which plainly bespoke officer OF no
small rank lie was attlred in plain black cti-
zens clothes. and wore a souch hat crushed
In military style. Ills eyes are sharp. and his
glance is piercing. On entering the fort the ma
rine officer reported 10 oadquarters. where he
was relieved Of his prisoner.
The Spanlard. under artillery escort, was then
marched to cell in the military prison. ad-
Joining the officers club. whore he remains In
confinement. II was AT first reported that the
Spaniard was placed IN the cell occupied by
jefferson Davis. bur that Is erroneous WHAT
viii he done with the officer cannot be learned.
Lieutenant Colonel HasbrOuck. commandant at
the fcrl. does not know. He has orders 20 guard
the prisoner Of war closely until further orders.
There are any number Of stories az to the
Identity OF the Spanish officer, and the officers
OF the Cincinnati and those at the fort are con
ddent that he is man of high rank one "f
The stories Is 20 the effect that the officer was
in Washington connected with the spanish Lee
CATION shortly before tho declaration Of war,
and left Ncw-York the Panama for cuba.
where he had been assigned by his Government
FOR active duty. The capture OF tho Panama ~
course. made him prisoner.
II IL stated AT Fort NJ lnroe that the Govern
nent Is in possession OF evidence which estab-
fishes the FAC; that the prisoner IL General In
the Spanish Army. and one Of high standing.
What he IL no one Will ever know from his own
lips He IL rctccnt. and will not even condo
sccnd 10 answer questions put to him. Ii Is be-
licved that his retlcence Is due to the fact that
he does not want his Captors to know the I'M
por,ance ~ their capture. and the reticence or
the Government officials Is due 10 the fact that
they do not want Spain to know that they have
one OF her highest officers. Fort Monroe Is 10
h4 made one ~ the principal military prisons.
and I'm short order other prisoners OF war VIII
10 bc cent there for confinement.