Natchitoches populist., 1898-10-28
CUBA'SGREAT SMUGGLER
WHY THERE ARE TWO HOUSES IN
HAVANA WITHOUT A PARALLEL,

of Havana said to be without a paral
lei in all the world. These are tn
Marti Fish Market and the Tacol
| Theatre,
The former is building between
one hundred and fifty and two hundred
feet long. The roof is supported BY
huge arches which rest on marble pil
lars. Through the entire length ofdhs
centre extends q broad counter O.
white marble. One side Of the struc
ture is open to the street and the OPP
posite side to the harbor. The history
of Its origin is not the least interest.
ing incident connected with it.
Early in the thirties of the present
century, the greatly commended and
severely criticised Tacon welded the
Spanish power in the island of Cuba.
With great energy he attempted to
correct abuses from which the island
suffered. One of the most fragrant
which met his notice was the whole.
sale smuggling carried on in the port
of Havana under the very nose of the
port officials. There was duty of ten
dollars barrel on -four brought into
the island. and many other articles
were highly taxed, so that very COM
Portable living offered itself to any one
daring and cunning enough to run the
risk of smuggling. The numerous
bays and finely protected harbors of
the West Indies afforded shelter for
the swift craft of the snlugglers.
Tacon determined that stopped it
should be, and that at once. So, CON-
handing the presence of the officers of
the feet, he gave orders that the long.
lazy corvettes in the harbor should
hoist sail and proceed at once upon q
search among the bays and straits
surrounding the island for the haunts
OF the outlaws.
Four months passed, and in spite
OF his vigorous efforts there was not
the least abatement of the evil.
Cargoes of struggled goods were
landed in broad daylight under the
very guns of Moro Castle. Tacon
was only wiser to the extent that he
had learned the smugglers were led
by bold, daring fellow called Marti.
All indications pointed to the fact
that MART was an unusual man, pos
sessing marked executive ability, great
power over bis associates and wonder
full cleverness in personal adventure.
A high reward had been offered to the
person who would deliver him, dead or
alive, at the Governors palace.
By occupation he was supposed to
be 8 fisherman, and might often have
been seen on one of the million smacks
that piled between Yucatan, Florida
and Havana. His ability to adapt
himself to masquerade permitted his
frequent undecided visits among the
Government officials, by which means
he kept himself informed of every de-
tail in their plans against him and his
followers.
One cloudy evening near midnight.
q tall, commanding figure, wrapped in
q military cloak, lurked III the shadow
OF the gate post at the Governors
palace. Carefully and deftIy stealing
his way, aided By the shadow of the
wall, he reached the marble steps.
Ascending the broad marble stairway,
he entered the apartment of the Cover.
nor, whom he found writing at a
table. II
Looking up with contracted brows. i
Iacon demanded.
"Who enters here unannounced and
1t this hour?"
Giving the military salute. the
stranger replied.
'Excellency, I am here on business
II great import to the Government {"
HOW came you past the gnard?"
Never 2, mind that, Excellenoy,
But I do mind" interrur,t,sd the
Governor, growing inpatient for an !
explanation of this extraordinary visit. !
But the willy visitor made d Judi
ious, calm reply that warded off fur !
her explanation, and proceeding eau
iously, succeeded III gaining con- !
Irmation from the Governors own lips
bat no had not only offered a free mar
on to anyone who would turn States
violence and reveal the haunts and
oings Of the contrabandists. but that !
e had offered o large reward for any !
formation whatever concerning them :
"a double reward to anyone who :,
'ould deliver up their leader. He so :,
uardedly and skilflllIy conducted the :
3nyersation that he gave no clew to ! !
IS own Identity until, having bound ! !
10 Governor by his honor as :
night, he told him that he knew his !,
laracter we'll, and that he would full y y
his promises. He then announced :
'mself as Captain Marti, saying he
as'ready to fulfil to the letter his
art of the contract. I,
Unconsciously he reached for his q
stol. Marti, noticing this, took his n
vn from his belt, and laying them on g,
IA fah1a uosd. -