New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-12-11
NEW VERSION OF THE IRENE INCIDENT.
STORY OF TWO RELEASED SPANISH PRISON

ERS AT MANILA
Manila Dec 10.-Colonel Julio del Rio. who is
among the released Spaniards that have just
arrived here. gives an interesting version Of the
famous Irene incident in Subig Bay in July of
last year. He was formerly in command of the
Spanish troops in the Olongapo district. His
narrative is corroborated by SehOr Rafael Ro-
sello. wealthy Spanish merchant, who also
fell into the hands Of the insurgents.
Both declare that the Spaniards surrendered
70 Captain Coghlan of the United States cruiser
Raleigh on an express agreement that they
were not to be given up to the F'ilipinos' and
they assert that the Spanish Government has
promised to press their claims against the
United States for their long imprisonment.
According to their story, thousand insur-
gents were besieging Olongapo, where there
were two companies Of marines and battalion
of artillery. together with many civilians The
German cruiser Irene entered the harbor to
take the women and children on board. At this
juncture the nsurgent steamer Filipinas, lying
the insurgent flag started to leave. The Irene
threw shot across her bows, claiming the right
10 stop her as Germany had not recognized the
insurgent flag. The Flipinas then raised a
white flag and departed. When she returned
she was flying the insurgent flag, and was ac-
companied by the United States warships Con-
cord and Raleigh. The Irene then leaving
the harbor with non-cOmbatants.
"Without the least warning" say Colonel Del
Rio and Senor Roselo, "the American warships
began to lombard us, firing about twenty-five
shots Seeing that resistance was useless, as
our guns had never been mounted, we raised
the white flag Captain Coghan came ashore
with several officers, and it was expressly stipu-
a. to tIa Arnpr icg -
alone. Captain Coghan was asked to promise
that the Spaniards should not be delivered to
the insurgents and when he had given his
pledge the entire garrison surrendered
THE Americans sailed away on the evening
Of the 7th. leaving the garrison practically un-
armed They returned on the Sth. Meanwhile
the insurgents had repeatedly fired upon the
TOWN CAPTAIN Coghlan now ordered the Span
iards To embark on the Fipnas. When they
protested he said that although in the hands
of the insurgents, they would be treated as
American prisoners.
Nine civilians, all merchants, were placed on
board the Filipinas and, despite their protests,
were kept imprisoned on the vessel at Olongapo
until their recent release
Sehor Rosello who is chiefly responsible for
the foregoing statement admits that except for
one attempt to rob the merchants. for which
Apunaldo punished the officers of the F1lipinas
bv reducing them, all were well treated
Colonel Del Rio. i'm a separate statement says;
.Captain Coghlan gave his word that our
capitulation would be accepted as IT was made,
that is to the Americans He promised that we
should not he given into the hands Of the in
surgents: and / believe he was sincere.
Later the Concord went to Cavite for in
structions returning with an order from Adj
mira Dewey that we were to be handed over
10 the insurgents"
Colonel Del Rio and Sehor RosellO declare that
the. Irene left her anchorage at o'clock in the
morning and that the American warshtps ar
rived AT 1890 passing the German cruiser
she was leaving the bay They express sur
prise at the popular belief that the Irene slipped
her cable on the appearance Of the Concord and
the Raleigh.