Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25
vIRGINIA'S SON
New and Good Story Showing
Courage OF Fitz Lee.
Mn0e an Unconditional Demand
ana nenor Martinez WINS Then
Freed,

AS showing the sturdy character of
General Titzhugh Lee, Senior Manuel
+. Martinez, the well-known Cuban now
in Norfolk. tells u good story.
Senior Martinez had been confined for
some time in Moro Castle and Cabanas
Fortress and subjected to the grossest
indignities and suffering. He says that
he went to his home, found that his
brothers had been murdered and his
sisters and other helpless relatives
burned alive in their homes by the
spanish tyrants. He was seized, his
gold and jewels taken from him and
he was thrust into Il Moro Castle dun
geon and later confined in n dark dun
geon at Ca5anas. where he did not
know night from day, or even the day
of the week.
News of his sufferings came to Gene
raj Lee, who at once called on Weyler
ana senior MARTINEZ was brought be-
tore them. Weyler told General Lee
that Martinez could have his freedom
IL lie General Leo would sign papers
releasing Spain from all claims of the
united States Government for indem-
NIFTY for the losses and sufferings of
senior Martinez. This General Lee re-
~"'.Nt anu tIlen demanded the
conditional release of Senior Martinez.
Weyler had Martinez removed to an
ente-room and then Lee gave Weyler
uhtil D. m, to release the prisoner. or
refuse TO DO so. Senior Martinez was
again brought into the ROOM
Lee told Weyler that unless Senior
Martinez was released by 4 O'Clock all
papers IN the Martinez matter would be
sent to the United States Government
py the American mail steamer CITY OF
washington, sailing that day from Ha-
Vana harbor. Lee was accomDanied nv
consul General Springer. After maxi
ihS TINS uitimatum 10 Weyler General
IeS Withdrew to the consulate. leaving
consul Springer with Senior MARTINEZ
as security for his safety.
When senior Martinez heard the de-
clSion OF the tyrant Weyler his heart
sank and hope seemed dead. He grapsed
General Lee by both hands and said:
uoou-Dye' General; God bless you and
thank you for all your doing. This will
be our last interview forever"
AS Senior Martinez said these words
Eeneral Lee laughed loudly and said.
TOW would You like your steak, rare
or well done?" and, turning to Consul
springer he said in these words: Re
main here with our boy until Won bring
him 10 the United States consulnte
safe"
Consul Springer and Senior Martinez
remained in the ante-room talking i'm
a general way, until exactly half mast
.. when uniformed messenger at
tached to the palace came into the room
ana called the senor's name.
rms meant TO go before Weyler once
more Tor the last decision. They imme
uiateiy accompanied him to the Captain
'S,eneraIs room but instead of being
Weyier. 1t was General Ahumada. aide
de-camp to Weyler. who met them. Uo
was ready with Weyler's decision. AS
consul Springer speaks Spanish fluent
~, General Ahumada asked him once
more If he still refused TO sign the ma
pers prepared for the release of Marti
neH consul Springer replied very brief
~ ana in an official way as follows.
My supcrior'S orders are the uncon-
ultlonal release of our man. and no doc
uInents shall be signed" To this AIM
mazda answered abruptly, in an angry
manner: Take away your man ana no
SNAIL leave the island at once forever"
TO this Consul Springer made no
comment. but he and Martinez simplv
lcit the palace together and hurried to
lhc United states consulate, where they
found General Fitzhugh Lee seated
comfortably in his private Office read
ing newspaper. On seeing Senior Mar
tincz coming with Consul Springer he
appeared to be greatly pleased at the
outcome. and. simply turning 10 Senior
Martinez. he said: "Senor. are Won
ready for your steak. and how do YOU
want It,"
After this Senior Martinez remained
for nine days at the consulate and then
took the steamer for the United States.
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sailors Fer NnuItn