The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-12-25


 of Havana by the construction of sewers, paving of streets and erection of pubic buSidings. During the first year of his administration there was quite trans formation from the old regime. Although cruel and dsspotic. his integrity was be- yond question, and promiss once made by him was never broken. Sitting one evening alone in his ofEzce in the palace. he was surprised by the unannounced presence of an individual clad in naval uniform. who by his aisrtuess and activ- ity had escaped the vigilance of the sent " and thus gained admission into the palace. b. t
 How came you hsrs!' demanded the General of the intruoer.
 That can be explained later, have other business of greater importance to discuss." was the reply.
 General" said the unwelcome and un-
 bsdden guest, "yoo have offered large reward for tho head of Captain Mari." "Yes, that is true" what have you to communicates in regard to this matter?' replied the General.
 T have the head" was Marti's reply. for Narti it was.
 "where is itf' asked the General. Here" sah Marti, pointing to his head with his left hand and holding in his l right e pistol leveled at the Generals head.
 Nov" continued ths pirate. T sur render. and will deliver up my vessel and crew when you have signed and deiiverea | to me the agreement which I will dtc- | tate.''
 What s the nature of your agree msnt?" inquired the General. ! Tt is this," replied Marti. That you pardon me for my past offsnses and grant 1 me . monopoly of the fish trade of all 1 Cuban ports. For this agree to deliver | to you my vessel and crew. l don't want l your 20,0Oo doubloons, for have plenty of money. and am tired of the life l have
 been living. l wish to become respect
 able and law-abiding citizen" 1 The General assented to the proposition I of the pirate and immediately drew up | the agreement dictated to him. which was signed by Marti and himself. ei,.,- Now, General, If you will conduct me ! to enc of your vessels and explain mat | ters, will pilot 1t to my vessel and de- | liver up the crew." said Mart. 1 Without further barley General Tacon and Captain Marti then proceeded to one of the naval vessels In the harbor. With Marti on board the vessel started cut to capture the pirates vessel and crew. Un- der Martfs direction this was soon &C.,
  and the vessel sunk.
 Thus ended piracy in Cuban waters.
 Although Marti had obtained immunity for his crimes by treacherousliy deliv- ering up his comrades, he soon began to devote his life to good and charitable deeds. The pirate became the phiian- thropist, and out of his immense wealth. which was rapidly increasing from the
 monopoly which he had ob b-ained In the | fishing business, he gave freely to the poor, and his public benefactions were many. There was no man better known to the poor in Havana or better liked by them than the ex-pirate. This once bold. cruel and relentless tyrant of the high seas was the patron saint in many a household.
 Marti was In many respects wonder ful man. He has been described as being | tall and dark. possessing great strength and courage. considerable native shrewd- ness. cunning and business tact. Little. if anything Is related of his piracy by historians, who have described him as . most successful smuggier. plying his trade between Cuba and ports along the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts. having made frequent trip to New Orleans. Savannah and Charleston. But in the days when
 Martt operated the smugsier and pirate l were synonymous terms. You could scarcely differentiate the one from the | other.
 The public spiritedness of Marti is at- tested by two public edinces which he erected. the Martt market and the Tacon | Theater.
 The market building s structure
 about 200 feet long with enc broad mar
 bls table extending from one end to the
 other. and Q roof supported by arches ! nFa Tnill xvtk v 1 open to the street. The display of fish
 that may be seen there is uneQualled. l Strolling along the Prado one will mo- tice . building facing Parqus Central on the corner of San Rafael Street. This is the Tacon Theater and was erected in | 1888 by Marti and named in honor of the Governor General who had pardoned him.
 This Is sone Of the largest theaters in the
 world having a seating capacity of over s,OOo. Although not especially remarkable for itsH architectural beauty, having q rather plain and unimpressive exterior. yet It's. interior nnishings are ornate and in good taste. It has i've tiers of boxes and spacious parquette. the latter fur nished with arm chair seats for 800. The lattice work finish before the boxes is ornauneptsd with gilt, and so open as to display tho feet and dresses of the oc- cupants. The frescoes are in good style. and the ornamenta&ion Is in excellent harmonious taste. IL Ia brilliantly lighted with gas, having large. magnificent glass chandelier and numerous smaller chandeliers extending from the boxes. When the i've tiers of boxes are filled with Cuban beauties. powdered and rouged. as they generally are. the scene is q dazzling one.
 These two edihces will stand. as they have stood as monuments to the public spi11tedness of Marti the phllanthropist.