The Savannah morning news., 1902-12-21
PIRATE AND PHILANTHROPIST
A Man Who Left His Mark ~
Cuba.

Pirate and philanthropist. How dia-
metrically opposite these two terms
and how unsuggestive the one of the
ether! Yet, strange as it may seem,
it is fact that the name
of MART, the ate,recalls to many Gu
the deeds of lawlessness committed
by this noted buccaneer of the Carib-
bean sea. have been so outnumbered
by his many charitable and benevolent
acts, that the pirate is forgotten in the
philanthropist.
If half the stories told about this
bold, fearless and clever marauder be
true, it would be almost impossible to
conceive of the complete transforma-
ton which took place in his character,
the psychological manifestations of
which are somewhat suggestive of the
strange case of DIR. Jekyl and Mr..
Hyde.
Contrast for moment the life of
man in which years had been spent in
pillaging and plundering, permitting
nothing to interfere with the accom-
plishment of his ends. taking a life
with as little conjunction of con-
science as he would the property which
it protected. with the life of the same
man who a few years later became
one of the most useful. public spirited
and charitable citizens of Havana, and
the moral antithesis shown in this
character amazes you.
Yet such a man was Capt. Marti.
for whose head 10000 doubloons, about
S150,000, were offered by Governer-Gen-
eral Miguel Tacon shortly after he
assumed control Of affairs in Cuba in
1884.
Prior to this time piracy and SNUG
Cling along the Cuban coast, owing
mainly to the venality of the officials,
had free license. For some little time
after Gen. Tacon took charge the de-
predations of the merchant marine
continued. The large reward which had
been offered, posted and heralded
throughout the Cuban domain did not
appear to increase the vigilance of the
officials. Why should it. when it was
insignificant compared with the reve-
nue. they were deriving from the i'll
gotten gains. Marti 1t is alleged, shar-
ed his booty with the naval and GUS
toms officials. Had he not voluntarily
surrendered, the pirates would have
continued to ply their nefarious BUSH
ness many years longer.
Gen. Tacon, although a very despotic
ruler, made strenuous efforts to repress
laWlessness and bring criminals to JUS
t1ce. tie was withal a fairly good Off
cial, doing much for the Improvement
of Havana by the construction of sew
ers, paving of streets and erection of
public buildings. During the first year
OF his administration there was quite
a transformation from the old regime.
Although cruel and despotic, his in
tegrity was beyond question. and a
promise once made by him was never
broken. Sitting one evening alone in
his office in the palace, he was sur
prlsed by the unannounced presence of
an individual clad in naval uniform.
who by his alertness and activity had
escaped the vigilance of the sentry and
thus gained admission into the pal
ace.
How came you here?" demanded the
General, of the intruder
THAT can be explained later. have
other business of greater Importance
to discuss" was the reply
General" said the unwelcome and
unb1dden guest. you have offered a
large reward for the head of Cant.
Marti."
Yes, that is true what have you to
communicate in regard to this mat
ter?' replied the General.
Il have the head" was Mart,'s re-
ply, for Marti it was.
Where is it?" asked the General.
Here said Marti, pointing to his
mead with his left hand and holding in
his right a pistol leveled at the Cen
erals head
Now" continued the pirate, IT sur
render, and will deliver up my vessel