The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1913-02-28

the establishment of greater calm
ness and judgment throughout the re-
public.
81 desire to give all the facts of
which l am cognizant connected with
the affair of last night, which is deep
ly deplored both for sentiments of hu-
manity and because of the gravity
of the affair, which has surprised the
government and the Importance of
which is not underestimated by the
government.
"Last night about 10:30 o'clock
was called with all haste to the Ma
tional palace by the chief staff of
the president. An automobile was
sent with an aide to take me, as well
as the secretary of interior, Albert
Gracia Branados. Surprised by the
unusual call, l attempted to talk by
telephone with Gen. Banquet. the
military commander, who made
known that something serious had
occurred.
"On our arrival at midnight at the
palace, the president explained that
Francisco Madero and Jose Pine Sua-
rez, while being conducted to the pen
itentiary in automobiles were killed
in an encounter which the escort
guarding the prisoners had had with
a group of individuals who attempted
to liberate the two men.
For an Investigation.
"Other members of the cabinet hav-
ing arrived, it was agreed that it was
an absolute necessity for the honor
of the government that we proceed
to a minute investigation of this ACT,
as the law demanded, but going fur
ther, that immediate notice should be
given to the chief attorney of the
military court, Jose Vasquez Tagle,
that he, with the judge advocate,
should make Investigations and con-
sign those responsible, whoever they
might be, to custody, and that he
proceed to examine them in conform
ity with the law.
"It was agreed also that Attorney
General Castellanos, whose energy
and competency are we'll known,
should take action in this most unfor-
tunate affair.
According to the reports which
President Huerta received and COM
municated to the ministers, group
of five individuals, at a point abou.
half way between the palace and the
penitentiary, fired upon the chauffeur
of one of the automobiles, which was
under escort. The order was given
for more speed. Shortly afterwards
another group, more numerous, sal
lied from the cross streets, firing on
the escort. 1t seems that Medero and
Saurez at this point, attempted to
escape.
president Huerta communicated
to the ministers the news of the death
of the ex-president and the ex-vice
president, adding that there was ~,
other person killed and two persons
wounded, according to the informa-
tion he had at the moment, without
being exact as to which they be-
longed.
"He also informed the ministers
that there had been some arrests.
"The secretary of foreign rela-
tions, echoing the feeling of the gov
ernment and moved by personal SEN
timents which have caused him to
view with horror the shedding of
blood outside of those cases wherein
the law has imposed the punishment,
not only laments the fact but is con-
vinced that the honor of the republic
demands a thorough investigation
and punishment for those who may
be proven guilty of this act whose
transcendency can not be hidden.
The Presidents Story.
The following official statement of
President Huerta was given out at
the palace:
81 called together the cabinet to
report that Madero and Pine Saurez
who had been detained at the pal
ace at the disposition of the war de-
were taken to the peniten-
tiary in accordance with a previous
decision, as the result of which that
establishment was placed yesterday
afternoon under the charge of an
army officer for it's better security.
when the automobiles had trav-
ersed about two-thirds of the way
to the penitentiary, however, they
were attacked by an armed group and
the escort deserted the machines to
offer resistance. Suddenly the group
grew larger and the prisoners tried
to escape.