The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-02-26
SUMTER, G., WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 90 1918


and the eX-vice president to the peni-
tentiary was for the reason afore
indicated.
That it was further expected that
with the passing of time political pas
sions would be subdued, resulting in
the establishment Of greater calmness
and Judgment throughout the re-
public.
Il desire to give all the facts Of
which l am cognizant connected with
the affair of last night, which is deeply
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 1890 o'clock l
was called with all haste to the Ma
tional palace by the chief of staff Of
the president An automobile was
sent with an aide to take me, as we'll
as the secretary of interior, Albert
Gracia Granados. 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
E,ran
rez, while being conducted to the pent-
tentiary in automobiles were killed in
an encounter which the escort guard
ing the prisoners had had with a
group of individuals who attempted to
liberate the two men.
"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 minute investigation of this act,
as the law cmanded, 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
proceeded to examine them in con-
formity with the law.
1T was agreed also that Attorney
General Castellanos, whose energy
and competency are well known,
should take action in this most un-
fortunate affair.
According to the reports which
President Huerta received and COM
municated TO the ministers, a group
of five individuals, at a point about
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, sailed
from the cross streets, firing on the
escort. 1t seems that Madero and
Suarez at this point, attempted to es-
cape.
president Huerta communicated to
the ministers the news Of the death Of
the ex-president and the ex-vice presi-
dent, adding that there was another
person killed and two persons wound
ed, according to the information he
had at the moment, without being eX-
act as to which they belonged.
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 senti~
ments which have caused him to view
with horror the shedding Of blood out
side Of those cases wherein the law
has imposed the punishment, not only
laments the fact but Is convinced that
the honor OF the republic demands
a thorough investigation and punish
ment for those who may be proven
guilty Of this act whose transcendency
can not be hidden.
The following official statement Of
President Huerta was given out at
the palace:
II called together the cabinet to
report that Madero and Pine Suarez,
who had been detained at the pal
ace at the disposition of the war de-
partmcnt, were taken to the peniten-
tiary i'm accordance with previous
decision. as the result of which that
establishment was placed yesterday
afternoon under the charge Of an
army officer for its better security.
"Whon the automobiles had ira
vcrscd about tWo-thirds Of the way
To the pcnitcntiary however, they
were attacked by an armed group