Evening star., 1925-03-13

subordinate a man who understood
matters differently, certain Gen.
syivestre. This dashing, staggering,
elegant, ambitious officer of mixed
Spanish and Cuban blood, glorious
with wounds received in the Cuban
campaign, could not brook his posi-
tion as subordinate in Ceuta under
Berenguer in 1916, and by means of
lntrigues with the Spanish military
Juntas or officers soviets, and with
the immediate military encourage of
King Alfonso, got himself appointed
to the command of Melilla, where he
would at least be free from his su-
perior's immediate surveillance
Quarrel Between Commanders.
The Berenguer plan of campaign
called for the ultimate capture of
AJdir from the west. Sylvestre, know
ing that the King greatly desired this
capture, thought it should be attempt
ed from the east, where he himself
was operating. Though nominally un-
der Gen. Berenguer's orders, Sylves-
tire corresponded directly with the
King and, thus encouraged, butted
recklessly on in all directions. in de-
nance of his superior and careless of
the increasing agitation which was
manifest among the Riffian tribes.
The native cadi of Melilla, Abd-el-
krlm, Ventured to warn him, and to
offer medtatory services. The bold
Sylyestre spurned the upstart native,
who soon afterward returned to the
Riff with guile and anger in his heart
Early in 1921 the rival Spanish COM
manders had a fateful interview on
neutral territory, that is, in the cab
in of a ship at sea. Sylvestre demand
ed more men; Berenguer refused to
supply them. Sylvestre, intent upon
pleasing the King. decided to go ahead
anyway. In March a Spanish column
actually reached Sidi Driss, scarcely
10 miles distant from Ajdir. The ma
tlVes,, however, Were aroused in ear
nest. Two months later the post at
Sidi Driss was attacked and surround
ed. The post on Mount Albaran was
attacked and taken. OF 325 men only
172 escaped.
Defeat and Death for Sylvestre.
Sylvestre was furious. He at once
organized a formidable column of
900 men to teach the rebels a les
son. In July the column advanced. At
lguerben it met an unexpected at
tack from the fierce sons of Uriaghel,
among whom was the former cadi
of Melilla, Add -el-Krim. The Riffians
were determined. The Spaniards We're
thrown back in disorder on Annual.
Other tribes rallied to the chase.
Spanish native troops deserted en-
masse. The retreat became a rout. The
unfortunate Sylvestre, according to
the most charitable account, commit
ted suicide before his staff. The re-
mains of the Sylvestre column, to-
gether with a relief column which had
come up under Gen. Navarro, were
thrown back and finally surrounded
on Mount Arruit, where Navarro and
many Of his men died. The total Span
ish loss was $4,000 men killed or cap
tured, 800 cannon, 200 machine guns,
10000 rifles and large quantities Of
ammunition. Never in the cotem-
porary history of North Africa had
there been such a native victory. The
last remnants of Spanish were chased
90 the very gates of Melilla. Eleven
years of patient effort were undone.
Add el-krim's political fortune was
made. An independent state, a con-
federation of victorious tribes. came
into being in the Riff.
Copyright, 1925. by Chicago Daily News Co..