Year: 1875

A CITIZEN OF NEW YORK THROWN INTO A DARK


PRISON CELL IN HAvANA-H1s STATEMENT OF


HIS TREATMENT AND THE CHARGES AGAINST


HIN.


Pablo Estrada Cisneros, OF No. s26 Fourth avenue,
a naturazed citizen, born in Cuba, who arrived here by
the last Havana steamer, has undergone an experience
the hands Of the Spanards which he viii not forget
to the last days Of his life Ho thrown prison
at Havana without form Of law, and his health and
pocket have greatly suffered by his Incarceration The
following is his story:-I came to New York in 1854,
and took out my nrst papers In Of time be-
came an American citizen. lett New York tho
18th OF October, 1875, on board the steamship
Columbus Before l left l had my passport
yised by the Spanish Consul in New York 4 was In
trusted with some Commissions for commercial houses
in Havana and was also going to transact some mer-
camille business OF my own Upon landing went 70
the American Consulate Previous to this my passport
was vsed by the Captain Of the Port and the Commits
sioncr OF Landing, Don Ramon Martinez Ny baggage,
1 ought 70 telly6u vas examined With wonderful mi
nuteness Having obtained from the American Con-
sulate temporary card Of residence went 70 my
lodgings, being in somewhat weak health On the 2sih
OF October was notified to appear at the Police ONCE
with reference TO some Cubans who had arrived from
New York by the same steamer that had and who
had been sent TO prison The arst thing tho Chief OF
Police did TO very insulting language to me,
calling a number OF obscene The next
thing he did was 10 have me searched from head TO
foot and 10 take away my passport business letters
and memoranda protested and said was an Ameri-
can citizen; but he laughed and TOLD me that
prisoner / then thrown into dark and
althy prison cell, perfectly empty and very damp.
had 10 sleep on the ground. | tncOmuRicddo-
that is not allowed TO communicate with anybody.
None OF my friends knew what had become Of me-
After three days great favor, was allowed 70 get
better food by paying So q day, and 81 for
cot TO sleep Al this time my business
letters &c, we're given back TO me, but not my Amer


lean passport permit oil residence In Havana was
In the damp cell for fifteen days on the thirteenth
day managed, by Code providence, 10 communicates
with the American vice Consul who two days after
effected my release had no change Of clothing and
my health had become deplorable, and still Is The
Spanish officials told Consul that had brought
communications for the rebels and must leave Cuba by
the drs steamer without which they would not be
sponsible for my life Mind you, document compro-
missing me In the very slightest had been found In my
session nor was individually charged with anything


taken before court had counsel and there Is
nothing 10 prove the Spanish allegation. was treated
BY she Spaniards in brutal and barbarous fashion


intend 70 appeal TO Secretary Fish a. Washington 70
obtain redress for the wrongs done me- To conclude
my story ~ was put aboard q steamer bound Tor
tho United States al Havana and duly arrived
here hope tho American people Will see that there
not many more outrages like mine God and JUS
tco can't allow the Spanish government 70 continue
those high handed proceedings ~ the door OF the
LniGad States longer.