Gallant Act of Two Consuls.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 4, 1 December 1869, Page 2 (Supplement)

Gallant Act of Two Consuls.

A Jamaica correspondent gives a vivid account of a tragic scene which had come under his observation. Ho says an American seamen, the son of English parents, had been condemned to be shot on a chargo of being connected with a filibustering expedition—the evidence being full of inconsistencies and very deftctive. Although strenuous exertions were made by the English and American consuls, the Spanish authorities seemed determined to sacrifice tho condemned man's life. On the morning appointed for his execution, he was marched out to the usual place. He.was immediately followed, by Mr Ramsilen, British vice-consul, and the American vice-consul, to make a still further protest. Mr Ranisden read the document, protesting in the name of England and America, declaring that the prisoner was altogether innocent of the charge which had been laid against him, demanding his immediate release, and declaring that those who-took that man's life would be guilty of murder, and would be answerable to the Governments of England and America. During the reading of this document the prisoner fainted from excitement, and there were strong signs of impatience on the part of the Spanish troops. A consultation followed, and the consuls were eventually informed that their remonstrance came too late ; that the prisoner had been sentenced to death for having taken up arms against Spain, and that the sentence must be carried out. The order was then given to the firing party to " present." Instantly Mr Ramsden and the American consul, rushing with the flags of their respective nationsbefore the levelled rifles to the side of the victim, shouted "Hold ! ,r Wrapping the English flag around himself and the prisoner;, and addressing the officer in charge of the firing party, he said i —" As a consul of the Britannic Majesty, I cannot stand silently by and see this foul murder of an innocent man. It is my duty to protect his life, and if you take his, you must take it through these,." and. placed himself immediately in front of the condemned man—the American wrapped in the " stars and stripes," being on the other side. The Spaniards stood aghast. A consultation) was again held, and the prisoner marched back to gaol under an escort of troops, the consuls supporting the- unhappy man all the way. That night the prisoner was reprieved, and taken on boaid an outward-bound ship..— Western Morning News.