THE FLOGGING of the BRITISH CONSUL AT GUATEMALA.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1192, 10 July 1874, Page 4

THE FLOGGING of the BRITISH CONSUL AT GUATEMALA.

A long account appears in the Panama Star and Herald of the above transaction. Strong personal dislike is the only excuse alleged for the conduct of the Commandant in this brutal affair. Mr Magee, as 11. B. M's Vice-Consul, invoked the protection of his flag, but without effect. Mr James, the Consular-A gent of the United States, then prepared a protest in the name of tho Government, and under the Consular seal, protesting against the proceeding; and at 4 o'clock, just as M'Gee was about to receive the lashes, he formally presented it; but the Commandant refused to receive it, and announced that ho would not only Hog Mr Magee, but would shoot him at 8 a.m. tho following day, and that he would then serve the representatives of the United States and every foreigner in like manner. At this point the surgeon of the port begged that the Commandant would reconsider the matter, as 400 stripes was mere than any mortal could bear, and would certainly kill Mr Magee. His reply, coupled with a vile epithet, was, : ' Let him die, then," and ordered the soldiers to commence. Mr Magee was then partially stripped and laid on the door, three men being seated on his head and shoulders, and four men upon his feet, while two held each an arm, and the flogging commenced. It was continued by four soldiers relieving each other at every fifty lashes, tho Commandant keeping the tally himself. By the time that 200 lashes were administered, Mr Magee became insensible. The order was then giver. to place him on a bed in an adjoining room and let him revive, so that tho other 200 might be administered in the morning before shooting him. During the night he was visited repeatedly by the Commandant, who placed the cold muzzle of his revolver, ready to discharge at his temples during each visit, accompanying the act with such remarks as, <: Don't you think you have lived long enough ? " " Wouldn't you thank me to put you out of your misery 1 " " 1 know I have ruined myself, aud I'll put you under the sands before I am," &c. Prior to administering the flogging, the Commandant, fearing that assistance might be brought from the capital through tho friends of Mr Magee, seized upon the telegraph, confined the operator and placed a guard over the office. During the night, aided by his soldiers he broke into the business house of Mr Magee, and removed all tho moneys from the safe, and other valuables. It will be remembered that tho Commandant was afterwards in his turn ordered to be first whipped and then shot.