THE SPANISH DEFEAT

Evening Star, Issue 17766, 14 September 1921, Page 7

THE SPANISH DEFEAT

GENERAL’S SOLICITUDE FOR HIS MEN. Cables to American papers give further details of the reverse suffered by the Spanish forces in Morocco at the bands of rebel tribesmen in the advanced position of Anna), near Mel Ola, followed by iho dramatic suicide of the General in Command, together with tho whole of his staff. ■

Tho Madrid correspondent of ‘Lo Journal ’ telegraphed the following account communicated by a Spanish officer who was able to escape. General Si Ives tr© had paid bnt little importance to the reports of mutinies among tho native troops, and, thinking that his presence among tho rebellious soldier's would bo sufficient to .rev etoro order, ho decided to leave for the position of Hlgorrnina with -a squadron of regulars end an regiment of Alcantara. SLIDE A SimmiSE ATTACK.

Tho rebellious native troops, several thousand strong, and armed with artillery, made a vigorous surprise attack on the Spanish force at a point known as the position of Annal. General Silvestro, who had received news of tire attack and rushed, to the rescue of the assailed troops, gave orders that the position should be evacuated alter destroying all material that could not be need or taken away. Then began a retreat towards Annal. Tho attacking forces, which were considerably increasing in number, pursued the Spaniards and intlicted_ on them serious losses. However - , tho dislocated troops of Silvestro were able to roach Annal, where they speedily entrenched themselves, while wireless messages calling for reinforcements were sent to Ceuta and Teyonan. OUT OFF FROM BASE. Meanwhile the natives succeeded in cutting of! Silveatro from his supply base, and the general, pressed by the enemy on all sides, decided lo prevent a general massacre by retreating farther to the position of Sedi Dxiss. "The Spanish forces were then almost surrounded by natives, and tho work of evacuation towards the new position was extremely difficult. Tho retreating troops, carrying wounded, had to leave by mall contingents, which on many occasions were attacked by the pursuing tribesmen, who charged * with fixed bayonets, inflicting heavy' casualties on the Spaniards. General Silvestro had remained behind at Annal with all members of his skiff. As most of tho troops had left and the situation was becoming critical, the Chief of Staff said to him : “General, I think now it is time for ua to leave.” “Of course, but make sure that the men are safe,” replied the general sharply. “DO HIS LAST DUTY.” A short time after, as ho and his staff were the only men remaining at Annal, General Silvestro, who was deadly pale, railed his officers and asked them to stand around him. “ Gentlemen,” he said. “ the moment has come for each of us to do his last duty.”

Without adding a word tho general drew his revolver. Other officers did the same. After shaking hands they kissed each other, and blow out their brains. General Silvestro was last to shoot himself. A short time after tha Moors were iu the place and carried oft the bodies. The gallant action of General Silvcstre and his staff', among whom wme Colonel Manielia, Colonel Morales, and many other officers, had saved the lives of thousands of Spanish soldiers.