The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1873-12-06
General W. A. G. Ryan.
From the Wa.l,iO.tOh Star.

from the Wa.litO.tOh star
Among the unfortunate men shot to death
by order Of Spanish military tribunal at
Santiago de Cuba on Tuesday morning last
the hest known in Washington was General
W. A. {. Ryan. For over year past he
had made Washington his headquarters,
and could be seen almost any day after
IL O'Clock in the morning ut, or in the
vicinity Of, the Metropolitan Hotel. His
peculiar attire never failed to attract the
attention Of passcrs-by, and strangers invar-
iably inquired "what man belonged to that
big hat and stick" referring to the tall
SLOUGH hat with a wide rim, rakislly turned
down Oh one side, which he wore, and !:
small-sized sapling Of Cuban growth, which,
he carried. Another popularity of the
Generals get-up and surroundings was the
presence Of u monster spotted bloodhound,
which generally accompanied him in his
promenades on the avenue. He was very
fond Of the huge brute, and few weeks
ago inserted an advertisement in the Star,
stating that some one had stolen him, and
offering $50 reward for his return. We
believe the big dog never turned up. Ryan
dressed handsomely though rather flasIlily.
AMI in cold weather wore large military
cape. He had rather handsome face and
good figure, and was youthful in appearance,
being in fact but twenty-eight years of age
when executed. He wore no beard or
moustachc. His hose was large, but to
compensate he had small mouth. lie had
an easy, gcntlcmanly address, talked rap
idly and earnestly when interested, and in
conversation used unexccptionablc English,
If occasional forciblc explosives were not
taken into account. He was born Of Irisl,
parents, in New York, and, according to
his own account, served in the Union army.
and was wounded several times during the
war. After the rebellion he joined an cx-
petition to Montana, and claims that he
established and for some time conducted
the Montana Herald, ut Helena. Subse.
quently l,c made fortune at mining, which
he lost in speculation, and in 1868 came TO
Washington to accept commission offered
him by Senior Romero, then Mexican Min
lister to the United States, in the Mexican
army. The Cuban revolt had lust begun,
and he changed his mind and went to Cuba.
He served some time in the patriot army,
in the capacity As he claimed, Of chief Of
cavalry. lie then came to the United
States, by order Of Cespedes. to organize
expeditions, and accompanied several to
the island. lie was with the Fannie
expedition, and was charged by many with
cowarslice in returning to the United States
aud in causing the vessel to he rcfed.
This latter charge nc indignantly denied,
placing the entire blame on Captain Brown
Of the Fannie. lie gave as reason for
not accompanying the troops to the interior
Of the island that he was dangerously sick
with black vomit and wholly unable to
leave his berth during the voyage. He also
alleged that an attempt was made OH his
n,nI IN
y dent in Grand Army medal which he
wore, where the point Of the assassin's
dagger struck. He was in bad odor after
this with many CIbans in New York, but
was recognized as
FRIEND or CUBA
by Madame Vile Verde, the president Of
1.-THE Daughters Of Cuba" Ramon Ces-
pedes, minister from Cuba, and later by
General Quesada. He was arrested num-
Der Of times by the New York authorities
for violating the neutrality laws, but gener-
ally managed to secure his release after .
brief imprisonment. Just before sailing
from New York, few weeks ago, he was
again arrested, but was released in time to
sail for Cuba with General Verona and
Others.
Ryan was a pleasant social person to
meet, but many Of his statements were
always taken by those who knew him cum
grano salis. He got into number of per-
sonal difficulties while in Washington, one
Of his last occurring on street car, in con-
sequence, as Ryan alleged, Of the conductor
demanding fare twice. Tho case came
before the Police Court, and Ryan was
fined 80 for assault and battery. He
always seemed to have plenty Of money,
which he spent freely. He drank, but
seldom to excess, and was man OF con.
siderable education and general intelligence.
He spoke the Spapish language quite
duently, having acquired It while in Cuba,