New-York tribune., 1897-12-23
NOT CHEERFUL FOR SAGASTA
CONSERVATIVES IN CUBA PASSIvELY
OPPOSE AUTONOMY.
FURTHER DETAILS OF THE KILLING OF RUIZ.
raY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRIBUNE1


FURTHER DETAILS OF THE KILLING OF RUIZ.
rsY TELEGRAPH THE rRrBUNEl
Havana via Key West, Fla. Dec. 22.-Two
subjects occupy attention this week They are
the death Of Ruiz and the action Of the Con-
servative partys convention. Confusion exists
regarding the Conservatives. but the meaning
of their actions is clear. II Is disappoint-
ment to the Government, which had hoped for
support or acquiescence While the convention
condemned all rebellion 1t adopted a resolution
absolutely rejecting autonomy. The meaning
is that while the Conservatives will not revolt,
they make opposition to autonomy an article
of their party creed. The resolution to with
draw from public affairs Is not important. as
1t was coupled with power given to the directory
Of the party to act II developments later called
for participation In public affairs. The sub
stance is that for the present the Conservatives
remain in passive opposition, but at Favorable
opportunity their opposition may become acuVe'
The refusal to accept Apezteguia's resignation
was not significant. His policy was practically
repudiated and he left in his place with the
feeling that henceforth he would go with the
party. The resignation Of the Marquis OF f1naT
del Rio the vice president. was also reiuseo'
He had had a controversy with Apeztesuia
The convention authorized the Marquis or flnar
del Rio to cable congratulations to Weyier as
an evidence that Weyler had It's confidence
The violent declarations OF Santos IuiHhah
AGAINST President McKinley's Message met with
the approval Of the Radicals, who were IN
majority. but was not embodied In resolution
Conservative organs comment with sa''Si"'''''
on Guzman's utterances.
The agitation over Ruiz's death continues
General Lee will probably make report 10
the state Department The exact facts can
be had from his report Ruiz was not under
flag OF truce when he entered the insurgents
camp. The white flag has not been dispiayeo
on either side since the insurrection began
The Spanish military authorities have refused
to use 1t on the ground that this would rorm
the basis for recognizing the oelllgerency Oh
the insurgents The correspondence between
General Lee and the insurgents Is brief' Een-
eral Lee wrote TO Aranguren that he understood
that Ruiz was in his custody that Ruiz was
his personal friend and he hoped his good on,-
ces might be received for the prisoners re-
lease While the subject was thus put as
personal matter. 1t was. in reality. expressing
tho homes of Blanco, end communication
with the insurgents was made under the official
sanction Of the Captain General. Aranguren
was absent from camp when General Lees
messenger arrived His Lieutenant-Colonel.
Lima sent a written answer that Ruiz had
entered the camp In the uniform OF Spanish
military officer; that ne had made propositions
which could not he entertained: had been court
martialed and executed.
General Lees messenger learned further de-
tails which show that Ruiz was killed with a
machete after making brave night Arangu-
rens presence caused a report to be circulated
from official quarters that he had been sacrinced
by the insurgents because he was willing 10
entertain propositions for autonomy. The re-
port was untrue Aranguren is with con-
siderable body Of his followers in the southwest
ern part Of Havana province.
The spirit shown by the insurgents. however
confirms what has been suspected that any chief
advocating autonomy would be sacrinced 70
their resentment Ruiz friends among the Vol
unteers and armed fremen Of Havana continue
censuring General Banco and demanding that
he execute vengeance on the insurgents From
their camp the insurgents have sent defiant
message for the troops 70 come and take II ms
rsmai kable circumstance that spanish oilice' me-
and also a messenger from the American Con
sulate could reach their camp In rev hours
after leaving Havana. when the troops never
! found II. causes sharp comment on the military
operations. The camp is six miles from span
/ ish fort and has been located there Tor hihe
/ months
/ The newspapers have published Madrid dis
patch saying that Minister De LONE advises the
= military authorities that in consequence OF
Ruiz's dea tn the United States Government has
/ ordered the Atlantic Squadron TO the Mediter-
/ ranean.
Reports Of military operations from the east
! ern province are that General Pando has re-
/ organized the forces in Santiago. but the army
! stlll lacks provisions and cannot make an OF
I fensive campaign until II Is revictualed. Gen
| eral PandO had four thousand troops escort
| convoy from Manzanillo up the river Cauto. and
! relieved the survivors OF the garrison of Guamo
| The statement is officially made that the Au-
! tonomist Government OF Cuba will not be con.
\ stituted until January l. Gavez. President OF
| the Autonomists' party, expected to be the
/ President Of the Council. and perhaps Attorney
! C;aneral Mortoro. the historic leader OF the
| Antononists may be Secretary OF the Treasury