The herald., 1897-02-22

similar to those which characterized the
Ruiz case.
These instructions will have to be
cabled or new consul general sent to
Havana. Gen. Ftzhugh Lee, the de-
scendant OF two signers of the declara-
tion of Independence, cannot and Will
not-I speak with authority-allow his
name to be associated with policy
of ignominy and surrender.
A dispatch to the Herald from Wash
ington says; The administration is de-
termined to have full investiga ton OF
all the circumstances surrounding the
death of DR.. Ricardo Ruiz the American
dentist who was recently found dead in
prison cell at Guanabacoa, Cuba. The
question of reparation. if the facts JUS
tify 1t, will follow investigation.
Secretary Olney has sent cable dis
patch to Minister Taylor in Madrid in
forming him that DR.. Ruiz died under
suspicious circumstances, and directing
him to inform the Spanish government
that the United States desires full in
quiry into the affair; in the meantime
Consul General Lee is prosecuting his
inquiry, and just as soon as his reply is
at hand it will be considered with view
to defining the policy of the admin.stra-
tion in the matter
The only word received from Consul
General Lee is contained in two dis
patches, one tHc
of Ruiz's death and the other announc-
ing the fact of his death in the Guana-
bacoa Jail under suspicious circum-
stances. The last dispat tch called for a
reply, in which the consul general was
instructed TO make prompt and full
investigation, and the message to Min
lister Taylor as above stated.
The Ruiz incident has considerably
agitated public men here, and it is eX-
pactad that resolution will he intro
duced in both houses of congress calling
upon the state department for all facts
in the case. The present administra-
tion can hardly do more during tna
short time it has than to get the investi-
cation well under way. But appre-
ciating how sensitive the American
public is upon questions of outrages
upon our citizens, it will be the purpose
of Secretary Olney to see that an alb
solutely fair and impartial report is
made by our representative in Cuba.
While the Ruiz affair might ultimately
form the basis for a possible rupture
between the United States and Spain, it
is not likely to come during the present
administration. If the new admins
tration desires to depart from diplo-
matte means for securing better treat
ment of Americans the present admins
tration Will leave at its disposal a fine
ileet OF war ships near Havana to back
up any demand that may be made.
1t was further denied al the White
House that any request has come from
Consul General Lee for war ships or
that there was any intention of sending
war ships to Havana
The report of the Spanish investiga-
ton, expected to be set on foot as a re-
suit of Mr.. Taylor's representations. is
anticipated by state department au.
thorities 1t will be that Ruiz died from
natural causes, and testimony to this
effect will be secured from numerous
witnesses that the authorities in Cuba
are able to procure and which will be
sufficient to offset any evidence that
may be obtained for the United States.
State department officials say that the
case of Ruiz is very like that of S. n.
Lopez. an American citizen, whom Con-
Lee reported as a victim Of
Spanish brutality, His report was laid
before the Madrid officials.
In rebuttal, the Spanish officials Of
fered the report made by their represen-
tatives. Cen Lee could make only a
bare statements of the facts as he
found them, and could not quote any
person as responsible for his informa-
ton, because of the fear that his infor-
mant would be subjected to imprison-
ment, which in the Ruiz case was pre-
liminary to death
ON the other hand, the Spanish case
was filled with sworn testimony of those
who, Gen. Lee declares. We're RESPONSE
BILE for the death of Lopez and others
who. the Spanish authorities claim,
have no interest in the matter. Against
this mass of evidence Consul General
Lees word is as naught-
Whatever may be the result of the in
vestigation in the Ruiz case, there is a
pressing demand from congress for
more complete details in this and other
cases of American prisoners in Cuba.