The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1897-02-27
TIME FOR ACTION.
Consult General Lee Aroused by
DIR. Ruiz Murder.
The Spaniards Call 1t "Suicide," But that
Doesn't O-Gen. Lee VIII Have Adj
ministration Backing In His
Efforts or Resign.

A 'IcA Il Adss tCOs <1SCOAO4hS
10 all accounts Gen. Fitzhugh Lee and
the Spaniards had a lively time at Ha-
vana yesterday. 1t all grew out of the
continued i1l-usage of American prison.
ers by the Spanish officials, and their
persistent disregard of Gen. Lee and
his remonstrances. 1t was brought to a
head, as already stated, by the recent
suicide" of DR.. Ruiz. This American
citizen was arrested and committed
to a dungeon not long ago charged
with the usual fictitious crime of CON
spiracy," or something akin to it. Gen.
Lee saw DIR. Ruiz at once, and was con-
vinced of his innocence. His remon-
Strances to the Spanish officials met
no replies, and Ruiz was still held in
prison without any signs of the civil
trial to which he was entitled.
Last week Gen. Lee was greatly sur
prised to be informed that Ruiz had
committed suicide, and he investi-
gated. But he was not allowed to
see the body, nor were any friends of
the dead American permitted to attend
the funeral. This Gen. Lee thought
strange. Later, secret intelligence re-
garding the matter came to him, and
he asked that the body be exhumed and
an autopsy performed This request
the Spaniards refused.
Gen. Lee referred the case to Secre-
tary Olney, with his suggestions, and
what he had learned. 1t is reported
that Secretary Olney told him that he
was right, and to go ahead. This he
did, with a persistence that won him
the day. Finally, much against their
will, the Spanish officials allowed the
body to be taken up,the remains were
taken to G~uanabacoa yesterday and it is
understood that the pOst-mortem was
performed in the office of Maj. Fonde-
v~eilla, Weyler's assistant butcher" as
he is called by the Cubans. Gen. Lee
and several others connected with the
consulate We're present, and a dozen
Spanish officers. An American physi-
clan was in attendance, but he was not
permitted to do any of the work. The
post-mOrtem did not show or prove any
murder, but it did not prove that DIR.
Ruiz had committed suicide; in fact, all
the suggestions were against it. But
biAS 'PuhloAI OiAlSSIo LuIIlCu IL llIOuShS
and thought hat Lee would be salts
fed.
1t is stated that the conversation be-
tween Lee and the Spanish officers was
not at all times up to the polite" limit,
as Gen. Lee was greatly veXed over
their Indifference. He told them what
he thought of the matter, and they
parted not on the best of terms. On his
return it is reported that Lees long
sufference and forbearance broke loose,
and he determined to make a stand at
once hat would settle the question of
American rights in Cuba. 1t is said
hat he cabled Secretary Olney ard
President Cleveland that there were
scores of Americans imprisoned in Span
ish dungeons for little or no cause; that
it was impossible to get a fair trial
for them. and hat it was time to do
something to aid them and secure fair
treatment for his fellOw-citizens. He
requested the administration to stand
behind him, and he would make a de-
mand upon the Spanish officials for the
instant release or the promise of a
speedy civil trial for all Americans now
in Spanish jails. 1t is added that he
stated in plain language to them both
hat if this was not done he would re-
sign at once. War ships would be
needed to bring this about, and Gen.
Lee mentioned this as something that
should be ordered Immediately.
Gen. Lees tone was courteous but
plain in its official way. and firm. 1t
caused n sensation, it is stated, in Wash
ington, and the cable has been brisk all
day with messages to and from Havana
and Washington. The Spaniards are
aware of what is going on, and the mar
quis of Ahumada has wired Weyler the
status of affairs. What will be done in
the next "a hours will settle the case.
Gen. Lees friends say that he
has waited until his patience has given
out entirely. He has seen Americans
scorned and insulted, and all his remon-
strances have been treated with scant
respect, and he is not the man to stand
it. If the administration will not back
him up, then, according to these re-
ports, Lee will get out at once, leaving
the onus of this affair upon Cleveland.
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