Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-12-20
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Ruiz found himself face to face with
strong escort.
Colonel Ruiz advanced fearlessly. eX-
tending his hand, but Colonel Arangureh
motioned him back, saying in voice
choked with emotion:
why did you come? ] warned you not
to- and now it is too late
For Gods sake. what does'this mean?
asked Colonel Ruiz.
ut means that you have already peen
judged and condemned to death. replied
Colonel Aranguren. and with that he
turned and rode away.
That was the signal. for instantly the
rebel escort closed in on the condemned
man His hand sought his sword. but in
an instant Il score OF machetes fell on
him and in a few minutes he was literally
cut to pieces. The body. it is said was
buried on the spot Cards found on 1t
were sent to Havana as proof of his
death.
! am informed that Colonel Aranguren
deeply regretted being forced to proceed
to extremes and submitted Colonel Ruiz =
letters to his superior officers. Generals
Mayia and Alexandra Rodriguez. who in
formed him that after the warning Col.
Ruiz had received. no mercy could be
shower if he persisted in his intention of
visiting the camp. His coming was
known. the death sentence pronounced
and arrangements made for the execution
carried out
One incident that may have served to
seal the fate OF Colonel Ruiz is the fact
that he was instrumental in sending re-
Gently to Major Collazo's camp two men
with a proposition to the rebels to be-
come presentados. Both We're immedi-
ately hanged.
After these executions General Blanco
can sustain no hope for the consideration
of the terms of autonomy by the insur-
gents. Secretary General Congosto adj
mitted to me Friday. that he had no eX-
pectation that autonomy would have any
effect on the military situation. | asked
him, in that case. what could be hoped for
from autonomy. He replied that he felt
convinced that brighter prospects would
follow the establishment of new govern
ments in the regions under Spanish con-
troll. and that after the rebels began to
appreciate the benefits offered they would
begin to lay down their arms.
| then asked him when this might be
expected to begin. His somewhat re-
markable reply was that it might be ex-
pectcd to begin in a year or two or so. but
this he appeared to regard as matter
of minor Importance.
Since the discovery of a genuine in
fernal machine on Wednesday in the
building occupied by the American con-
Slate the feeling of apprehension in the
American colony has considerably in
creased. a committee of American
women. wives of prominent members of
the colony. approached General Lee yes
terday and earnestly entreated him to use
his influence to have a United States war
ship sent here.
While General Lee was careful to do his
utmost to calm their fears by assurances
that no danger is probable. | know he
would feel greatly relieved by the pre-
sence OF Il ship, and that he believes that
steps might be taken in such Il manner
a. a give DffpDS Sn1iD
This is the second occasion on which
American women have called on General
Lee to insure their protection. and if evil
Details them it will not be because Cen
eral Lee has not made proper representa-
tons to the Washington authorities.
General Pando finds that his operations
in the Orient are seriously hampered by
lack of food supplies for his troops. He
has telegraphed to General Glance, ask
ing him to send without fail cattle and
provisions. as he has no rations for his
men. General Pando has received heavy
reinfOrCements. and now has fully 10000
men nlassed along the banks of the Cauto
river and in the vicinity. also artillery
and two gunboats. but the vessels cannot
navigate the river, because the rebels
have placed effectual distractions Cen
eral Garcia is in the Immediate neighbor-
hood. but General Pando cannot leave his
base for the interior, owing to a lack of
provisions.
This scarcity of food supplies for the
troops is becoming serious throughout the
island. In Guanajay party of soldiers
forcbly seized all the flour in the
bakeries. ana provision stores are strong
~ guarded Reports reach the palace
daily requesting food and medicines for
the hospitals and garrisons.
The officially reported victory in Algu-
Ear now turns out to have been Il mas
sacre in Cuban hospital. under the per-
sonal direction of the Spanish general.
Maroto. Forty-four wounded Cubans and
nine women nursing them were macheted.
| General Blanco has demanded an ex-
PLANTATION from MarOto and has also sent
two commissions from the palace to AL
guizar to investigate The commissioners
report that the massacre is a fact
/ The rebel leader. Pedro Betancourt in
MatanZas province, has hanged eight Gu
| bans who expressed an intention to sur
! render.