New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-12-30
IRRITATION IN HAVANA,
OBJECTlNG TO THE PROPOSED EvOLU-
TIONS OF THE AMERICAN FLEET
SPANISH OFFICIALS ACCUSE MINISTER DE LONE
OF MISLEADING THEM-DIsTREss INCREAs-
ING-ARANGUREN's ACCOUNT OF THE
KILLING OF RUIZ.
fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE


Key West. Fla (via jacksonville Dec %
distribution OF the relief which is expected
from the United States. Though definite nfor-
nation has not been received advices lead to
the belief that President McKlnley's appeal will
bring large supplies. They badly wanted.
Clothing is needed well food. The dis
tress among the country people Is everywhere
growing. At Matanzas the condition Is ap-
pang. 1t would he merciful to consign n ship
load of provisions directly 10 Consul Brlce there
The Spanish officials. though looking on the re-
lief movement as a basis for further Intervention
by the United States. smother their objections
and promise cooperation in distribution Of sup
plies. 1t is probable. however. that the Ameri-
can consus will be able to carry out the distri-
button themselves.
Madrid advices about the resentment over the
latest note from Washington have received ex
tensive publicity In Havana. The Conserva
tives seize upon them as justlfying their posi-
tion Of hostility toward the United States. be-
of President McKlnley's assumption OF
the ultimate right of intervention Tha pros
pectivc evOlutons OF the squadron In Florida
waters also cause irritation after the statement
from Madrid that Minister De LONE advised the
Ministry that the squadron was to be sent to
the Mediterranean instead OF the Gulf or Mexico
In consequence Of the changed feeling caused by
Ruizs death Havana not prepared for the
presence Of the squadron In neighborng waters
The Government organs commented freely on
the reported transfer declaring that It ended
sympathy for the insurgents in the United
States. and deathblow 10 the lnsurrec-
ton. Now they unable to explain the mean
ing OF evolutions OF warshlps IN Florida waters
when the ships were said to be proceeding to
lodi Con No lfpa is
for misleading them
Another cause OF discomfort Is misinformatlon
about Aranguren. After Ruizs death the pal
ace officials persstenty circulated the report
that Aranguren also killed. Their purpos"
was to create the belief that Aranguren had
been willing To accept autonomy and had been
killed by his own followers through fear OF
yielding The aim was also 10 convey the i'm
preston that Ruiz had gone to the insurgent
camp under promise of safe conduct from
Arangurcn. The story ~ the latter's death
sent by palace officials TO Madrid and
Washington. In Madrid II was credited. and a
popular subscription was proposed for a peace
monument to Ruiz and Aranguren. Havana
was more sceptlcal. but the posltiveness with
which the official statements were made caused
n feeling OF uncertainty. The doubts are now
ended.
Aranguren has been heard from. He Is In the
hills with his followers. Arangurcn's statement
is brief II !s in substance that Ruiz came TO
his camp. not under flag Of truce that he
made propositions for autonomy. contrary to tho
law OF the Cuban Republic and 10 the proclama-
ton which had been signed by all the insurgent
officers. including Aranguren himself that he
was court-martialled and executed. Aranguren
further says that the guides who brought Ruiz
to camp deserters from the Cuban army
and were executed as such.
The leaders OF the Conservative party stoutly
deny the Implication from Madrid that Carl!st
agents are working IN the army and among
volunteers az tinst the Government They say
that while some Carllsts are among the Con-
servatives they haze subscribed 10 the declara-
ton OF the party which condemns all rebellion.
However. reports continue OF deser,)ns among
the troops in the field. one company of seventy
two members In Matanzas Province said -
have killed its officers and gone over TO the in
surgcnts The deseriion OF an entire battalion
in Santiago is rumored These reports lack
vcrlncation
In the southern and western part Of Havana
Province half the canenelds have been burned
by the insurgents. The military authorities
have not been able 10 AFFORD sufficient pro-
lection In MatanZas several fields have also
been fred because the owners failed to pay the
insurgcnt tax. Destruction there. however. Is
not general
Goyern0r-Gcncral Blanco has issued decree
establishing Provisional Government The
new Cabinet will assume office January l.
Coincdent with this is renewal Of move
ments m some parts OF the island among the
ate or annexation. They are hardly ready to
make such declaration openly.