The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-03-12
RUFUS FATE NOT REVEALED.
WITNESSES WOULD NOT DARE TELL
THE TRUTH.

To DO So Would Put Their Lives in
JeOpardy-COnsuI General lee
VIII Not Take Part in the Pro-
posed Investigation as He Has
Been Asked by the Spanish Au-
thOrities Not to Appoint "A Lawyer
to Represent Him-Insurgents
Raid Two Towns.
Havana, March 11.-Nonday night a
band of well-known Cuban patriots en-
tered the strongly fortified town of Be
jucal, in Havana province, sacking all
the stores of the place and burning iif-
teen houses. Details are lacking.
It is also reported that another party
of rebels, commanded by Castillo cap
tured the town of Quipvican and burnt
several houses of the place.
The brutal murder of DIR. Ruiz, which
raised such just cry of Indignation in
the United States. is still occupying the
attention of Consul General Lee. Persons
in close contact with the consul general
say that he is greatly worried over the
affair. As already related, Spain has or
dered a fresh and thorough investigation
OF the facts which led to Ruizs death.
But Consul General Lee is quoted as say
ing that he does not clearly see how the
Investigation can be properly carried out
He naturally cannot understand how an
impartial trial can he held, since
no witness will testify against
Maj. Fondeviela, or the warden
of the Jail They reasonably
fear for their lives, which certainly would
be endangered if they should honestly tell
the truth of what has occurred Besides
no Cuban lawyer would be willing to take
the case, as none would have the courage
to confront any of the miscreants and
charge them with the dastardly deed. Con-
sequently the point remains that no mat
ter how willing Spain may be 10 have a
clear investigation and impartial trial, and
despite the promises and inducements she
may make to the witnesses, they will new
er testify or give evidence that will throw
light on the case In view of these facts,
it is understood that Gen Lee will not take
part in the proceedings, as he has been re-
quested by the Spanish authorities not to
appoint any lawyer as required by the
Personal friends of Gen Lee affirm that
as soon as he shall have settled all the
pending matters he has on hand, and got
them in proper shape. he will resign his
post and retire to the United States. He
apparently feels tired of the Spanish "bus-
mess" and disguised a seeing that all of
his efforts in behalf of the rights of Amer
lean citizens on the island have been in
vain so far.
a letter received from Santiago de
Cuba, dated the 4th instant refers to an
incident which shows the utter lack of
consideration these Spanish authorities
have with the representatives of foreign
powers. By order OF the chief of police,
the house of Robert Mason, English pro-
counsel and acting Chinese counsel, was
thoroughly searched, but nothing found
Of a compromising nature. Mr.. Mason
was not present during the search, and.
rs soon as he heard of the outrage he at
once reported the fact to the British con-
sui general Mr.. Frederick Ramsdem,
who Immediately called on the civil gov
eminent and ample apologies were given
on the spot.
The judge of the court at Guanabacoa
has ratified the action of the Spanish au-
thorities in imprisoning Charles Scott the
last, on a charge of having Cuban post
age stamps in his possession. This means
that the case will continue under the or
binary procedure until it is finally dis
posed of.
The Matanzas district court has sus-
pended proceedings against Francisco Lar
rieu, an American citizen, who was ar
rested at Cardenas on May 10, 1896 and
he will soon be released