The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-02-25
HOW RUIZ DIED.
He was Beaten to Death With a Club.

Key West, Fla, Feb. 25.-The Associ-
ated Press correspondent here ascer-
tanned from one of the passengers on
board the steamer OIiVette which ar
rived last night, that DR.. Ruiz, the
American citizen alleged to have been
killed while in Jail, was visited by the
governor of Guanabacoa, Senior Fons-
dieVela, while in his cell and insoIently
questioned by him
This was resented by DR. Ruiz Gov
ernor FonsdieVela, angered by the Incl
dent, it is claimed, seized club and
struck Dr. Ruiz on the head, causing
his death.
Washington, Feb. 25.-From a reliable
official source the facts regarding the
to be as follows:
The consul general, while in Wash
ingtOn last fall, did not conceal his be
lief that much credit might be gained
for the administration about to con-
clude it's term by making a bold stroke
for Cuban freedom, at least going to
the length of recognizing the belliger-
ency of the insurgents He did not
take issue openly with the administra-
ton in its policy, but it was realized
here that his SympathieS were strongly
with the Cubans. Possibly feeling that
ne was under suspicion of lack of SYM
pathy with the departments policy.
General Lee, upon his return to his
post, was particular to stick closely to
instructions This finally led to fric-
ton with the department, almost seri-
GUS in the Ruiz case
The consul general knew of Ruiz'S
capture and reported it to the depart
ment, but, it is intimated, stopped at
that and waited for further instruc-
tions. The department felt that the
general instructions in the consular
regulations imposing upon a consular
officer the duty of moving promptly for
the relief of an American citizen in
such cases should have been sufficient
to guide General Lee to a proper course.
However, without losing any time, the
department, upon being informed of
the facts, promptly referred the case
to the attention of the authorities at
Madrid 1t can be regarded as a case
juStifying an ult1matum at this point
at least the opinion being held that
there is a reasonable doubt whether or
not Ruiz lost his American citizenship
by voluntarily staying in Cuba for 16
years in the pursuit of his business,
and without keeping up his registra-
ton regularly. OF course the depart
ment has not yet conceded this point,
but the fact that such a contention has
been made is sufficient to show it to be
a case requiring deliberate treatment.
Following the death of Ruiz in Jail,
General Lee recommended that de-
mand be made upon the Spanish au-
thorities for the release of all American
prisoners held in Cuban prisons. This,
it was felt, was a step too radical to be
taken out of hand The safety of the
prisoners assumed to be the object of
such a demand. it is said. in many
cases would be jeopardized by the very
means taken to secure their release
His demand would have to be put in
the form of one for an immediate trial
of the prisoners or their immediate re-
lease In case the Spanish officials
elected to adopt the first named course,
some of the prisoners would have lost
their lives. for they were taken with
arms in hand and SO are subject to the
extreme penalty that may be imposed
by military court martial For such
prisoners the hope of their lives lies in
the trial being delayed as long as pos
sible taking the chance that in the
meantime general amnesty would be
proclaimed and they thereby would be
saved.