The herald., 1897-02-21
SPAN|ARDS TAKE TO FLIGHT
Before the Machetes of the
Insurgents
TWO DECISIVE VICTORIES
By Cubans Who Were Reported to Be
Pacified
Consul General Lee Takes Action to Avsnge
the Death Of DR.. Ruiz, an
American Citizen
Associated Press Special Wire

Associated Press Special Wire
CINCINNATI. o., Feb. 2o.-A spe-
cial to the Commercial Tribune from
Jacksonville, Fla, says: Letters from
Pinar del Rio today to Col Corbe give
details of engagements in that section
recently. in all of which the insurgents
were successful.
Near Jaroeta Major p. Morales en-
gagged San Martins troops, and after
a two hours' fight the Cuban maohete
charge drove the Spanish from the field
in utter rout they leavin LES dead on
the field.
The insurgents deooyed the Spanish
troops into q trap in Jopeta swamp and
cut their rear guard into pieces and
routed the squadron Of 500 men. the
Spaniards losing over 200 men.
At the woods Of Ell Tovio was another
disaster for the Spantards. Col. Lorente
defeating Col Martins detachment of
600 men. fUrcing him to retreat to
San Juan Martinez with heavy loss,
leaving his dead on the field.
At Janta the Spaniards made plucky
ugnt, Dut the CuDQnS routed tneIu alteE
three hours hard fighting.
The insurgents secured 200 rifles and
1900 rounds Of ammunition. Their loss
was less than thirty. while the Span
iards acknowledged loss Of over 140.
A special to the Commercial Tribune
from Key West says: A report reached
here late noight of rumors in Havana
of big fight in Santa Clara province
on Tuesday between 1900 Spaniards and
4 saI, L.
seven hours. The insurgents cut down
the Spanish forces first with artillery
and then with the machete, the Span
iards fleeing for their lives In great dis
order. The losses on both sides were
heavy, thu Spaniards losing the most
men. The Cubans captured all the am
munition stores and guns, including
four field pieces and quantities Of small
arms. No details can be had tonight
nor can the name of the Spanish gen.
eral engaged be learned.
CAN'T HELP RUIZ.
WASHINGTON. Feb. 20.-The state
department had received no advices
this morning regarding the reported
murder of DR.. Richard Ruiz, natu-
rallied American citizen, who was found
dead in his cell in the Guanabacoa,
Cuba, jail, as result, Is Is alleged, of
assault by his guards. Consul General
Lee vigorously protested several days
ago about Ruiz's arrest, but the state
department has heard nothing from him
since on the matter. He feels certain,
case up, and If Ruiz has been murdered
will insist on the punishment of the
murderers.
LEES ACTION.
NEW YORK. Feb. 2O-A special to
the World from Washington says: Con-
sui General Lee cabled from Havana
to the state department this afternoon
that he had made formal request on
Acting Captain General Ahumada to
exhume the body Of DR.. Ricardo Ruiz.
an American dentist, who was found
dead in a prison at Guanabacoa. The
guards allege that DR.. Ruiz committed
suicide, but information was conveyed
to General Lee that he was murdered
1t was desired to disinter the body to
determine whether 1t was a case Of mur-
der or suicide. General Lee reported
that his request, In every way reason
able and made in the usual manner, was.
refused. and all his efforts to have the
the refusal rescinded had proved un-
availing. He asked instruction from the
state department.
Assistant Secretary Rockhill laid the
communication before Secretary Olney.
and In the next hour and half several
consultations were held.
General Lee was directed to renew his
application for the exhuming of the body
of DR.. Ruiz and to insist upon the COM
pliance with his demand. In less than
two hours after the receipt of General
Lees cablegram Secretary Olney went
to the executive mansion. Later the
matter was called to the attention of
Senor De LONE, the Spanish minister,
with the request that he straightway
have his government instruct it's repre-
sentatives IN Cuba to give full recogni-
ton to the rights of the American con-
sui general.
WHERE ROLOFF WENT.
NEW YORK, Feb. 2O.-It is reported
General Carlos Roloff, secretary of war
for the Cuban republic whose bail was
forfeited at Baltimore, has gone to Cuba
In command Of an expedition consisting
of or hundred and fifty men, eighty-two
rifles, several cannon and two one hun
dred-shot repeating guys; also much
ammunition. The expedition is said to
have cost almost half million dollars,
WARsHIPS WANTED.
NEW YORK, Feb. 2O-A dispatch to
the Herald from Jacksonville, Fla.
says: Consul General Lee has request
ed in urgent terms that the United
States government send warships to
CuDa because OF the attitude of the
Spanish authorities in relation to the AL
legged murder of DR.. Ruiz, an American
dentist, who died in the Guanabacoa
prison.
A PRISONERS STORY.
HAVANA, Feb. 20.-In an interview
with Madrid correspondent of Ell Lib
eral. Senior Luis Morote, who was q
prisoner in Gen. Gomez's camp on the
18TH 14th and 18th, said:
II left the village OF Sancti Spiritus
with the intention Of ascertaining the
condition of the forts outside the vii
lage. The evening was dark and I be-
came separated from my escort Twas
discovered by rebel scouts, captured and
delivered to officer Rosdeno Garcia, who
conducted me to Gen. Maxine Gomez's
camp at the Barracodes, between Sanctt
Spiritus and the trocha at Jucaro. Gen.
Gomez became quite furious, calling my
action one of strange boldness. 1 tried
to explain my presence, alleging I de-
sired to talk about the situation of the
revolution with Gen. Gomez
1.-THE general refused to talk on the
subject and asked me to sign an act rec
ognizing the independence of Cuba. I
said that was not willing to do so and
that I should not sign the act of inde-
pendence. Immediately Gomez order
ed me to be taken away"
While prisoner in the camp Of the