The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-12-19
Slain for Visiting a Rebel Camp and
der and Accept Autonomy.
TRIED BY COURT-MARTIAL
CONVICTED AND SENTENCE EXECU-
TED WITH A MACHETE.
Spanish Editor in Frenzy Because
American War Ships Will Cruise
in the Gulf of Mexico.

"A "A,
Joaquain Ruiz, one of General Blanco's
aids, has been shot by insurgents. Colonel
Ruiz proceeded into the country on Mon
day last, having previously written a let
ter to Aranguren, an insurgent leader. To-
night consular employe, Senior Tosca, who
had been commissioned by United States
Consul General Lee to make inquiries, re-
turned from Campo Florido three leagues
distant from the insurgent encampment at
Tumba Cuatro. He says he met outposts
of Aranguren's force and that the chief Of
the party confirmed the report that on his
arrival Colonel Ruiz was met by Aran-
guren and an escort of twelve men, who
received him warmly. Ruiz urged the party
to accept autonomy and congratulated him.
self that he would induce them to return
with him to Havana. The insurgents in
camp had not been prepared for the visit
by Aranguren and, seeing Ruiz in his uni
form and learning the object of his visit,
they demanded the application of the proc
lamation of Gomez and Rodriguez, which
orders the infection of the death penalty on
all persons who attempt to induce chiefs
of the rebellion to surrender. In compliance
with their demands court-martial was
formed and the sentence of death was
passed upon Ruiz Senior Tosca adds that
Arangurens stood aloof during the trial
and allowed the death sentence to be car
ried out. Colonel Ruiz was executed with
machete.
A later dispatch says that the general
topic of conversation in cafes, theaters and
clubs at Havana is the result of the visit
of Lieut.. Col. Joaquin Ruiz to the head
quarters of the insurgent brigadier, Aran-
gCeren. Colonel Ruiz, who was very pop
ular here, visited Arangueren for the pur-
pose of inducing him to surrender and ac-
cept autonomy, promising him in return
money and official preferment. Ruiz, it is
understood, offered his services to Marshal
Blanco for the purpose of inducing Aran-
-gCeren to surrender, as the latter had been
formerly employed by Ruiz when he was
constructing the Vento water works. After
having written to Arangueren, Ruiz left
Havana for the insurgent camp on Monday
last. While Ruiz was at the camp the in
surgent general Alexandra Rodriguez learn
ed of his visit and went to Arrangements
headquarters, where he ordered Ruiz to be
tried by court-martial, in accordance with
the orders of General Gomez. Ruiz was de-
Tended in his trial by Arangueren and RAJ
fael de Cardenas, the former of whom had
pledged his word of honor for Ruiz's safety.
1t was reported that Gen. Alexandra Rodri-
guez ordered The execution of the prisoner.
The Russian consul, who is president of
the Union Club, and a personal friend of
Ruiz, who is a member of the same club,
visited United States Consul General Lee,
and asked him to use his influence to save
the life of Ruiz. Consul General Lee called
privately on Marshal Blanco and stated to
him the object of his visit. The governor
general allowed General Lee to intercede
in a friendly way. Early yesterday Ernest
Tosca, an attache of the American CONSUL
ate, with young Manuel Chacon, carrying
three days provisions, left for Campo Flor
ida, Havana province, bearing permit
from Marsh RlancO to seek the camp OF
Aranguren with a letter from Consul Cen
eral Lee. Ruiz was expected here yesterday
and General Gonzalez Parade was assured
that he was at liberty. Last night it was
condition that the insurgent leader, Candida
Villa Nueva, be exchanged for him, but up
on the arrival here this evening of TOSca 1t
became generally known that ToSca'S visit
did not avail to save the life of Blanco'S
envoy
Official advices from Manzanillo, province
of Santiago de Cuba, say that a detachment
column has been engaged between Man
zanillo and Bayamo with an insurgent
force The insurgents are reported to have
retired with the loss of seven men killed. 1t
is admitted, however, that the troops had
seven men killed and a doctor, a captain,
two other officers and twenty-eight soldiers
wounded.
Candida Villa Neuve, an insurgent leader,
was brought here as prisoner Of war to-
day.