The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1898-03-04
ARANGUREN'S BRILLIANT CAREER
ne cuban Sheridan's Own Account of
the Execution of Col. Ruiz
(New York SUM

me death OF Brigadier General Nestor
G,rhnSureI, second In command Of tho
The All ,r r1rSes IN Haynna province. robs
ing officers. Aranguren was born i'm IS74
best R Rn,onGed 2, to one Of the Oldest ana
was during the ten years war one of
the Junia's representatives In Havana.
,,: -, inc o9tbreak of the present war, on
Join General Julio Sansufly's regiment,
put me latter's capture caused the project
he come folnod 70 Gothg Several months later
soon distinguished himself by capturing
u spanish fort near Santa Clara. This
act was S one Of the many daring raids
the fort alone, and after overpowcring
q ion sentry TS. opened the door TO his compan.
thousand rounds of ammunition and six
teen prisoners. General Gomez promoted
him to the grade of captain for this OK
plot. He was promoted TO the rank of
brigadier general for the brilliant man
ner in which he captured the Guanaba-
con train last year. The attempt was
Fonsdevicla, the military despot OF Guam
abacoa. The net that attracted the most
attention to him was the execution of
Colonel Ruiz. who was sent by General
Blnnco to try TO secure his support to
autonomy by the offer of a brihc. In Il
recent letter to n friend in this city Aran-
guren wrote:
You must all know by this time of
Rniz's sad end. None. more than |. re-
A'ct'cu HIS ueilnr Dul am Il soldier,
and as such. must obey my superlor's
command. Several weeks ago Ruiz. who
mad always been personal friend Of
mine. wrote to me that he was going 10
pay me n visit. replied that providing
his visit was not to propose autonomy, I
would gladly welcome him. a few days
Havana AT the head OF n battalion to
pay me his proposed call. The following
morning as was sitting under my tenla
de campana sentry sent me word that
a large force OF Spaniards had halted n
snort quarter OF mile down the road.
hastily mounted my horse and rode TO
the outpost. Seven men, among whom |
could distinguish Ruiz, were advancing
toward the camp. Fearing some treach-
cry. | removed my force to an estate
about league away and there awaited
the outcome OF this strange action"
The following day .dt was 10 o'clock
OF IL Spanish colonel. and accompanied
by two PRACTICES, presented himself at
one of the outposis. From the very start
avoided the encounter. but IL was not
in my power to do so. Mounted. met
Ruiz ut the entrance to, my camp. lie
was very pale. and acted in nervous,
hestating manner lie rode forward and
attempted to grasp my hand, which re-
fused to let him have.
'"lIow fine you are looking, he SAID,
not appearing to notice, my action. This
life evidently agrees with you. You are
fortunate boy; no man among you all
my has been granted, and you, my dear
friend, have been selected rs the first one
10 he pa rdoncd.'
I'm vain did hold up my hand and
motion him to stop talking.
'"I have come he continued, to offer
the pardon of generous government
and such a position as you may desire.
Ask what you will and you will have 1t.
1t all lies with you. Ask
Ruiz had condemned himself. and
ordered my men to arrest him He was
at once tried. found guilty and shot. lie
met his death like brave man. fearless
"a h To, or mt f lNnt
all this sad affair occurred. and when
my friends In the North read this | hope
duty 10 his country comes first OF nll."
General Arangurcn, although n young
man. had tho confidence OF all his suEra
riors. Gomez called him tho Cuban
Sheridan"