The Spanish newspapers have been saying very unkind things about us since the Senate passed the Morgan resolutions, but in spite of this it would seem that Spain is really anxious to keep our good will. No sooner did the report about General Rivera reach us, than Señor Dupuy de Lôme made full inquiries into the matter, and sent word to his Government that the reports were absolutely false, and that the authorities had no intention of shooting General Rivera.
In regard to the Ruiz matter, it is said that our Government will claim that Spain is responsible for the doctor's death, whether he died from injuries received in the prison or not, because they kept him shut up, without the privilege of communicating with anybody, ten days longer than the law permits.
It is expected that our Government will claim $150,000 damages for Mrs. Ruiz and her children, and will demand that Fondeviella, who was in charge of the jail, shall be punished for keeping the unfortunate man in this close confinement for three hundred and fifteen hours, instead of the seventy-two hours named in their law.
The authorities in Madrid are beginning to think that too many Cubans are claiming the protection of American citizenship, to save themselves from punishment.
When Dr. Ruiz was arrested, he claimed American citizenship, and it was on account of this claim that General Lee became interested in his case.
By referring to page 473 of The Great Round World, you will see that Dr. Ruiz was born in Cuba, came to the United States to study, became naturalized, and then went back again to Cuba, where he entered into business as a dentist. His case was so complicated, that the authorities in Cuba thought they had good ground for disbelieving him when he claimed to be a citizen of the United States.
To avoid any such trouble in future, Spain has proposed to make a new naturalization treaty with us. The terms of this treaty will cover just such cases as that of Dr. Ruiz.
One of the articles provides that any Cuban, or other Spanish-born subject, who becomes naturalized in this country, and then goes back to live in Cuba or the land of his birth, will, after two years' residence in the country in which he was born, be once more regarded as a Spanish subject, and must waive his naturalization rights.
If, however, at the end of the two years, he declares his intention to go back and live in his adopted country, he will be allowed to do so, and his naturalization will hold good.
Our Government is in favor of accepting this treaty, because it will save the consuls much trouble and avoid many squabbles between the two governments.