General Woodford, the new minister to Spain, has therefore been instructed to present a claim to the Spanish government for $75,000 damages to be paid to Mrs. Ruiz. Our minister is also instructed to say that his Government has concluded that, under the treaties existing between America and Spain, all the proceedings against Dr. Ruiz were illegal, and that Spain is absolutely responsible for his death. Under these circumstances Spain must pay this sum of money to the unfortunate widow.
General Woodford is to add that while the United States would be justified in demanding a much larger indemnity for Mrs. Ruiz, the friendly feeling that our Government has for Spain has induced us to make the sum as moderate as possible.
An endeavor was made on the part of Spain to compromise the matter with Mrs. Ruiz, but she refused to treat with the Spanish agents, saying that she preferred to leave her claim in the hands of the United States Government.
Congress has also taken action in the Competitor case.
The Competitor was an American schooner which sailed for Florida in April, 1896.
According to the story told by the captain of the vessel, he was no sooner out of sight of land than the passengers took possession of the ship, and forced him to change his course and carry them to Cuba.
Their luggage consisted of supplies and ammunition intended for the insurgents, and thus, against his will, the captain was forced to undertake a filibustering expedition.
The Competitor was sighted by the Spaniards, and captured by them, but all but five of the men on board escaped.
Three of these men were Americans who had sailed the ship.