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.