Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-12-11
ThE cunA PRISONERS.
AAf' ~ bNSie ~ ~'HF' AA"lfftst'
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
ISSI

respecting insults to the Spanish Consul and flag, by
mob at New Orleans, and other acts OF violence
against the property of her sub ecs thus country all
occasioned by the excitement growing OUT OF the late
Invasion Of Cuba, and its lncdents and consequences,
have been made the subject ct correspondence be-
tween this Department and Mr.. Calderon her Majes-
TVS Minister here copy OF this correspondence is
herewith transnl tied to you by which you will per-
celve that those coupa have been met by the Co
vernment of the United States in satlslac-
tory the representative of Spain. Her Catholic Ma
Iestys Government must be too Just to suppose for
moment either that the Government oil the U. States
has connived at the several inyasions of Cuba, by
persons proceeding from ports or that any thing
within the power OF the Government has been omit
ted Tor preventing those inVaslons, and tor punlSng
those concerned in them. 1t has now been many
months that these hostile designs against Cuba have
occupied the attention of the Government of the Uni
ted States, from week to week and from day to day.
The jealous efforts have been made to bring
condigu punishment all who have been disposed to
violate the laws of their own country, by making
upon Spanish possession. Her Catholic Majesty's
Government is quite well aware that the principal IN
sg ator OF this criminal invasion of Cuba, and leader
OF the expedition, was one OF her Maesys subjects,
who came TO this county and abused its hospitality
by inducing America cltiZ-ns, mostly young and i'll
informed persons, to embark ia his and follow
his standard. There is good reason bellows that
but tor his agency, and that of other Spanl aids who
lau come to the country, expedition against Cuba
would ever have been set on foot The policy OF the
w. States the policy OF peace until there shall arise
Just cause OF war The colonies OF Spain near TO
| our own shores. Our commerce with them is large
and important, and the records of the diplomatic In
tercourse between the two countries will manifest to
| her Catholic Majesty's Government how sincerely
and how steadily the United States has manifested the
hope that no political changes might lead to trans
| ter OF these colonies from her MaJeSty's Crown.
Ii there is one among the existing Governm -nts of
the civilized world which for long course of years
mas d1ilgentiy sought to maintain atncabe relations
with Spaln it the Government OF the United States
| Not only does the correspondence between the two
Governments show this, but the truth is esab-
shed by the history of the legislation of the couairy
and the general course OF the Executive Government.
In his recent Invasion Lopez and his ieow.subects
the United States succeeded in deluding few hum
dred men, by long continued and systematic mis-
representation OF the political condition OF the island,
and of the W shes of it's inhabitants And not for
the purpose of revving unpleasant recolectiCns that
her Majsstys Government is reminded that il is not
many years since the commerce OF the United States
suffered severely from armed boats and vessels which
found refuge and shelter in the ports OF the Spanish
Islands. These violations OF the law, these authors
OF gross violence towards the citiz of this Repub-
Iic were finally suppressed not by any effort of the
Spanish authorities, butby the activity and vigilance OF
our navy This however, was not accomplished but by
| the efforts of several years. nor until many valuable
lives, well vast am of property, had been
lost. Among others, Lieut. Alen q very valuable
and distinguished officer in the naval service of the
United States was killed in action with these BAN
ditti.
All this is not said for the purpose of m king re-
newing complaints either of the vioIati OF treaty oh.
legations or OF unlustiahe remssness against the Co.
varnment OF Spain or the authorities OF the Islands,
| But may be brought to the notice OF ths Spanish
| Government of the consequences VIII CHI MY
| sometimes flow from the conduct OF disposed 10
cutlon otsuch enterprises, by the coniiguily OF the
possessions OF the two governments The Sna nsh
islands lie near the coast of America and the use
of steam has rendered the passage from to
this other short; but while this facilitates tho
pllshmento OF the purposes OF wrong doors, on the
other hand it augmenis the means OF Government
to pursue, overtake and dispese them. bring them
| to proper tri al and punishment. In truth, steam
has greatly increased the proximity between Gu
ba and the United States. We have become much
nearer neighbors than formerly, and the duty which
this state OF things devoives on both Governments
is keep closer and strctsr watch heir subjects
and citizens respectvey in order that violation Of
treaty obligations and no interruption OF the peace and
| amlty e&lsiog between the two Governments may
take place. And this duty will be performed he
part OF the United States diligently and faithfully. in
the true spirit OF treaties as well az in the proper
cuon OF the laws. GU at liberty to commul
cate these observations the Government of her
| Catholic Majesty
have to call your attention to another subject
OF much interest. We have learned that hundred
and sixty two OF the persons captured on the Island of
Cuba, having constituted part OF l4opezs forces,
| have been sent to Spain. Wa have official int for
nation respecting their trial sentence or ostheir
subsequent destination but it is generally reported tn
they have been or are to b. seat to the maes. The
| Government of the United States has admitted that
these vioators both the law Of nations and of the laws
OF their own country have no legal claim for its pro-
! lection. Yet they men, and most OF them igno-
rant deudad 1t cannot be denied that they
such hiects OF compassion and think maysay that
severe punishment inflicted many perso ms for
an attempt which has ended in failure signal, and
Tor an offence which, however grave has already been
sxpiaed by the lives Of majority OF those who par
ticpaed in it, might be regarded as inconsistent with
feelings humanity and that generosity Of sentiment
| which may not unreasonaby be looked for from the
Sovereign ota great nation. This seems to have been
the sentiments entertained by the CAPTAIN General of
Cuba under the influence Of which he pardoned ssve.
raj of the captves and her Maestys Government may
be assured tina: this wise and we'll considered
ercse of clemeucy and mercy has produced the best
effects 10 this country He has said that in tho exc
BUTTONS ordeled by him he acted under conviction
| OF the absolute necessity of setting example which
might deter others from the pertormance of Act, of
| similar crimnality That ex5mDle has bean set bv
thu infection of punishment as nromnt as il was sfnl
by the execution OF tv prisons. The knowledps of
| their miserable fate has been carried to every man ia
| this country aud spread all over the world
Il not this enough? Can example bs made more