Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1852-11-13
The Crescent City Affair.
From the Picayune.

HAVANA, Nov. 8, 1852.
The Powhattan left US some days since, and
Judge Conkling, U. S. Minister to Mexico, on
board. During the stay Of Judge Conkliug
here he had several interviews with the Cap
tain General, but, so far as We can learn, with
out any definite arrangement of the existing
difficulties. The Captain General was exceed
ingIy courteous in his demeanor, but met every
proposition with the announcement of his ex-
IRENE regret at the necessity which obliged
him to take the course he did; that the Govern
ment of Cuba was an eXceptiOnable Govern
ment, and bIlged to resort to eXceptionable
measures; and that he, as 4 subordinate officer
Of the crown of Spain, could not entertain any
proposition of any kind from a foreign power:
and that all communications, messages or NEE
sengers from such parties must be sent to Ma
drd. This is the substance Of what Judge
Conkling has communicated to his Govern
ment, and left in dispatches for Judge Shar-
key, who had not arrived when the Powhatan
left. Mr.. MorIand, the Acting Consul, is, con-
trary to his usual habit and opinions, abundant
in eypletives against the Government here.
Judge Sharkey arrived on the first, with his
family, in good health, and our countrymen
were all glad to see him back again, as it re-
lleves them from a sense Of abandonment,
which they have experienced during the consul
lar interregnum. However fitting an acting
consul may be for the position, under the eti-
quette of Spanish diplomacy he does not fill
the power of him who holds the consular e9e-
quater.
The Consul has had several communications
and two interviews with the Captain General,
and though rumor talks largely about what
has been done, | can say to you that in fact no
conclusion has been arrived at on any point
Previously to the arrival of the Crescent City
yesterday, the Captain General was somewhat
disposed to recede, but he is now most firm
1t is said that advices from the Spanish Minis
ter at Washington say that the Cabinet had as
sured him that neither Lieut.. Porter nor Mr..
Smith would be permitted to come here on a
mail steamer. This is the Spanish version of
the despatch, but hardly think it can be so
strong, for I well know how the officers here
see the rainbow in what to other eyes is a clear
sky. My private regret is that Judge Sharkey
has not sufficient energy to sustain the true is
sue unto a triumphant result. Had Lieutenant
Porter and Mr.. Smith both been retained on
the Crescent City, the question would have
been settled amlcably, and no necessity for
sending to Spain have grown out of it.
| shall not know of all the proceedings in
regard to that ship this voyage in time to write
you.
So, it will be seen by the above, that both
Porter and Mr.. Smith were detached
from the Crescent City, thereby removing all
of offence. But when this ship arrived
at the Balize she telegraphed to New Orleans
land which we have not as yet, Wednesday, |
seen contradicted) that notwithstanding these
gentlemen had been removed, the Crescent
City, now, would not be allowed to enter the
BORT of Havana again. If such is really the
act, and Spain endorses this act, we do not
know how hostilities can be avoided on our
part, if our national honor is of any consider
ltion. In our opinion, our Government has
submitted too long to the dastardly
lets Of the Cuban authorities.