Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-03-22
Another Cuban Diaioulty.


Another Cuban Difficulty.
| Another difficulty with the authorities of Cuba
has occurred, and all the country is agog about it..
The facts of the case are briefly these: Steam
ships between our Atlantic and Gulf ports, as
New York and New Orleans, make Havana 4
stopping place onatheir regular trips. They for
merly delivered freight there, but owing to the
embarrassing regulations of the port, the custom
was abandoned about two years ago. Since that
time they have continued to touch at Havana to
land the mails and passengers, and their cargoes
have been considered as ballast. The rules of
the port require each vessels manifest to give an
accurate description of the cargo. but the
course indicated has been pursued with the full
knowledge and consent of the local authorities
In accordance with this custom, the steamer Black
Warrior, from New Orleans, put into Havana, on
the 2Sth ult, as she had often done before, sin
ballast" although with full cargo for New
York. Taking advantage of the uformalty, the
Collector detained the vessel and proceeded to
conGscate it with the cargo The agents of the
steamship claimed the benefit Of the twelve hours
allowed to all vessels to make corrections and ad-
ditions to the manifest but this privilege was re-
fused and the act of confiScaton carried out
Considering the previous acQuiescence of the au-
thorites in the violation of the law, and the want
Identification Of any new construction, the act is
undoubtedly an outrage for which prompt atone
ment is required.
On the 18th ult., the President. in accordance
with resolution of the House of Representatives,
communicated to that body report of the Secre-
tary of State. containing all the information re-
ceived at the Department relative to the affair
He says there are other instances of aggression
upon our commerce and violations of the rights of
American citizens by the Spanish authorities in
Cuba, aud all attempts to obtain redress have led
to protracted, and as yet, fruitess negotiations.
The island of Cuba lies at our door, and with am
pie power to infiic injury, the officials deny the
possession of any authority to make reparaion.
| Whenever wrong is committed the authorities
| of the island refuse to receive communications
from the public officers of the United States and
| refer rs to the Spanish Government for satissac-
| ton. Thus the matter is spun out and indefinite
| ly DELAYED This state of affairs should not be
tolerated longer During the last administration.
an individual claimed as a subject of Spain, was
seized at New Orleans and carried to Cuba, and
when our Government demanded his release the
same plea was put in But no delay was allow
ed, and the Captain General was compelled to
surrender his prisoner.
The President Informs Congress that he has
already taken measures to present to the Govern
ment of Spain the wanton injustice Of the Cuban
authorities in the detention and seizure Of the
/ Black Warrior, aud to demand indemnity for the
injury and in case these measures for the AMIGA
bic adjustment of the difficulty should fail, he will
not hesitate to use the authority and means which
Congress may grant, to insure the observance of
our rirhts to obtain redress for Injuries received,
and to vindicate the honor of our flag. He also
suggests to Congress the proprie;y OF authorizing
such provisional measures as the eyigcncy may
seem to demand.
Previous to the reception of the Presidents
message, Mr.. Deane, Of New York, proposed in
the House of Representatives to repeal the neu
tralitY laws with Spain, and thus remove the res
traiuts imposed by our Government upon the Fill
libusters. measure of this kind would be dis
graceful to the country. If Spain should prove
impracticable, it would be far more honorable for
Us to declare war openly and forthwith proceed to
the conquest Of Cuba. In such war, with right
and justice on side, we for one shall not re-
greet to see that island delivered from the thraldom
Of Spanish tyranny. But let us not directly or
indirectly, give license to bands Oflawless BAN
ditti to plumber and kill in the name of liberty!