Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1855-06-14
Commodore MoCauiey's Instructions

was ordered to visit Havana and confer with
the American Consul. The terms of intima-
cy on which he appeared with the Spanish
executioner, and which were so much censur-
ed by portion of the press, would, there
fore, seem to be inexcusable.
We fear that the polteness of the Captaip
General was but part of the game of courtly
duplicity which has been PLAYED off on orr
government
1t seems that the revolutionary spirit in
the Island of Cuba itself has been strono for
some time, and that this was known TO the
Spanish Government. In order to divert any
effort from the United States, conciliatory
advances were made by the Spanish Minister
at Washington, and limitations were held
out that while Spain would resist any insur-
rcction to the last, especially when aided
from this country, she might he willing to
surrender her sovereignty for her own pecu-
mary and national advantage. In conse-
auence. Mr.. PIERcE declared against flibus-
ters. and set about negotiating but To no
purpose.
The pear may not be ripe, but it must
finally drop off into the devouring mouth of
this great confederacy. 1t is ripening fast,
for there is a point beyond which tyranny
becomes intolerable. Oppression carried to
the verge where desperation begins in Cuba,
and the active sympathy Of the United States
must bring about crisis. What we most
fear is delay, procrastination.
PALNERsToN and LOUIS NAPOLEON cannot
nov interfere; they have too much to do at
ho.oe, or rather in Russia. They will soothe
and calole us by pretending that they will not
stand between us and Cuba; but no faith can
he placed in their assurances. England has
been covetous of Cuba since the days of the
Cabots, and Spain now owes her several hun
dred millions of dollars. This makes Spain
her tool, and she can dictate to that power as
she pleases. 1t is said that a secret treaty
has existed between them for some years foi
the liberation of all slaves imported into that
island since 1921. 1t has never been pub
licly promulgated and may not now be con-
sdered binding, but who can doubt for q
moment that England will WELD her prodi.
gious influence over Spain to subserve hel
own interests and to iniure us. Here are the
| instructions:
UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT, }
Washington, April 10, l855.(
SIR: The department has determined tC
assign you to special duty, and place YOU
temporarily in command of the home squa
dron.
Relosing confidence in your prudence, ex
perience, and patriotism, | have selected yol
for the discharge of certain duties, always
delicate and responsible, the proper execution
of which may involve questions of natiOna
honor and peace.
Recent events in Cuba, and Oh the higl
seas in the vicinity of that island, are of
character calculated not merely to attract at
tention and excite the solicitude of this gov
eminent, but to call for constant vigilance Oh
your part, in order that the rights of OH
couutrymen and the interests of our commerce
NAV be neither wantonly assailed nor care
lessly disregarled. 1t is hardly necessar
that | should undertake to recite with partic
ularity all the circumstances which are worth
of your consideration, but deem it proper I
call your attention TO the conduct of the com
nander of the Spanish frigste Ferrolana i
firing at the United States mail steamer 81
Dorado" and subjecting that vessel to delay
visitation, and search, about eight miles froI
Cape San Antonio-aa occurrence which,
approved by the Spanish authorities, is likel
to disturb the friendly relations between tn
two governments, and a course of proceedin
which, if persisted in, cannot but provoke col
lison.
| need not remind you, Commodore. tia
the right of visitation or search of our We:
sells on the high seas is one the existence {
which the United States have steadily refuse
to recognise, and the exercise of which the
will with equal firmness everrefilse to tolerat'
The President instructs me to say to yo
that if any officer in command OF a ship @
: war be present when an outrage Of the chara'
, ter heretofore mentioned is perpetrated on
vessel rightfully bearing our flag, he Wi
promptly interpose, relieve the arreste
American ship, prevent the exercise of a
. sumed right of visitation or search, and rep
the interference by force. The President
not unmindful of the present disturbed cor
diton of Cuba. But, whatever weight ma
be attached to these considerations, the e,
cited apprehensions of the authorities of tn
+ island, arising, it is believed, out of the cond
ton of its internal affairs, and not from an
movement in this country in violation of OF
neutrality laws, can work no suspicion of n:
tional law, nor reconcile a submission to til
violation of any right resulting from the la
of nations or treaty stipulations. The Unite
States seek no collision with Spain. The o
ticers of our navy are desired and expecte
scrupulously to observe the law of nation
and uniformly to extend all courtesy and r,
spect to the flags of other powers. But thes
, rules do not require consent for a moment I
, the deliberate violation of principles held 81
cred by the United States, and without tn
observance of which peace however desirable
cannot be maintained.
The conduct of the authorities of Cuba
overhailling and searching our vessels cannC
rest on the gound of territorial jurisdiction
and this government denies the existence {
any state of facts to warrant the exercise {
belligerent rights. Your instructions are cor
) fined to cases arising on the high seas, becaus'
as at present advised, the offensive acts whic
have been committed are of that character
Other offensive acts, however, undoubtedl
might occnr within the proper territorial ju
risdiction of Cuba, to which this governmer
COulQ uOl VI hoI iOi -
Should such a case arise, you will immed
ately report the facts to this department, an
await further instructions, unless your promI
interpOsitiOn should become necessary Tor tn
preservation of the lives and property of tn
citizens of the United States.
Accompanying this despatch You will re
ceive a copy of the recent letter of MIR. Marcy
Secretary of State, to Mr. Cueto, the SPANS
Minister at Washington, 10 which your atten
ton is specially invited, as setting forth wit
distinctness and force the views entertaine'
by the President on this subject.
The vessels constituting the home squad
ron, under your command, for the present, ar
the San Jaeinto, Captain Stribling; the James
town, Captain Crabbe; the Falmouth, Com
mander Shaw; the Princeton, Commando
Eagle, and the Fulton, Lieutenant Command
ing MITCHELL; to which other vessels will b
added at the earliest practicable moment.
The jamestown, Captain Crabbe, havin
been originally assigned as tho flagship o
the African squadron, is designed, only tenn
e 4