Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-12-17
WHOLE NUMBER 155.

time inflicted injuries On the persons and
property of our citizens. These have
given birth to numerous claims against
the Spanish government, the merits of
which have been ably discussed for
series Of years, by our successive diplo-
matte representatives Notwithstanding
this, we have not arrived at practical
result in any single instance, unless We
may except the case Of the Black War
rior under the late administration; and
that presented an outrage Of such a
character rs would have justified an inn
mediate resort 70 war. An our attempts
10 obtain redress have been bailied and
defeated. The frequent and oil-recur~
ring changes in The Spanish ministry
have been employed rs reasons for delay.
We have been compelled to wait, again
and again, until the new minister shall
have had time to investigate the justice
Of our demands.
Even what have been denominated
" the Cuban claims" in which more than
hundred Of our citizens are directly
interested, have furnished no exception.
These claims were for the refunding of
duties unjusily exacted from American
vessels ar different custom houses in
Cuba, so long ago as the year lS44.--
The principles upon which they rest are
so manifestly equitable and just, that
after period of nearly ten years, in
1854, they were recognized by the
I Spanish government Proceedings were
afterwards instituted to ascertain their
amount, and this was finally fixed ac-
cording 10 their own statement with
which We are satisfed) at the sum of one
hundred and tweniy-eight thousand six
hundred and thirty-fve dollars and fifty
four cents. just at the moment, after a
delay Of fourteen years, when we had
reason to expect that this sum would be
repaid with interest, we have received a
proposal offering to refund one third Of
that amount (forty-two thousand eight
hundred and seventy-eight dollars and
forty one cents,) but without interest, If
We would accept this in fall satisfaction.
The offer is, also, accompanied by de-
claralion that this indemniication is not
founded on any reason of strict justice,
but is made as a special favor.
Our alleged cause for procrastinatiou
in the examination and adjustment of
our claims arises from an obstacle which
it is the duty Of the Spanish government
to remove. Whilst the Captain General
of Cuba is invested with general despo-
tic authority in the government Of that
island, the power is withheld from him
to examine and redress wrongs commit
ted by officials under his control, on citi-
zens Of the United States Instead of
making our complaints directly to him at
Havana we are obliged to present them
through our Minister at Madrid. These
are then referred back to the Captain.
General for information; and much
time is thus consumed in preliminary in
veslisations and spondence between
Madrid aud Cuba, before the Spanish
government will consent TO proceed TO
I negotiation. Many Of the difficulties
between the two governments would be
obviated, and a long train Of negotiation
avoided, if the Captain General were in
vested with authority to settle questions
Of easy solution on the spot, where all
the facts arc fresh and could be prompts
ly aud satisfactorily ascertaiued. We
have hitherto in vain urged upon the
Spanish government to confer this power
upon the Captain General, and our Mi
mister 10 Spain will again be instructed
to urge this subject on their notice. In
this respect we occupy different posi-
iion from the Powers Of Europe. Cuba
I is almost within sight Of our shores our
commerce with IL is far greater than tha,
{. Of any other nation, including Spain it.
self, and our citizens are in habit Of
daily and extended personal intercourse
with every part Of tie Island. 1t is,
therefore. great grievance that, when
any difficulty occurs, no matter how un-
important, which might be readily set
lied al tbe moment, We should be obliged
I to resort TO Madrid, especially when the
very firsl step 70 be taken there is to refer
IL back 10 Cuba.
Tue truth Is. that Cubs, IN is existing
colonial condition, is a constant source of
injury and annoyance 10 the American
people. Il IS the only spot in the civilized
world where the African slave trade
is tolerated and we are bound by trea-
y with Great Britain to maintain a naval
force Ga She eoast Of Africa, at much ex-
psnse both Of life aad treasure. solely for
a.. sssars.a.s.4 - a.s-s,stt.. sf..-ara knr.1