The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1869-04-09
SPANISH OUTRAGEs.
Americans and the American Flag.

10"
From the New York Herald. March 30th.
The old saying that whom the gods
would destrow they first make mad is
being verified in the case of the Span
iards in Cuba and the Spanish naval Of.
ficcrs on the waters of the Antilles. rIu
a letter published to-day in another col
umn it will be seen that the Spanish
war steamer Andalusia captured all
American brig, the Mary Lowell, lying
in British waters at Nassau, and with
British pilot and sailors on board, haul
ed down tho American flag and towed
the brig away. In yesterdays paper,
too, we published dispatch from Ha.
vana showing that the Spanish war
steamer Montezuma had arrived, with
the consular agent of the United States
at Gibara, Mr. Codrington, OH board.
and bound in irons. We know not
which to be most astonished at-the te-
merity or the stupidity of the Span
iards. They seem to think they can in
suit, imprison and put in irons Ameri-
can citizens and representatives of the
American government with impunity.
They have the audacity to seize an
American vessel and haul down the
American flag in the harbor of friend
ly Power. Such outrages to great ma
ton have hardly parallel in history.
One outrage following another in this
manner shows plainly that the Span
iards are acting upon system, and by
high authority. They either calculate
upon the imbecility of the American
government, or they are mad with re-
venge and disappointment.
We shall say nothing about the grave
insult offered to the British in taking
the vessel of friendly nation from
their harbor of Nassau, and when a
British pilot ard crew were on board.
That the English government must set
tie itself. We only express the hope
that no sympathy for Spain may pre-
vent such timely and proper action as
is due both to itself and the United
States. But our government should act
promptly and decisively in the matter.
If England, France or any other great
Power were in the position we are with
regard to Cuba and Spain and had been
so grossly insulted-its flag torn down
and its citizens and official representa-
tives put in irons-it would make short
work with Spanish rule in Cuba. No
false or sentimental apology-which
would only be followed by other in
sults-would be accepted. Shall this
great and proud republic submit? Will
our government pocket the insult p
What does General Grant say? What
does the Secretary Of the Navy, or that
brave American sailor, Admiral Porter,
say? 1t is time that bold and decided
policy should be commenced with re-
gard to Cuba and American interests
there. AS long rs Cuba belongs to Spain
we shall always be subject to insult and
trouble. The shortest and best way to
settle now and forever all difficulty re-
lative to that island is to send a power
full fleet out there at once and to recog-
nize the independence of the Cubans.
The Knock Down Argument.
1t is said that while the House Com
mittee OH Elections was holding meet.
ing the other day an alteration took
place between two of the members,
Messrs. Stevenson, of Ohio, and Burr,
of Illinois. The latter struck the for
mer, and in return was struck himself,
but the combatants were separated be-
fore any serious damage was done.
Con lllAinl A Hoatio.,