Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1869-10-23

bally communicated counter propo-
sition to the effect that, prior TO any
formal discussion of the matter, the
Cubans must lay down their arms.
About the first ofi5eptember Sickles,
having been Instructed by his govern
ment to pass a formal note upon the
proposed terms of settlement, drafted
one setting forth what had taken place
| in the formal interview, and then pro-
ceeded in a style better suited TO a
stump-speech than diplomatic COM
munication. that the United States
sympathized very strongly with CUBA
! that the war is conducted by Spain in
a cruel manner, and that the United
States could not longer. restrain MS
people; and argues that Spain would
lose no standing if she gave up Cuba,
instancing by way Of proof the case OF
! Louisiana, Florida and Alaska. Then
followed an implied threat OF recogni-
ton of the belligeIent rights of the
Cubans il Spain did not accede to the
views of the United States.
Pending these latter proceedings,
Prim and Silvela went TO Paris, and
Immediately the report gained ere
dence that the Emperor of the French
was to give his support to Spain.
About the middle of September
Sickles became uneasy on account OF
this and similar reports, and called
upon Mr.. Becca, Minister for the Col
onies, and acting Secretary in Silveia's
/ absence, and had an informal CONVEX
sation upon the ruInors and the situa-
tion, in which Mr.. Beccara disclaimed
any attempt on the part of Spain to
seek the aid of France or any other
European power, and expressed the
opinion that if the Cubans would lay
down their arms, Spain would grant
them d prOporti0nate representation
IN the COrtes, measures OF amnesty,
and an equal distribution of offices be-
tween the Spanish residents OF the
island and the Cubans, and take
measures for the abolition OF slavery.
He also expressed the opinion that the
note drafted by Sickles should not be
presented. The history of this part Of
The transaction, as understood by the
Spanish minister, has already been
given.
The Government has another case
of fraudulent importation of books on
hand. The Treasury department re-
Geiyed information that large lot of
books had been purchased in London
the past summeF, l@tepsibly for ship
mept to supply the Canadian market,
but ia such quantities as to make il
evident that they we're intended for
illegal importation iHtQ the United
States, The books were mostly of the
better elass-illQsirated and holiday
publications. Nine cases As samples
were shipped from Montreal to AeW
York and Boston during the latter
part of September, but were detained
by the collector at Burlington, Yer
mont, and en examination of the in
voices aud cohIen.z af the eases was
made by an expert, Who declares tGalal
fraudulent entry, on the ground!
first, that the iDysiee was in the cur
renty of the United States, isstead OF
tbs country whence imported; second,
the contents E-sre largely undervai-
uedl third, each case cQRF4iIas4 many
more volumes than were mention94
in the invoice. Th'areupOn the goods
were seized, and proceedings have
been instituted in court. The owner
is Richard MQTthinsiCE . well-knOwn
book buyer in London, BostQp 4nq
new OEk.
Although NJ. Friquet, agent Of liia
RothschildS, had no communication
with the President or Secretary Bout
well concerning 4 loan to our Gov.
ernment, he did visit this coulit.'"v IN
the inIertst Gf th9t house, with de- !
sign of making q pDpositi0n to our
authorities TO undertake to place 1&n |
eighty.yesr four per cent. bond abroad, |
our Government to guarantee one |
quarter of one per cent. as a sinking !
fund. On a consultation with the |
large CAPITALISTS of New York, he was |
that it was useless to make |
an ofGr, as or financial condition was
so good as To justify the administra-
tion IN the belief that much better |
terms could be obtained if a foreign |
loan was desired.