The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-05-11
COLUMBIA, s. C.
Tucsd. ~ Morning. May IL. 1869.
Cuba and Fiiib usterIsm.

Cuba and FilibustcxIsm. g
The Cuban question is causing the admi-
nistration considerable embarrassment. II
is deemed advisable to give the Spanish Co.
vernment no cause for offence, but at the
same time nothing is to be done to retard
operations in this country in favor of the
Cuban revolutionists, unless the notice OF
Government officers is officially called to
them. Senator Sumner thinks the mere
fact of according belligerent rights to the
Cubans would prove of no benefit to them,
and that the contest will continue until the
island becomes a desert, unless other ma
tions interfere. The New York World,
which gave an account of the sailing of the
steamer ;Arago with 900 flibusters for
Cuba, states that the Arago was sold on the
9th ultimo to parties unknown, the COM
pany giving q bill of sale in blank. The
World also states that, on Saturday morning,
tug.boat was at the Ordnance Pier at Go
yernor's Island for three hours, loading
with Government fixed ammunition, des-
tined for the Arago. It charges the United
States authorities with conniving at the ex-
pedition. The Baltimore Sun says:
''The various rumors and announcements
of the sailing OF ndventurers hence for Gu
ba to take partin the civil struggle now sup
posed to be going on in that island, admo-
nish us that our people should look to- the
Even when there was no telegraph to give
advices to the Spanish authorities as there
is now, they we're enabled to promptly meet,
circumvent, and overthrow the weak expe-
ditionists. When the Lopez expedition for
Cuba was preparing, in 1851, although Mr..
Fillmore had issnedS his proclamation, no
doubt in good faith, to prevent filibustering,
it was alleged that the expedition sailed
with the knowledge of government officers,
rites of the United States. General Twiggs
gave information to the collector Of the port
of New Orleans Of the projected sailing of
Lopez, and the troops of the adventurer
were openly drilled, but his vessel, the Pam
pero, sailed unmolested, and after going to
Cuba, returned to Key West, took off par
ty from that and other Florida ports, and
having executed that order, came to the At
lantic coast for another cargo. There was q
collector at Key West, and also revenue
cutter, but the Pampero was not questioned.
Subsequently, the steamers Fanny and Ala
bama left New Orleans very ostentatiously
with men and munitions for the succor or
revenge of Lopez. The expedition came to
disastrous termination. Lopez and Crit
tenden, and fifty other Americans, were cap
tured and executed in cold blood at Havana.
Great excitement was produced throughout
the country by this characteristic piece of
Spanish barbarity. It would be an act of
humanity to our own people that lawless ex-
peditions, which often tempt impulsive and
chivalrous young men to their ruin, should
not be permitted by the Government. The
Cuban. coast is go closely guarded by Spa
nish steam war vessels as to make it very
hazardous thing even to effect landing in
what. after all, may prove q trap whence
they will never escape with their lives"