The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1869-05-04

The Cuban difficulties, together with that
transition state through which tho Spanish
nation and Government have been passing,
have led to some Irregularities which have
had the appearance Of Outragcs not to be
tolerated. Under these transactions our
people have grown somewhat rcstivc, and
not few have declared that our Govern
mcnt was too slow in demanding reparation.
clustering, Dragging and bullying Is as
unbecoming and rcprehens!blo in a nation
rs in individuals. We would not like to see
Mr.. Fish, our Secretary of State, In
fomcut, threatening war all around. We
believe, indeed we know, that Mr.. Fish in
respect to some questions which have arisen
IS acting wisely, and yet firmly.
\ short time since, as is very well known,
General Dulcc, the Spanish Governor Cen
cral of Cuba, issued foolish and an unwisc
proclamation 70 this cfIccti that all vessels
with arms and munitions of war on board,
captured in tho Spanish waters near Cuba,
should be treated as pirates.
Mr.. Fish instantly called the attention of
the Spanish Minister to this, and on Its being
brought to the attention of the Spanish Gov
eminent the proclamation was dlsavowed.
Every Government is liable to be involved in
troubles of this sort by unwisc agents.
The Americans do not like to think too
often Of the GrcytOwH affair, nor OF that
Ostend manifesto, wherein it was proposed
by three American diplomats to wrest Cuba
from Spain in the interests of slavery. We
had rather forget such things as these than
not
The question Of the seizure Of the Mary
Lowell has 'rcatrl some excitement, and we
believe it Is not yet fully settled. This
vessel, loaded with arms, was driven into
one of the Bahamas, and while there the brig
was seized by Spanish ship-of-wnr. She
was taken TO Havana, and there condemned
by prize court. Now, the first question
arising ont of this was for us to ask the
British Government why this brig was not
protected; and, If seized, whether it were
done under protest. We have had the
answer, that the English Government were
not able to protect the vessel, but the pro-
test was made. The question Is now, there
fore, one for Spain to settle with US.
The other question, Of taking two pas
sengers from the Li-=i, Hjpr, was like that
of the Mason and S.Ncl. connected with the
Trent. This is understood to have been ad
Justed satisfactorily. We, As Il nation. are
in situation to demand satisfaction of
Spain in every instance, and there is, there
fore, no need for clustering aud bullying.
VIZ HAVE BrEN ASKED repeatedly what
docs Senator sprague mean by this and that
remark, or by this or that course which he
seems to be pursuingi And we have uni.
formly said We do not know what he means.
If he were more sell.poised, and were less
personal, and said more of principles and
less of men; If he would ignore certain mcu
who appear to be his couRsellors and init,
mate frlendsi II he stood up in the dignity OF
a Senator to discuss great questions, even
though he went outside Of party, we should
know what he meant, aud might respect
his utteranCes. As It Is we see nothing in
his policy or his words which promise any
good to the nation. His freak will be a
nine days wonder and then forgotten.
SENATOR SUMNER does not appear to be at
all troubled by the criticisms In tho English
Cabinet and the English pross upon his
speech. lie can well afford to let the British
lion roar. There is no danger of war, and
this Mr.. Sumner knows. lie has told tho
British People and government many whole
some truths, truths that will do them good,
Hnd Nnhns wW lear fruit.
IT Is Why aNU>rAcToRr to know that the
paper called tn" So"iI,," Opinion Is dead.
All such opinion: uugh, 10 die,