The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-12-21
SPAIN AND CUBA.

WASHINGTON, Dec 2O.--Mr Fish this morn
ing transmitted to the Senate the information in
relation To Cuba called for by resolution of
that body passed on the Sth instant. 1t consists
of letters which passed between the State De-
partment, Senor Roberts, Mr.. Hale, Mr.. SicSes
Mr. Hail. Consul at Matanzas, Mr.. Plum, Con-
sul-General ut Havana, letter from Mr.. Gros-
venor, p. Lowry, and Lafidavits submitted by
William NJ. Evarts, Esq, Consul for the Cuba
Republic, to the Attorney-General. The follow
ing are abstracts of some of the letters:--
Mr.. Hall wrote to the State Department on
December II. 1868, that ''the nsurrccton is
gaining strength, and that general distrust of
Spanish authority prevails in Matt Again,
on February %, 1869, he transmits to the State
Department letter from the Consular Agent at
Sagua La Grande, showing that there sis great
exaggeration about the movements of the insur-
gents" In another letter, dated November II,
1869, he states that 1.-THE news of the Spanish
revolution was enthusiastically received in Cuba,
and that the views of the Cubans, relative to
slavery, are very diverse. Some desire its i'm
mediate abolition, some gradual emancipation.
and others its continuance. The insurrection in
the Eastern and Central Departments is very
formidable"
In n letter dated March II, 1862 he sends
decree of the insurgent Assembly abolishng
slavery, and under date of March ~, 1869, sends
decree of the Captain-General authorizing the
capture on the high of vessels carrying
men, arms, etc, in aid of the insurgents, and
directing the execution as pirates of persons SO
captured
under date of April 8, 1869, to Senor Roberts,
calling attention to the Captain-G Generals de-
cree, and informing him that United States citi-
Zens have the right to carry on the high seas
articles destined for the enemies of Spain, sub
ject to seizure of such as may be contraband of
war, to capture for violation of a lawfully
established blockade, and stating that a per-
sistencc in the decree will endanger friendly
relations.
april s. 1869, Mr. Roberts writes to Secre-
tary Fish asking that proclamation be issued
similur to the one issued by Mr.. Fillmore, April
5, 1851. to prevent expeditions leaving the
United States to aid Cuban insurgents.
In answer, under date of April II, 1869,
Mr., Fish saws ne does not perceive the necessity
or proprety of issuing such proclamation.
When Mr. Fillmores proclamation was issued.
peace prevailed in Cuba, but an armed invasion
was threatened from the United States. Now
portion of the people OF Cuba are in insur-
rection to redress alleged wrongs, and besides,
no expeditions are leaving the United States.
The United States will he in no hurry to recog-
nize the belligerency the of Cubans, the United
States is still suffering from the effects of pre-
cptate recognition of belligerent rights, and
they will not depart from the policy they have
advocated. The sympathy of the people of the
United States is with people striving to secure
the rights OF self-governmeut, and with all
efforts to free this continent from transatlantic
control; but notwithstanding this they desire
to retain friendly relations with governments
still claiming control of neighborng posses
sions. The United States Government will not
abrldge the right of discussion, but will contine
their interference to prevent unlawful acts, the
infractiou of their obligations to Spain and other
friendly powers.
"On April 22, 1869, Mr.. Hall sent to Mr. Fish
a copy of the decree of the Captain- General,
dated April l. 1869, prohibiting the alienation of
property in Cuba except with the consent of the
Spanish Government.
''On April so Mr. Fish writes to Senor Ro-
berts that the President has seen with regret
the decree of April l, and hopes that it may be
modified so as not to apply tc property OF citi-
Zens of the United States.
'Under date of April 80, 1862 Mr.. Hall trans
mits to Mr.. Fish Count Valmasedas proclama-
ton of April 4, that every man over fifteen
wears of age found away from home may be
Shot that every unoccupied house and every
house not flying white flag may be burned,
and that women not living with their relations
may be carried forcibly to Bayamo.
''On May 10, 1869, Mr.. Fish wrote to Senor
Roberts, protesting, in the interest of civiliza-
ton, against Count Valmaseda's proclamation,
and to Mr. Hale on May II, directing him to
make representations to the Spanish Govern
ment against Nalmasedas proclamation. Under
date of June 4, 1859, Mr.. Plumb wrote to Mr
Dulce, and states that the insurgents are mostly
creoles; that the Spanish residents, even, who
have their business or property identified with
the island, are dissatisfied with the conduct Of
the Government, and they wish the war ended
Those who conduct the war and hold the offices
are sent out from Spain, and have no Interests
in the island. The Spanish residents, though
disagreeing as to the future, having deposeC
General Dulce may do the same with the new
Captain General, il dissatisfied. The volunteer
on the island number 3OOOO-about 10000 II
Havana. They are unpaid, and furnish thei
own arms. The Government depends solel,
upon them to enforce its DEGREES. The organiza
tion is officered by men of position, but the mel
in the ranks are reckless, and their violence t
the citizens is outrageous.
''Under date of August 10, just after the execu
ton of Wyeth and Spekeman, heretofore de
scribed in these dispatches Mr. Fish directs Mr.
Sickles to demand of the Spanish Governmen
indemnifcation for the families OF Spekema
and Wyeth, and protests in the name of tn
President against the barbarous mode of wal
fare on the part of Spain in Cuba, and Mr.. Sick
les telegraphs in reply that reparation has bee
promised If the facts are as represented.
Under date of July 10 Mr.. Fish protests t
Senor Roberts against the decree of the Captain
General which directed cruisers to arrest an
hold vessels on the high seas under the treaty c
1875 with the United States, and asks whethe
Spain recognized state of war existing betwee
her and the Cubans, as it is only in such a stat
that the treaty of 1895 with the United States az
plies and asks that if Spain recognizes the eS
fstence of the war, he be notified, so as to cover
himself accordingly, and that any continuanc
of the said decree would be considered recos
milton by Spain of a state OF war with Cuba. l
9,esDouSe 10 This there I1dS modification of III
decSee-a regular back down Gon the part
Spain. 80, so..oho. 90 100,
Roberts expresses fears that the United State
is about to grant belligerent rights TO Cuban
which letter was answered by Mr.. Fish, und(
date of Obtober 49, assuring Roberts that tn
TTnitad States had no such intention at thu