The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-12-25

War with Spain.
A prominent member of the Cuban Junta has
furnished the correspondent of the New York
Tribune with the following statements relating
to steps taken by our government, which con-
stitute in the opinion Of the Cuban leaders q
virtual recognition of the existence of the re-
public of Cuba, as well as positive pledge to
do it formally.
About the latter part Of June last Secretary
Fish sent for J. Morales Lcmus, the accredited
agent of the Cuban revolutionists, who was
then in this city. Mr.. Lemus responded at
once. The interview opened by Mr. Fish pro-
posing the good offices of the United States in
endeayoring to effect settlement of the civil
war in Cuba, and to that end the secretary
laid before Mr.. Lemus draft OF five PROPOSE
tions to be submitted TO the Spanish Govern
mcnt through General Sckles, who had just
substance printed some weeks later in the
New York papers. One of those articles pro-
yided explicitly for the abolition OF slavery.
Mr.. Lemus, speaking for his government, ask
ed what would be the result If Spain refused
the propositions, which In his opinion, was
Secretary Fish that he knew the
Spanish Government, having lived under
II 10 he more treacherous and dishonest than
any other. He was, therefore, unwilling to
ACCEPT the proposed Intervention until he
knew what would follow the refusal he ex-
pccted. Nlr. Fish's reply was an unhcsitating
uvowal that in such case recognition If the
Republic of Cuba by the United States would
follow. With that understanding, Mr.. Lemus
rave his written assent to the propositions
Submitted to him by Mr.. Fish. That assent Is
is now on file In the State department, while
Mr. Lemus retains in his possession the draft
of Mr.. Fish's propositions prepared at the De-
partment and written on the official paper
used there Mr.. Lemus, on returning to New
York, assembled the Junta at the Gramercy
Park Hotel, and told them of his success
looked forward to recognition, believing with
Mr.. Lemus that Spain would not yield q
straightforward assent to the propositions
The sequel showed their suspicious cor
rect The proposals were made through
General Sickles. The Spanish Government
made two or three additional propositions,
which were sent here. The main points
down their arms before any other action
was taken. That complied with, Spain pre-
tended that she was ready to abolish slavery,
to give Cuba independence If that result was
demanded by the popular vote. When these
conditions came back. Mr.. Lemus at once de-
clincd the one requiring the Cubans to lay
down their arms, declaring that 1t would be
worse than folly, for no fair vote could 6e ob-
tanned with the island under control OF Span
ish bayonets. These conditions were thus de-
clined about the 10th Of August Then follow
cd the famous Sickles note, and the subsequent
excitement 1t created In Spain, In which even
the Republicans of that country, hitherto
friends of Cuba, were compelled TO yield
10 the clamor. The fulflment of the
promise of the administration that recogni-
lion should follow the refusal of Spain was
confidently expected by the Junta early in
September. A Cabinet meeting was held, 1t
being the last attended by General Rawins
Previously Secretary Fish had sent for Mr.. Le-
mus to visit him at GarrisOn's Landing There
Mr.. Lemus was made acquainted with the con-
diton of the Madrid lmbrogllo and returned TO
New York much elated At the Cabinet meet
ing in September, the Cubans were Informed
that question at once arose over the ques-
tion of recognition, Secretary Fish and Attor-
ney-General Hoar taking ground strenuously
aeainst 1t, General Rawlns speaking earnestly
for 1t. While the debate was going on, the
President was observed writing, and after 1t
closed he pushed the paper toward Mr. Fish,
saving, "There Is my decision" 1t was read,
and contained directions for the Issue of a proc
lamatiOn of belgerency on the 3Oth OF Sep
tember. There was nothing more to be said.
or course the Cubans who were inform
ed of this were in great delight. What
followed Is, of course. but matter OF
conjecture on their part. The 3Oth Of
September passed and no proclamation
came. 1t is the belief of my informant that
the administration was driven from its prom
Ised position by the Spanish threats of war and
by q belief that England and France were In
some way supporting the buster of Marshal
Scrrano's administration. 1t will not be for
gotten that reports of such coalition were
received about that time from Europe. MIR.
Sumner has recently stated TO different per-
sons in substance that q recognition of Cuba
would have been likely TO involve war with
Spain, which must be in tho main on the
ocean, and that il was Il serious responsibility
TO meet with our great debt, our almost ruined
shipping interests, and large amount of do
mcsiic disaflcction which might be found en-
barrassing in such an event us q foreign war
1t is certain that from the date of General
Rawlns' death the administration has been
unfriendly to Cuba. These statements are
rivcn because it Is believed that tho papers
referred to as bearing OH the subject, now in
possession of the State Department, will not
be sent into the Senate. Their publication
will be deemed Incompatible with the public
interests.
All the members Of the Cuban Junla and the
Legation of the Republic have left Washington
except one gentleman who remains here for
the sole purpose Of answering questions Tor
information regarding the revolution which
may be- propoundcd by congressman.