The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-08-09
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What He said at an Interview with the Spanish
Minister, Lopez Roberts.

Minister, Lopez Roberts.
The n. Y Herald has correspondent who writes
this interesting piece OF news:-
Upon the arrival of Mr.. Lopez Roberts at Washing
ton as the accredited representative of the indena
bic government of Spain, that gentleman called at
upon the Secretary OF State, and lengthy iu-
teryiew was had covering the whole question of
Spain and Cuba Mr.. Roberts made various prOpO-
sitions, and in his enthusiasm asked some things
unnecessary and even beyond what might be eX-
pccted of strong and independent nation.
MIR. Fish responded that tine United States Govern
ment had already made up its mind what course it
would pursue in the struggle, and that it sh ,uld
continue to preserve n strict neutrality; that he
must understand that hoth the Government and the
people OF the United States were in sympathy with
the movement OF the people or Cuba; that the Gov
emment in the face OF this and against its personal
feelings had taken stand which 1t would sustain,
and 1t would preserve towards Spain the same rule
as 1t would towards Cuba; that the United States
would not interfere in the contest, except that the
harbors and rivers OF the United States should not
tions, and that measures would be taken to
stop all sucn violations OF the neutrality laws
The Secretary plainly told Mr.. Roberts that
the tendency OF all the islands and countries lying
adjacent to the United States was towards uniiica-
tion with our system; and whatever might be the re-
suit OF the present struggle, Cuba, for instance,
would sooner or later come under the authority aud
constitute part of the Government OF the United
States that ne dd not think this was to be accom-
plshed in day or IN year, but the result was in
evltable; that the time would come when the
United States would find IL to its interest and Sc
curty to take possession of these countries if neces
sary, and organize them into permanent cOmmuni-
ties under a secure form OF government and
surrounded by republican institutions. AT such
time the convenience Of the United States die
tated this would be enforced At present however
the Government proposed TO adhere to its neutrality
Although the Spanish Minister did not fail to take
the suggestion from the Secretary that the United
States was then acting in the interests of Spain and
against its own sympathes which might some time
take turn, 1t appears he inaugurated himself yio-
laton of that very neutrality which he eXacted from
the United States Government in repressng an
efforts on the part OF certain individuals to send aid
to Cuba. Though the Government was perfertIv
cogniZant of the building OF q eet of gunboatS in
American waters, 1t had no Official KNOWLEDGE Of tho
fact the uses to which it was to be nut until re-
Gently. When official inquiry was made as TO tbe
future employment of these vessels which IL was
known not for the United States service if vas
first learned as official fact that they were bnipTs
constructed under contracts between the buiIders
and the Spanish Government, through their renrn
sentatiyes. The Spanish Minister had asked hen
traty and he had received it, He responded TO this
act OF Kindness towards Spain by attempting TO Mn
out q fleet in American waters.
Mr. Fish sent for Mr.. Roberts, who failed TO an
pear. Thinking he might be out of town he sent
again, but once more the diplomatic Castan Kent
clear. IL was very evident Mr.. Roberts was very
much in the condition of the person who had moth
ing to say on a certain occasion. On last Friday
week past the Secretary, being about to leave
Washington in company with the President for New
York, turned the matter over TO the Assistant Secre
airy OF State j. c. Bancroft Davis with Instructions
10 see the Spanish Minister. IL does not appear
however, that he saw the Assistant Secretary either