The New York herald., 1869-04-21
Kelly Nominated as Postmaster and MeElrath
as Appraiser Of New York.
Personal Explanation from
Bleeding Kansas.
Senator Ross Account Of His Quar-
rel With the President.
He Denounces the Removal Of John
son Oficeholders.

WASHINGTON. April 90 1859.
Secretary Flsh's Views on the Cuban Ques.
tiOn-Demand by tho Spanish Minister for
a Proclamation by President Grant For-
bidding Filibustering Expeditions Against
Cuba-The Demand UnequivocalIy Refused.
From information that reaches me to-day 1t would
seem that the real views OF Secretary Fish on the
Cuban question have not been properly understood
The information comes to me from such source
~ to leave doubt of Its reliability. 1t Is briefly
this. The moment Senior Roberts, the Spanish
Minister IN this country, obtained Information
leading him 10 believe that hostile eXpedi.
tions were being fitted out in certain OF our
ports for the assistance Of the Cubans he sought an
Interview with Secretary Fish. with view TO OBJ
tanning an explanation. Secretary Fish granted the
Minister q formal interview, during which Sehor
Roberts narrated all the particulars within his know
ledge as to libusterng preparations In this country.
and concluded by respectfully demanding that the
United States government should issue q proclama-
tton, warning American citizens from engaging In
such unlawful enterprises under certain pains
and penalties. Sehor Roberts suggested that
the proclamation might be modelled on that
issued by Pres ident Fillmore in 1851 the exped1
tiOns being fitted out were similar In character
to those denounced at that time by the Ameri cen
Executive. Senior Roberts stated that lie was
about to prepare q written statement that would
partake more of an official character than CONVEX
sation, and when completed he would take occasion
to present to the Secretary OF State with the cxpec
ta:ion OF receiving formal written answer. Secre-
tary Fish listened very attentvely to the close or
Senior Roberts statement and then de-
livered his answer. lie opened by remark
ing that the honorable representative Of Spain
mil oh n a
written demand for the PRONUNCIATION OF an anti
1libustering proclamation by our government. AS
Secretary OF State he felt himself authorized by all
the circumstances of the case to decline then and
there, the part OF our government to advise the
President of the United states to issue any such pro-
clamation. In his opinion there was no similarity
between the condition OF affairs that led to the
Issuing OF President Fillmores proclamation
and the existing condition OF affairs in
Cuba At that time there was no evidence
OF internal disscnsion in Cuba the people Of that
island not In arms against Spain, and the ef-
forts to stir up a revolutionary contest seemed to
have their birth and sustenaBce in countries outside
OF Cuba ITSELF Therefore 1t proper to arrest the
departure OF armed bands from shores setting
out with the avowed object OF stirring up the fires
of revolution In the possessions Of country with
which we were on the most friendly terms. Now,
however, the condition is almost entirely the
reverse; the Cubans have not only originated
themselves an armed resistance to Spanish
rule but they have organized q working government
and sustained themselves in the field against the
power Of their former governors. Under such CIR
cumstances the United States would not be justified
in Issuing proclamation OF the character required
1t could not denouncc men who voluntarily might go
to aid people struggling for their independence as
adventurers for plunder and robbery. This is sub
cfo no of Mr tn Se
The latter very much surprised at Its character.
He had anticipated the probability Of some dplo-
matte evasve reply, but had not looked for so
prompt and pronounced q declaration OF policy
favorble to the cause OF the Cubans. IL Is
customary, however, for hained diplomats
TO keep cool, swallow their wrath and retire with ex-
pressions OF the most distinguished esteem and con-
sderation. Sehor Roberts was diplomat enough not
to omit this part Of his training, assuring Secretary
Fish OF his profound esteem, &c. He begged to take
his leave, declaring again his intention to make
written demand Of orr government for an anti-fli-
clustering proclamation. Accordingly Secretary
Fish soon after received from the Minister demand
of this kind with request to answer. have infor-
nation that Secretary Fisns written answer was
sent to Seor Roberts yesterday, and In 1t he simply
declined to issue the required proclamation behalf
of our government.
The Case Of the Lizzie Maior-PIain Talk to the
Spanish An,bus ssnd dor-spanish InsoIcncc Re.
buIxcd-Ampic and Immediate Rep araticn
Promiscd--Cuba the Destination Of the Iron-
Clads Fitting Out.
SO much for this branch OF diplomatic negotia-
tions anent Cuba. Now for another. When informa-
ton reached The state Department regarding the
seizure OF the brig Mary Lowell, Secretary Fish gave
the matter due consideration, and came TO the con-
cluslon that our claim In that against Great
Britain, not against Spain, and a representation Of
the case was accordingly made out and forwarded
10 the British authorities The OF the brig Lizzie
Major was, however, quite dInerent There the
Spaniards had committed an unmistakable outrage
against the American nag. Mr.. Fish decided II was
q case precisely similar to the seizure OF Mason and
slIdsii f-s. &c &c British steamer trent. Thus con.
v,nced. he requested schor Roberts to call upon
him, and at an interview on the subject declared
that the two passengers seized from the brig must
be surrendered. Senor Roberts replied that the
whole occurrence was to be deplored, that IL
had evidently sprung from some mistake, and
that undoubtedly the Just demand OF the
American government would bc complied with.
by the nation that he had the honor TO represent.
Secretary Fish remarked that the President Of the
United states would expect o prompt compliance,
a. he regarded the national honor involved. The
President would also expect that indemnity should
be made for the damage sustained by the prisoners
ana the vessel and full reparaon In every respect
accorded. seIor Roberts reiterated his assurance
that the action OF the Spanish government
would be satisfactory, and that no fear need
be entertained but that full and complete
indemnity would be granted. lie would
communicate the wishes Of the American govern
ment to his own government and send also instruc
t,ons to General Dulce In Cuba, aud communicate
tbo answer 10 the Secretary " state without ieay