The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-11-27

being carried out, but there was no necessity for
mat me Marshal did not need the gun. He could
gunboats or do anything he pleased TO prevent
their departure. ! told him that the civil authori-
ties were alone responsible for the vessels but 4
violence should be attempted would send him all
the marines at my command.
Magnificent Sensation ExpIoded-No De-
n1and for the Surrender Of the Spanish
Gsnboats Mt New York-Cuban Plot for
Their Destruction-The Case Legally in the
United states Courts.
WASHINGTON, Nov. %, 1869.
The highly exciting story that Senior Roberts, the
Spanish Minister, had made formal demand for the
release Of the thirty gunboats about which 80 much
russ has been made lately just this slim founda
tlon:-Senor Roberts called upon Secretary Fish,
and IN the course OF conversation, which embraced
variety OF subjects, remarked that he did not feel
aitogether satisfied with the conduct Of the United
States IN OBTAINING the gunboats. This is the exact
size OF the so-caed .'speck OF war; and
shows how easily moehil may be magnined into
avery large mountain when peoples vision become
dimmsd by undue excitement. Senior Roberts, in
thus expressing his dissatisfaction, spoke very
frankly about the grievances OF his government
corning this delicate matter, but said,
limited, that his government had instructed him to
demand the release OF the gunboats. Whether his
the present moment-and give this on authority that
cannot be questioned-SehOr Roberts has not CON-
munlcated any such Information to Secretary Fish,
49, OF course, stl possible that Senior Roberts may
have been instructed to make such demand, or TO
do SO If In his Judgement he might consider 1t advis-
able, and that the prudent Minister has not consid
cred II advisable TO lay such demand before our
government IN Its present temper; but neither sup
position Is entertained seriously official circles
here. or course with the explosion OF this sensa-
tiona story OF demand for the release OF the gun.
boats must fall also the other equally exciting
statement that Sehor Roberts had Instructions
to demand his passports IN case OF refusal.
The fact Is both those stories are purely the result
OF ignorance OF the real steps that have been TAKEN
and have been set aHoat simply because they were
regarded as the things likely to happen in certain
emergency. Now, as regards the actual seizure of
the gunboats and the causes that led thereto, am
informed that some days ago information was re-
ceived by the government showing conspiracy on
the part or an organized body OF Cubans having in
view the burning Of the Spanish gunboats. The
action Of the government IN tho premises being
based upon the complaints of Peru claiming the
existence OF war between that government and
Spain, and that the departure OF these boats would
result In revival OF belligerent operations, the
Spanish fleet was placed under surveillance last
summer. The government, having no desire to
assume the responsibility Of the security OF these
vessels, formally instituted measures OF seizure, and
has placed them In the courts TO be
tried between Peru and Spain or Peru
and the contractors. THIS Is supposed to
relieve the government OF risk In the safety OF the
vessels and bill OF damages for the delay. Peru
consequently becomes responsible, the seizure hay
ing been made upon representations from the Minis
ter OF that government. Mr.. Deiamater's protest,
forwarded to the Secretary of STATE was upon the