The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-10-21

The Cuba, or Hornet as she was called, mas
been surrendered to the United States and the
Cuban flag hauled down. The United States
Marshal boarded her and demanded the sur
render. Upon Captain Higgins, of the Cuba,
declining to surrender, except to an officer OF
the United States Navy and under direct
order from the President, Lieutenant Com
mander Peirson, of the gunboat Frolic, went
on board the Cuba and produced the order
direct from the President. Captain Higgins
gave up his vessel and his sword, and is now
prisoner under the naval authorities. The
despatch from Wilmington says the Cuba has
been Ibelled, but we have no details as to the
legal proceedings in the case, if there were
any, or as to the precise ground on which she
was libelled. To libel vessel is simply to
charge her with something against the laws
and placing her under the authority of the
government libelling her until the case can be
tried by the courts in the regular way. But it
appears that the flag of the Cuba was hauled
down and her captain arrested by an order
direct from the President. From this it seems
that the Executive has taken the matter
out of the hands Of the legal authori-
ties However, the despatch is not clear,
and we must wait for further informa-
ton before forming an opinion in the
matter or commenting on the action of the
government. The only important fact estab-
lished is that this Cuban privateer has been
seized and is held for a violation of the laws.
Whatever may be the legal features of
the case hereafter to be developed, or
whatever may be the result when q trial
takes place, the vessel is prevented from doing
any service for the Cubans. While we may
condemn the government for its shortsighted
policy or timidity with regard to Cuba, we
suppose it has acted in this case upon sufficient
evidence.
With all our sympathy for the Cubans
and wish to see the United States govern
ment take bold and decisive course to
secure their independence, we cannot help
thinking Captain Higgins and the Cubans have
foolishly and prematurely thrown a RESPONSE
bility upon our government which compels it
to act against its wishes in defending its honor
and international obligations. We would
rather have seen this privateer afoat and
doing good service for the Cuban cause but
great nation like the United States, when
forced into such position, must observe the
laws. The Cuban Junta, or agents of the
Cuban government here, show little ability
Nor do the crowds Of young Cubans in this
country show by their acts that ardent patri-
otism they talk SO much about for instead of
loafng away their time here they should be
fighting for their country. How truly the
poet expresses it when he says,
Hereditary bondsmenl know We not,
VINO would be free themselves must strike the blowS
However, these temporary misfortunes may
be but as a passing shadow. They may lead
the Cubans to renewed energy, and the United
States to more positive policy soon in favor
of Cuban independence. Though the Hornet
is seized, other vessels with expeditions and
supplies are running into Cuban harbors.
There is reason to believe the brave Captain
Harris, who sailed with the Lillian about the
same time the Hornet was at sea, has landed
his valuable cargo on the island. The reverses
the Cubans may meet with-and great re-
verses are incident to all such movements
should have the effect only Of stimulating them
| to greater energy and determination.
|
THE SITUATION IN PARAGuAY.-The news
/ vyb NO Itch