The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-10-05
THE SPANISH GUNBOATS.

rTOHt Ne W. l. LEteS'
The efforts which are being made to assist
the independence party in Cuba on the one
hand, and to cripple them on the other, are
fast producing complications of unusual
public interest. On each side there are ar
rayed many friends, and it certainly is not
because money is scarce, or activity is want
ing, that formidable expeditions have not
been fitted out from our coasts. The par
tisans of both sides have been untiring in
their endeavors to further their plans from so
convenient point as the United States. Now,
however, the plot thickens every day.
1t is said that a privateer, which sailed
from Halifax, is now off our coast waiting for
an opportunity of striking blow at Spanish
commerce. The vessel in question, the Hor-
net, was purchased for ''the Republic of
Cuba" at sea, and at sea also was armed and
equipped. So runs the story. BY various
devices another vessel, called the Alabama, is
said to have escaped from this port week
ago, with arms and men for the insurgents.
1t is impossible either to verify or disprove
these statements, but we must admit that in
the case of the Hornet they are so circum-
stantial in their character as to compel us to
accept them.
While these movements are reported on be-
half of the Cubans, we have witnessed the
preparation of strong fleet of gunboats for
the Spanish Government. What may be the
intended destination of these boats we do not
know; the Peruvian Minister is of opinion
that they are to be used against Peru. Ger
tain it is that they were ordered by agents OF
the Spanish Government, and that it is gene
rally surmised they have been built not for
ornament, but for use. The representatives
of Spain in this country are anxious to have
the fotilla depart as quickly as possible, and
they maintain that the United States Govern
ment has no power to stop it. We cannot
argue this point, because it is too clear to ad-
nit of doubt, that if reasonable cause can be
shown by the Peruvian Minister these vessels
can be detained. The course which the ad-
ministration has hitherto pursued is guar
sntee that no violation of international law
will be permitted. The case of the gunb BATS
is, no doubt, one of great difficulty to decide.
We have not recognized the insurgents in
Cuba as belligerents, and Spain can if she is
so minded, build vessels here for the preser-
vation of peace i'll her own territories. If it
be proved that the gunboats are designed for
Cuba, we shall have no right to stop them.
But they are detained on complaint of the
Peruvian Minister. power with which we
are at peace represents that hostile fleet is
being fitted out in our ports against her.
What, then, is to be done?
We believe we shall be found correct in
predicting that the Government will not
allow these Spanish gunboats to leave the
wharves and docks where they now lie until
some security is given with reference to THEN
destination The rumOr that the departure of
the vessels will be conniyed at is without
foundation. vigilant watch is being kept
over them, and we anticipate that it will be
maintained, and the gunboats kept where
they are, unless the Spanish authorities can
make out an indisputable case for their re-
lease. Spain can find no cause of oifense IN
this. We are bound to pay heed to the repre-,
sentations which have been mad3 on behalf OF
Peru. The position of our Government Is
doubtless not one which it would voluntarily
have assumed, but having duty to fulfil, it
will perform it without hesitation. If the
Hornet is waiting for any of the Spanish gun
boats, she is likely to be disappointed.