The New York herald., 1870-05-14
CUBAN AFFAIR , IN SPAIN.
Minister Sic!sIes' Negotiations in the Case OF
the Steamer Lloyd AspinvaIi.
Anru

hinister SicsSie5' negotiations In the Case Of
the Steamer Lloyd Aspinyvaii.
MADRID, April 20, 1870.
General Slckles pinned Segasa Secretary Of state
for Foreign Ararsl in corner the other day respect.
ing the American steamer Lloyd Aspinwal which,
your readers VIII remember, was seized by the
Spaniards on the high seas while on her voyage from
Hayti TO the United States. He represented the
serious nature OF the case, dwelling upon the
fact that at the time OF the seizure OF the passen
gers Oh board was an American Official, bearing gov
ernment dispatches that the vessel carried no con-
traband OF war, and was captured on the high SEAS
He adduced other important evidence to prove the
Illegally Of the seizure. He told Secretary Se-
gasta that the American government had
been 30 far forbearng, in consideration OF the dis
ordered and unhappy state Of affairs in Spain, but
that the time had arrived when the question must be
satisfactorily settled He demanded an unconditional
Yes" "No," as to whether the Spanish govern.
ment would, Or would not, inme ltatey rel ase the
vessel, and indemnify oil losses and damages
Senior Segasta at once saw there was no fencing
the question with the General upon The mater. The
homethlust was too determined, prompt and sure to
be parried. Thougn somewhat Of q diplomatic fox,
"To be, or no. TO be- that Is the question:
and 80 he su'rendered with the best grace he
could. He expressed his desire to do his part I'm
maintaining friendly relations between the two
countries, and prom .scd at once To send orders to
the Captain General OF Cuba TO release the vessel
ana that indemnity should be made for losses and
damages. Your correspondent at once forwarded
telegram to the HERALD announcing the agreeable
news OF the success OF General Sickes demand tn
the matter.
For the benefit OF the owners ana other parties
ella ming In the case, think itimportant to say that
lind In some or the papers o! to.day certain para
graphs favorable TO the release Of the ve-se and the
consequent indemnity for Losses and damages.
From one Of them extract the following words.
Somewhere about January last American steamer the
Lloyd Aspnwal while ee ,ons from Hayti to the United
Havana The commander detained board his vessel
ss 81 tho ssS s snna
OF Havana TO be lawful prize AZ appears that the vessel
war TO release the weasel and crew
and the government has promised to Indemnify
OF the tribunal u Havana in of such Importance
brings us TO- We cannot imagine how the said tribunal
jug. inssmch the declaration Of beiseren.
e S ae 81 Staten s, % s
y sps1s S s Of
the beliigcrea. rights of the Cubans.
General Sckle5 de serves great praise for his skill
and energy In procuring the reease OF the steamer
and the promise OF Indemnity.
Now there Is the matter OF the Critcado, q British
vessel sezei several years ago the high seas by
the Spaniards. THIS vessel was proved an Illegal
capture by two Spanish tribunals and was given up
indemnity on account OF some flaw In the demand.
The Spanish lawyer did not make the claim within
a certain number of days after the vessel
had been released. That was not the fault OF the
the British government continued to admit the
answers OF Spain and allow them to moulder in the
archives OF me State Department. l am told that
Mr.. Layard, the new Minister Of England, has re-
opened the case. He VIII do well TO adopt the sys
tenn o. Genera sickles' or, as the French, say Jdp
TWO or three good lessons would teach Spanish
commanders 10 "look before they leap" Gn board
and seize ioresgn vessels without sunicicst cause.