Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-12-22
ITO the Associated Press /

CUBAN AtEAlISs
The president sent a btcG message to the
house to-day, in response to the resolution Of
fered by Gen Bants, requesting information re-
latrng to the execution Of medical students at
Havana, and the failure Of the Spanish govern
ment to carry out, in the West Indian colonies
reforms voluntarily promised by statesmen in
Spain The correspondence shows that our gov
eminent has continued to urge a fuliment OF
the emancipation decree and other promised
reforms.
\ letter from Vice Consul Hall details the al
legged action of the Havana authorities in the
matter OF the execution of the students, who
were alleged to have desccrated the grave
Of CaStanon, and says there were well
founded apprehension that general massacre
of Cubans was intended; and to this, possibly,
may be attributed the compromise with the vol
untcerS and the sacrifice of the Young men.
Copies Of the instructions of the secretary OF the
navy TO the naval commander of the United
States navy, show that on April T. 1869, he in
structed Admiral 1of' that all citizens OF the
United States, native born or naturaized, in
Cuba, engaged in lawful pursuits respecting
the laws of the country, and taking no part in
the measures TO overthrow the government, are
entitled TO protection.
On Nav 9th, 1870 the secretary notified IIOif
that "while the United States wishes to observe
strict neutrality, they cannot consent that our
merchant vessels shall be mOleSted in their law
full pursuits or Overhaugd and examined unless
found committing some violation Of Spanish
authority. 1t will be your duty to give full pro-
lection to American citizens and American com
merce whenever opportunity occurs"
On June Sd, 1870, the secretary notified Adj
miral Poor: "While this department does not
desire you to seek opportunities to encourage
these distressed persons to seek protection Of the
United States far, yOu WILL in no case, refuse
them shelter on board the vessels of your fleet 4"
Instructions were sent by the secretary TO
Rear Admiral Lee on the 18th Of July, 1871, to
al. fita
the protection, if necessary, of our citizens and
interests.
Since the execution of the students at Ha-
vana, the United States irOu-cad Terror and
steamers Nipsic and Kansas have been ordered
to that port.
On the 9TH inst, Commander Weaver, senior
officer present, called upon the captain general,
in company with the commander Of the Nipsic
and Consul General Hall. He reports that he
met with Il courteous reception, and, at the date
of this dispatch,-9th inst,-the city was quiet
and orderly.
REFoRMERs IN COUNCIL.
The private gathering of "refOrmers" yester-
day at the Arlington house included the editors
OF few leading journals in different parts of
the country, representatives Of the free trade
movement from New York, New England aud
the west, and a few members of congress Their
consultations were altogether informal, and had
reference TO the best means OF improving the
laws aud their administration, especially in
financial matters, rather than to any political
projects. The new senate committee of nvesti-
cation was canvassed, and it was agreed that
much good is likely to be accomplished by it.
Many defects and corruptions in the civil SER
vice were discussed, and it was determined to
lay before the senate committee all the specific
evidence that could be obtained concerning
them. 1t has been rumored that the design of
this meeting was to found new party but
nothing of the kind was thought of, and the
gentlemen present undertook no political
schemes Of any nature.