Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1873-11-18
SENATOR SUMNER ON THE CUBAN
QUESTION.

In the midst of the just indignation
which has been excited by the recent
butchery Of the crew and passengers
Of the virginius by Spaniards In Cuba,
and of the heated and widespread out
cry for war with Spain, the advice and
opinion of cool. experienced and clear
headed craftsmanship Is worthy Of
careful consideration. Heated coun-
sells, evolved during the throes Of ex-
cited public opinion, are rarely the
best guides for national action. We
commend the following sentiments,
expressed by Senator Summer 70 Nsw
York Tribune reporter In CONVERSE
tiou on the yirginius affair yesterday,
TO the careful reading Of all, pre-
missing that there Is not In the world
to-day a maj better versed In the prin-
ciples or practice OF international law
than Charles Sumner, Of Massachu-
setts-not a statesman In existence
whose fsr-seeing qualities, gathered
from many years of studlous research
and enlarged public experience, have
been so fully aud completely vim
dlcated, aud that not a more ardent
patriot or i~ncorruptible and absolutely
unseldsh mentor In public life now
holds well-earned position In Amer
lean politics; and adding that Caleb
Cushing. whose ripe experience
and eminent legal attainments entitle
his opinions to consideration, has ex.
pressed within q day or two very SIM
liar views. Following Is an account
Of the interview as telegraphed
Senator SIMMER, In all interview to-
day In regard to the Vlrginius affair,
SAID he had sent to New York a letter
to be read at the meeting there TO-
night. This letter embodied his views
OH the subject.s It Is q very delicate
question, as Sumner limited, and opin'
| ion should BE- carefully and calmly
formed. The haste and heat OF pop.
ular clamor he did not think calcu'
lated to generally sound Views. lie
remarked: IL shall DO attacked for
| what | have written, unless they sup
press the letter. They have tried to
yet ND a vast deal Of excitement oil
| the question. There Is u popular In.
| diynation which overlooks real issues,
but give the people time to cool oil and
they will listen to calmer views. Mt.
| Sumner also remarked on the attitude
OF certain London journals OH this
matter, some of which, never friendly
to tho United States, are doing all they
can to arouse indignation IN this coun.
try. There Is need to be careful, he
thought, how w adjust our policy u
tho opinions received from that quar-
ter. They would be glad to involve
US In a war with Spain. They don't
like Republicanism In Spain, aud they
would only delight to have. 10 crushed
by Republicinism IN America. Eng.
land would rub her hands with glee II
| she could only make out the VtrYinius
a second Alabama. Size would be glad
II we placed ourselves In the same po'
sition as herself, by recognizing the
Viryinius. As to the legal aspects OIL
the case, Sumner said IL appeared To
his mind very clearly that the fact thai
the vessel went under the United
States flag does not compromise oui
honor, IL She was 4 %fllibuStcr, the flag
aud the papers were only a part OF til,
p~retense. IL would be foolish, how
ever. he remarked. TO make the case o
the virginius u plea for the recognt
ton OF Cuba. IL would be- cruel, TOO
to precipi.atsa war with Spain unless
we were really driven to it. We mus
save the Spanish Republic If possible
A note by the reporter adds that thu
letter referred to was not read q: the
meeting held last evening.