The New York herald., 1873-11-21
Opinions of II. c. Platt.

Opinions of IT. G. Platt.
The writer had the following conversation with
Mr.. Thomas c. Platt Congressman elect from thus
State. on the subject OF the virginius massacre
and the chances OF war with Spain The writer
queried:-
'what is your opinion, Mr.. Platt, regarding the
present complications with Spains DO you think
that we ought to go to to redress the vrginius
butcheryy"
"Personally speahng,r answered Mr. Platt, ssmy
voice is for war. II would be popular, and If
brought to a successful close rebound to the honor
OF the republican party AS private individual
therefore, | should join into the cry OF Hurrah
boys; let's 90 in for war; Like other irrespons-
BILE persons who are now talking war, should
then feel at liberty to crticse the conduct OF the
administration in case the war policy did not turn
out well as it is generally expected or II things
went altogether wrong for us, should perhaps
Ike others, be loud in the condemnation or the
government for undertaking the war at ALL
BUT AS A CONGRESSMAN
should hesitate before would add my voice to
the vote that would precpitate Us Into war on,
what consider purely technical question: Tor
had the Virgnus been caught few miles nearer
TO the Cuban coast, In Spanish waters instead OF
being captured on the high seas, do not see what
right the United States would have had to inter-
iere, except on the score OF outraged namanity.
AT any rate, before rushing 10 war should count
the cost. think the general sentiment is some
thing like this:-There has been a hatchery some
where and somebody has got TO be lcked.n
"Do you not think that ought TO abate the
Cuban nuisance by annexlng the island ~ inquired
the writer.
TO which Mr.. Patt replied with humorous
twinkle in mis- eye:-"l am in favor OF manifest
Destiny OF course, and II the ACQUISITION OF the
island ls part OF tnat doctrine tnink the sooner
have Cuba the better. the VlrginIus massacre
furnishes us an excellent opportunity 10 carry out
the manifest destiny aforesaid or course the
question as to whether tue acquisition Of Cuba
with the perDlex king slavery question would be an
advantage TO this country ls open to doubt. Some
American statesmen hod mat
WE POSSESS ENOUGH LAND ALREADY.
We could have had ST. Domingo almost for the
asking. and the acquisition oI Cuba would cost us
blood az well as treasure. IL Is said OF a man
numbered with too much real estate that he Is
land poor. The same might be said OF Uncle
sam. II we must have Cuba now Is the accepted
time. But should not give my vote In favor OF
massacre cannot be too strongly condemned from
the standpoint OF humanity, and ought to be re-
dressed. But should very much regret any COM
bnations OF events that woud contradict the pop
and compel us TO exclain instead, Let US have
war;
Mr. Platt then remarked that he had for the pres
eDt nothing further to say on the Virginius COM
plicatons, ana the conversation turned upon other
SUBJECTS.
Opinion OF Mr.. Thomas j. Durant.
WASHINGTON. Nov. 20, 1873.
Thomas J. Durant. counsel for the United states
on the American and Spanish Joint Commission, TO
which are referred all claims by our citizens
against spain, was found in his once busy en-
gagged in the preparation OF the new code OF the
United states. Mr.. Durant expressed some sur
PRISE at the depth OF feeling manifested In the
country. lie thought the New York meeting last
hiSht showed this, and especially so In the fact
mat gentlemen IKE the chairman nastened " ex-