New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-11-12
THE VIRGINIUS.'
AT WASHINGTON.

THE GOVERNMENT AWAITING FURTHER ADNiCfs-
THE SPANISH MINISTER OF FOREIGN AffAlhS
SAID TO DIsAPPRovE OF THE SUMMARY ENEcC-
TON OF THE FOUR PRIsoNERs-ACnoN OF THE
NAVY DEPARTMENT.
The official information from Santiago de Cuoa
which has been expected from our Consular KEEP
resentative has not yet been received, although
several DAYS have elapsed since he was teie
grained TO furnish all the particulars relatinR 10
the seizure of the Nirginius and the executions
which 70 soon followed that event but not"i'h
standing the non-receipt of the information, our
Government has as is already KNOWN taken sum
action in the premises has, 80 far as the opansn
Government is concerned, secured delay Oh pro
ceedings relative TO the capves now III inc CUSTODY
of the Cuban authorities until all the tacts III
the case shall have been ascertained. The
Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs in ms recent
conversation with Minister Sickles, expressed DIS
characterization Of the summary manner OF the exc
cuion of the most prominent persons captured Win
the Virginius, and gave him the assurance that no
Efforts should be spared by the Spanish Govefnmeh'
10 show the United States that its friendship was
more substantial than mere words or Language
10 this effect. The utteTances were, IT Is beheVed
by those who have been officially advised OF them'
made in good faith but the Spanish Government.
like our own admits the impracticable character OF
those with whom it has to deal in Cuba, while re-
herself thus rendering her almost If not qmte
powerless TO act efficiently in the affairs OF Cuba
and restrain excuses which under other circum-
stances, might be prevented.
At the Cabinet meeting to-day there was CONVEX
sation Of long continuance with regard TO CUBAN
affairs generally and the position occupied by the
United States on that subject. There was no dlIer
ence among the members of the full Cabinet as 10
our duty in the premises present and prospective
while awaiting the necessary Official lniOrmauoh
There is no doubt that the Admirals and
Commanders of our feet in Cuban waters
will be. if they have not already been,
instructed to observe the orders issued III
the Spring Of 1869 when reports came to the Navy
Department through the Ipress aud kilograms OF
several American vessels having been searched by
Spauisb men-of-war in British waters and on the
high road of nations in the Gulf of Mexico. The
Government then as now took the position that'
while the United States Government wished to OBJ
serve strict neutrality in regard to the difficulties
existing in the Island Of Cuba they could not con-
sent that our merchant vessels should be moiestedn
their lawful pursuits OF oyerhauled and examined
unless they were found committing some violation
of Spanish authority. This they could only do by
landing arms and munitions of war, The waters
between Cuba and the United States being used as
the great highway of all nations vessels should not
be molested unless they were within marine league
of the island and not even then unless detected in
some overt act. The Secretary Of the Navy, III bis
general and special instructions, said:
"The United States Government sees no reason Why
vessels pursuing their peaceful yOcatons should be
overLaued and searched by Spanish cruisers There
has been proclamation according beigerent rights
10 sOcaed Insurgents nor is the island considered
in a state OF war by the spanish Government. You WILL
therefore prevent your power any m
fraction of international law the Spanish vessels OF
war as far as our commerce is concerned
In the instructions to Admiral Poor in 1910 the
Secretary said:
1t Is that You should keep some of your YES
sells stationed on the south ends Of the Island
Of Cuba at such ports those at which the socaed
insurgents should for escape from the island
While the Department does not desire mat you should
seek opportunities TO encourage these distressed persons
20 seek The protection Of the United states fag you
will refuse them shelter on board the vessels
Of your feet and when they are once under the pro-
lection the nag their and property viii be
held sacred against the interference Of the Spanish
authorities. in will you give mp any one attempt
ing TO escape from the island except by authority from
this Department"
1t probable that the feet in the South Atlantic
will be increased without delay, and one or more
vessels sent to santiago de Cuba
Discussions nave taken place in official quarters
10 the course this Government ought 10 pursue IN
rase Spain should be unable to enforce the princi
pies of international law, violate those applicable
TO the highway of nations, particularly as affecting
vessels sailing under the national flag.
Ii has heretofore been plainly intimated to Spain
in official communications that the necessity might
be imposed on the United States decisively to
enforce the principles for which this Government
has earnestly contended. The future Will determine
when they shall have practical application.
The Secretary Of State IN conS ersation to-day cx-
pressed his surprise at the reported interview with
him yesterday. there being some things in the pub
hcatOn calculated TO place him in false position.