New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-11-17

without compelling Spain to redress them, has now
reached point where it is necessary, in order 10
retain our selfrespect nation, to act earnestly
and promptly.
In regard to the most natural course for to pur
sue il In thought that we must demand reparation
from Spain. She must first demand the instant re-
lease of the men yet living who were taken on the
Virginius Second. we must demand the release ot
the virginius herself; and third, we must demand
the surrender of the Spanish officers who were TO
sponsbe for the murders to be tried for their crime
There is reason to believe that this demand has al
ready been decided upon and that Minister Sickles
ere this, has been directed to present 1t to the
Madrid Government.
The disposition of the CASTELAR, Government TO
render any satisfaction demanded by the United
States is not doubted by our Government Indeed,
it has shown as much on many occasions lately but
it is q grave question as to whether she has the
power to satisfy our demand. 1t is believed that
an instruction and massacre are imminent IN
Havana, and that the hatred lof the Spaniards
by the negroes and native Cubans is liable to break
out in boodshed at any time These classes in ha-
vana are not necessarily allies of the insurgents 10
the mountains, but they are tired OF the tyranny,
slavery and domination Of the Spaniards. Such an
uprising, added to the strength of the insurgents
might decide the fate of Cuba and place it be-
You'd the reach Of Spain. Ii the negroes
are waiting to take advantage of any
trouble to revolt il would seem clear that such an
opportunity would be furnished if the Spanish Gov
ernment should attempt physically to enforce her
DEGREES; besides, it would seem that Spain az
home is in no condition to engage in additional I'M
dertakings of warlike character in Cuba. Wiling
as Spain might be to concede our demands 10
the last limit, it is generally regarded in ofnciai
circles here that she is powerless to do so.
Having taken our stand that we must be avenged
for the insults to our national honor. our course
would seem plain one. We must, by force, secure
our demands, and 1t is believed here in high Official
circles that this will be the result of all this trouble
That Spain would make any opposition is considered
ridiculous. The effect Of such course on the future
of Cuba cannot be fOretold. II the United states
undertake to enforce their demands by arms, they
must have a sufficient force on the island
to perserye peace and carry out one
great idea, which is @ leading object in
the course marked out, viz. to iprevent the recur-
rencc of the barbarities which. for many years,
have been an outrage and mockery on Christianity
And civihza..iilf Whether in the end Cuba VIII be
Independent and govern herself, or whether she be-
comes the property of the United States, must be
question for future debate and decision. In the
mean time, nothinabut negotiation can be done I'M
til Congress meets, two weeks from tomorrow.
The Executive has power to make the demands
but Congress only has power to provide Tor
their enforcement, and so it is not with the Presl
dent as to whether shall resort to force. by the
time Congress meets the President Will be possessed
of sufficient information to enable him TO make a
distinct recommendation in his annual message
Until them it is not likely that any official OF semi
official announcement of the views of the Executive
viii be authorized.