Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1873-11-20
GALLIPoLIs, NOV. 20, 1873.
ZINE spanish-Cuban Trouble.

The Spanish-Cuban Trouble.
We stated last week that a Spanish
gunboat had captured an American
vessel six miles off the shores of Ja-
maica, and there would probably be
some trouble in diplomatic circles con-
corning its capture, and the shooting OF
four of the prisoners, Gen. Ryon, Je-
sus del Sol, Bembetta and Don Pedro
Cespedea. Further information makes
the affair much more serious than at
first supposed, and the opinion is pre-
valent that something more than d.
plomacy may be necessary in order
to atone for the crimes committed.
There are questions touching the cap
ture Of the vessel. the Virginius, which
must be settled ere a conclusion is ar
rived at. First, whether the Virginius
is an American vessel. Of this there
are some doubts. one authority stating
that she was sold over a year ago to
some Cubans, who converted her into a
priv ateer. Another states that she
was sailing with an American register
and under an American flag. Second,
whether she was violating the neutrali-
tv laws at the time Of her seizure.
Third, whether she was sailing in neu-
trail waters. Ever since the departure
of the Virginius from an American
port she has been at work serving the
Cuban insurgents, by landing men and
munitions on Spanish territory. 1t is
claimed that the Virginius was on the
high seas as m American vessel, was
not caught running a blockade, or in
any act of piracy, hence the Spanish
authorities had no claim to make
against her, and the killing of the four
men above mentioned was without color
of law, and as much a murder aft
there had been no preteHse ofJudicial
proceedings. The o~tisiafofgan at IA
vans on the cSskfary says that the
II pirate ship, armed by
The OF Cuba in the ports
of the states, landed arms and
flibusters IN Caoa to assist the rebel
army. aud rad been openly pirate dur
ing the past three years. Here then is
an issue. Spain claims that Cespedes
and follower ARP merely insurrection
lists, noE eatt8 to belligerent rights,
sud declsfss list she is moi at war.
II such be Che case she had no right to
search the Virginius on the high seas;
If she was sat war" then the prisoners
were entitled to belligerent rights
humane Imprisonment until exchanged
or released.
government,
having troubles at home, has lost all
control over the affairs of Cuba, and
the wealthy slave-owners, backed by
adventures, direct the movements of
the local government. These Cuban
volunteers are blood thirsty. murderous
villains The welfare of the Island
is nothing to them. Burning houses,
assassination, massacreing students,
etc have been their chief delights.
The Spanish Government has long
known most intimately their character
and known that Cuban affairs were
completely under their control, and
heir acts are, therefore, to all ~intents
Ind purposes, the acts OF the Govern
nent itself. Nor does it help the
natter TO say that the Govern T.,
nent was not strong enough to Dust
hem if it would. 1t is not our duty
o suffer national indignities because I
pain cannot govern her w subjects. 7:
f she cannot restrain the Cuban Vol (.
she must be Helped. I
Later dispatches state that on the 7th 6
of the crew of the Virginius s
7ere taken out and shot by the Span .
.rds. and on the 10th ffty-seven more /
haired the same fate. Only those I
rere spared who knew nothing about !
be destination of the vessel. Our !
'overnment is waking up to the i'm. :
ortance of the affair; vessels are be- :
reconstructed in the Navy Yards;
ailors are being ordered from ~receiv-
ng ships to vessels about to sail for Y
!uban waters. and a war feeling is t
bringing up over the country. 1t is : !.
} be hoped, however, that an amicable ,
djustment will be made, aud a resort 4
} arms be deemed unnecessary. Yet 4
ne Cuban Volunteers must be taught n
nat human life is o so cheap as to be !
up without just cause, and that !.
separate and apart from the c
lad haste so prevalent among those +
no long for and delight 10 blood. b
%Admiral Porter, of the United ii
tates Navy. thinks with the present n
ondition of our navy we would not be :,