New-York tribune., 1873-01-10
SPAIN CALLED TO ACCOUNT.

THE QUESTION OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
TIoNs BY THE GOVERNMENT AT WASHING
TON-SPAIN CALLED UPON TO FULFILL HER
ENGAGEMENTS.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9.--On the Goth of October
last Secretary Fish, in addressing elaborate let
ter to Minister Sickles, alluded to the fact that
the present Ministry of Spain had given assur-
ances to the public through their organs
of the press, and had confirmed the assurance to
Gen. Sickes personally, of their intention to put
into operation a series Of extensive reforms, em-
bracing among them some of those which this Gov
ernment has been earnest in urging upon their con-
sderaton in relation 10 the colonies which are our
near neighbors. The Spanish Government partly
at our instance. passed a law providing for
the gradual emancipation of the slaves III
the West Indies Colonies. The law, so far
ocuted, and it is feared that the recently-issued
regulations, professedy for its execution are wholly
inadequate 10 any practical result in favor of eman-
cpaton, if they be not really in the interest of the
stakeholder and of the continuance of the institu
tion of Slavery.
While the United States fully acknowledges its
obligation to the general rule which requires
nation to abstain from interference IN the domestic
concerns of Others circumstances warrant partial
exceptions TO this rule, TO the support OF
which the Secretary enters into an agreement and
saws that all who cOuntenance lukewarmness
OF neglect in carrying emancipation into effect
must more or less be liable the charge Of dupcy or
bad faith, charge which every man Of honor in high
station ought TO eDdeavOr TO avoid.
Con Is decisive but rcsneCtfuI
terms to demonstrate sganst the apparent failure OF
span 10 carry into effect the emancipation act 10 which
she is committed. If spain permits her authority to be
virtually and practically dcfed in Cuba by refusal or
neglect 10 carry into effect acts OF the home Govern
ment of humane tendency, II is tantamount TO an ao-
knowledgment of inability 10 control the nsurrecon in
Cuba
Mr. Fish SAYS 1t has now lasted four years Attempts
to slppre it, far futile have been made probably az
sacrifice Of more than hundred thousand lives ana an
incaculable amount Of property. Our eommercal ana
other connections with that island compel us to take
warm interest in its peaceful and orderly condition,
without which there cannot be prosperity Cuba being
separated from this country by narrow passage the
empaons for reckless adyenurers here 10 violate our
law and embark in hostile expeditions thither geat
Despite the unquestioned vigilance OF this Govern
nen TO maintain its duty, and the efforts with which
the approaches 10 the island have been guarded
nv the Spanish cruisers the said proximity has led
their abode in the United states, acuated by the hope
that that proximity would enable them advantageousy
TO plot ami act for the advancement OF their cause In
the island.
The Secretary says We certainly have reason TO ex-
pec that the great strain upon our watchfuness 10
thwart those schemes occaOned by the long duration
of hostilities in Cuba should have some termination
through cessation OF the cause which hitherto has
been supposed TO 1t for the discharge OF
our duties s neutral Ever since the insurrecon be-
gan we have he says repeatedly been called upon to
discharge those duties.
In the performance OF them. are conscious OF no
pegect but the trial mparality by the want Of
success on the part OF Spain suppressng the revolt As
necessarily so severe that unless she shall soon be more
successful it will force upon this Government the con
sderaton of the question whether duty TO itself and to
the commercial interests Of its citizens may not demand
some change In the line OF action has thus far pursued
The Secretary reminds sckles Of cases respecting
citizens OF this country OF causeess seizures OF estate
which have been referred backward and forward be-
tween Madrid Havana to the verge OF the ex
hauson OF all patience. In the meantime the property
of citizens OF the United States has been held in
violation OF the treaty between this country
and Spain The Secretary further saws to Gen sickles
IT hoped that you will present the views above set
FORTH and the present grievances OF which TINS Govern
ment so Justly complains. to the Government 10 whcn
YOU accredited In way which, without elvhg OF
tense, will leave conviction that we are IN esDestlh
the expression Of these views, and that We expect re-
dress. and that, IL 1t should not soon De anoIuen,
SPAN must not he surprised TO ind as the inevitable
result of the delay, marked change in the feeling and
In the temper OF the people and OF the Government OF
the Uned States. Believing that the present Ministry
ot Spain is n sufficiently confirmed position or power
10 carry ort the measures which II announces, and the
reforms which have been promised and TO DO Justice Dy
the removal of the vi our wefounded Complaints
and NOT ionbting the sincerity OF the assurances which
have been given the United states look confidently for
the realization of those hopes which have been encour
oed nv repeated promises that all causes Of estraDge
nent or for the interruption OF those friendly feelings
which are as traditional they sincere on the parl
of this Government toward SPAN viii he speedily and
forever removed"