New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-11-15
POLICY OF OUR GOVERNMENT.

INDICATIONS or FIRNSEsS-rHE NECESSITY or PRO-
TECTING AMERICAN CITIZENs-oUR NAVAL OFF,
GERS TO INQUIRE INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES or
THE CAPTURE AND EXECUTIONS.
lGKSERAL PRESS DIsPATcHl
WAsHrNGToN Nov. Alt can be stated on official
authority that while the present naval preparations
do not mean war against Spain or Cuba, they are
significant of the determination of this Government
10 protect AmercaninteTests at any hazard and to
prevent in the future such mSssacres those which
followed the capture of the Vrginius, and which
shook the entire civilized world
, Experience has shown that the Spanish Govern
ment cannot enforce its dec<ees i'll the Island of
Cuba and therefore it becomes imperative on the
Bnited States to protect its citizens from Cuban
feroclty. EmbOldened by late events it is not I'm
probable that such massacres as those which have
lately taken place may be repeated on citizens of
the United States about whose nationality there
is no doubt and without granting the just request
TO stay proceedings until all the facts involved in
che seizure and the trials could be clearly ascer-
tanned Besides, our citizens in Cuba have suffered
much from embargOes and coDhscations without
remedy from either Spain the authorities of the
idand.
The patience Of our Government seems TO be ex-
haustsd and as nothing effective can be depended
upon from the Spanish Government, notwithstand-
ing its friendly feeling toward the United States,
The law of selfpToeetion is recognized by our Gov
eminent as applicable to the present condition of af
fans.
There is among all the prominent officers of our
Governments an esrnestness in the preparations now
in progress 20 meet all questions practically they
arise. Instead of depending the Spanish officers
for the transmission of communications from our
Consuls either by letter by telegraph, our naval
officers will be instructed 10 inquire diligently and
closely into the condition of the affairs of the island
md promptly report the facts 10 the proper depart
ment Our Government is now waiting to hear
what the Spanish Government will do in response to
our earnest protest against the outrage perpetated
against the victims Of the Vrginius Here the mat
ter rests for the present
II can be stated the authority OF the President
himself that he did not. reported, personally write
dispatch Gen. Sckles, directing the offer OF our
cooperation tobe made to the President Of Spain in
movements to control the Cubans. Nothing of the
hind has ever been suggested the United States re-
lying their power to protect their interests
without alliance with Spain, who has shown herself
u be almost If not entirely powerless to enforce
compliance, even with reasonable demands, IN the
Island Of Cuba the authorities of which are in most
cases acting independently Of all control Of the home
government
The Secretary Of State has received no further
p,rticulaTs of the Vrginius massacre. with the ex-
eeDiiou Of The dispatch from Consul General Hall,
showing that the executions were pEecipitated by
the spanish authorities at Santiago de Cuba in
order TO anticipate any interference ON the part OF
the Home Government. Evidences accumulate
upon these facts Late this evening Official dis
patches were received from Consui-Goncrai Hail,
at Havana, but they contain no ailusioa what
aver 10 any further executions IMAM those
reported on the mornings OF the SIN, nh
and Sth inst, and from this 10 seems proDaDie 'a,
there have boon no other executions and the Tunors
10 that ELECT to-day are believed 70 be uhoohdeo
Consul General Hau however expaisnees much