National Republican., 1873-12-01
ruR sxrrLRyuENr.

The agreement reached between the United
States and Spain for settlement Of the diff
.ultics arising from the Virginius case seems
to bo accepted as satisfactory by members Of
both Houses Of Congress now in the city, as
well Is by the public generally. The REPuB-
LicAS has carefully and correctly followed
The tedious though exciting and cngrossing
course Of the negotiations which preceded 1t,
and has chronicled each successive step SO
accurately as to enable the press Of the coun-
try to discuss the question intel lligently.
Whcu tho trouble began the war impulse
swept tho country with such overwhelming
force as to demand the most extreme II not
actually unlawful measures. But as our ex-
plantations Of the situation were tclegraphed,
copied and recopied, the calmer vlew which
now prevails began to assert itself. At no
time In tho history Of American Journal
ism has Que journal been enabled to
90 thoroughly direct the tone OF Its cotempo-
rarlos on given subject, as the REPUBLI-
CAN did In this instance. Morning after
morning journals Of the rank OF the New
York Herald, tho Chicago Tribune, the Gin
cinnati Commercial, the Boston Post and the
Missouri Democrat gave TO their readers, and
credited to the REPUBLICAN, the semi-ofiicial
news which was printed In our columns,
simultaneously with Its publication here.
Assuming that the people were ready to
appreciate the delicacy Of the situa-
tion and the gravity Of impending con-
sequences, We did not hesitate to give
them the reliable and uncmbellished inform
alton which Il was our good fortune to pos
ssss. In this way the people were brought
into direct aud daily sympathy with the
Government In Its management Of the case.
They knew Of the preparations for war, a.
they also knew Of the efforts to obtain an
amicable settlement The result was that
when the war impulse wore away, and the
sudden promptings OF tho 1rst shock OF
tho alarm subsided, the country became
calmly determined to await either the peace
full result which II Is to be hoped we have
attained, or accept the dread alternative Of
an appeal to arms.
While no new features may be added to the
announcement made last Iweek Of the result
Of the negotiations, 1t will not be improper to
repeat that the Government Is not without
fears that we may yet be compelled to adopt
extreme measures. Sternly demanding JUS
tiOet euu bechiub hohOos iOpoioioh Aoi thc
wrongs that have been inflicted upon the
country, Secretary Fish, In the conduct Of
the case, has, at all times, been embarrassed
by the peculiar and unfortunate circum-
stances which attend the administration Of
Affairs In Spain by the CASTELAR, Government.
No more delicate diplomatic duty has ever
devolved upon au American and q republican
diplomat than that which he has so satisfac-
torily performed In his dealings with that
Government. The subject Of slander by
those who should support him in the
difficulties of his position, he has stead
lastly adhered to the plain policy Of
true and patriotic devotion to the interests
and honor Of Ills country. He has done this,
too, regardless Of the Influences of friends, as
he has been regardless Of the ISLANDERS Of his
enemies. In the work yet to be done by him,
whether II be to undo what has been done by
. declaration Of war or by an effort to aid the
CASTELAR, Government In the execution Of liz
commands to the Cuban volunteers, he will
b governed by the same uuselnsh principles.
He has reason now to be proud Of the results
Of his labors; but when, after the passions
and prejudlces Of the hour shall have sub.
aided, tho history OF this case Is written, few
men among modern diplomats will receive
moro credit than will be accorded to him for
the skillful management of q most compli.
Gated question.