The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-11-18

Views Regarding Cuba-Thc Recent
Events Oh that Island Denounced
Preparing His Message to COnEress-
Utah Anairs-The Currency Cues
tiom-Thc Next Chicf-Justicc, etc.
WASHINGTON, November 17.-There were
but few visitors at the Executive Mansion
to-day, nearly all OF whom were admitted to
audience with the President. Secretary
Fish, who brought his portfolio of docu.
ments on the Cuban question, was closetcd
with him for an hour, aud explained the
present state of the correspondence with the
Spanish Government, which the President
subsequently said to the writer Of this
alticlc it would now be improper TO
make public, because there were diplo-
matte usages and courtcSicS which it was
necessary to observe pending the cOntroyer-
~, but in due time the result would be an
nounced. This Government had thus far
acted on such facts as had reached it, and
was now engaged in collecting from all
available sources further information con.
cerning the capture OF the Nirginius and the
particulars attending the revolving execu-
tions which followed that event. 1: was
desirable that all information should be Of
such character as would leave no doubt
whatever OF its reliability.
The proprety of this course was too evil
dent to require explanation. The Govern
ment being careful in what it IS now doing
and what it may hereafter do to act upon
facts, and not upon assumptions and uncon-
tirmcd reports, it was essential that We
should be prepared to maintain our posi-
ton.
The President said he had changed none
concerning events in Cuba, but had more
than ever been confirmed IN them Dy the re-
cent occurrences. He shared with the pub
lie their dennnciation OF the capture on the
high seas OF q vessel sailing Win regular
clearance under the United States nag, aDd
the startling events which SO quickly iol-
lowed.
Spalu never having considered the island
of Cura in state Of war, and there beln9
no proclamation by the United states Accord
ing belgerent rights TO the insurgents, the
Vtrcinius. being regularly cleared for the
island of Cuba, had right 10 enter Havana
or any other open port OF the spanish pos
sions. This Government did not recoS'
nze any right on the part OF Spain, III the
present state of affairs. to Interfere III any
manner with our merchant ships upon tue
high seas except in the usual riSht, ID hel
own ports, aud within one marine league OF
the coast OF any of her dom:n ons; and Of this
fact she is aware.
As matter of course, it is the detcrmlna-
ton of this Government to protect her cltl-
zens in all their rights and to compel respect
to the flag. The present naval preparations
were with this view, not to initiate var by
the President-that power being vested in
CongreSs-but to be prepared for all posi-.
Bile contingencies. Congress would meet in
two weeks from to-day, when everything III
possession of the Executive Department
relative TO Cuban affairs would be laid
before that body with such recommends.
tions as the occasion might demand.
Tomorrow, he said, he would commence
the preparation Of his message, but would
defer that part relating to Cuban affairs until
within day or two of the meeting OF Con-
gress, desiring first TO obtain all possible IN
formation upon the subject.
During the brief conversation the Iresi'
dent said he should in his message again re-
commend legislation in regard TO affairs IN
| Utah, in order to relieve judicial matters III
| that Territory from their prcsent enbarrass-
| ment, He would In calling attention. 10
financial subjects submit plan. not yet iu'iy
matured, rendering the currency more neXt'