New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1873-11-27
Our Trouble With Spaine

lhe general feeling yesterday was that
the prospect of war with Spain was not SO
immediate. and might be possibly averted
by the concessions alleged to have been
made by Admiral Polo. the Spanish minis
ter at Washington. to whom che question.
with plenary powers. has been remitted
by the Madrid government. The Admiral,
it is stated, has consented 70 the release of
the Virginius and those of her crew and
passen gers who are still living.
Possibly. the Spanish ambassador has
conceded these points. though we had
rather wait for the veritication OF the rumoI.
But, il so. vii! the Madrid governmen.
order the proposition 20 be carried out!
Unquestionabiy. Emilio CASTELAR,, the
President of Spain. 3 clear headed far-see.
ing statesman: sincerely a republican in
all his Instincts the ablest, purest, and
most liberal man who ever guided the
destinies of the Spanish people-~would
make any honorable concession to avoid
breach with the United States, his only
sincere and friendly ally; but, unfortu-
natelv, his views are not those of his
ministry, nor of the Madrid mob who have,
of late. made and unmade leaders as the
frenzy seized them. Already there are mur-
murs heard which Indicate change not
only in the personnel but the form of govern
ment. The reactiOnists are at work, and it
seems as though Serrano's day were coming
again. If this disatfection be widespread
and Serrano is the master Of intrigue-any
movement CASTELAR, may make, no matter
how much # is for the good of his people,
his enemies will seize upon it and make it
pretext for his overthrow.
The popular voice of the Spaniards is
raised against making any concessions to
us. 1t is questionable if an order to the
Captain General of Havana to release the
Virginius would be Obeyed. To be sure,
Jouvellar is fresh from the councils of Cas-
telar, and the latter repOses full confidence
in his faith and fealty; but his appointment
was dictated by the Havana local ring, and
had he the will to obey the instructions Of the
home government, he would do so at the
peril of his life. ii the Vlrginius is released
it will be done only in the face of the guns
OF the American navy.
But, granting everything, are the Ameri
can people to be satisfied with these con-
cessionse Will they atone for the outrages
Of the pas: or prevent their recurrence in
she future: Are CASTILLO. whose Aavycourt
condemned, and Burriel. whase soldiers sho,
our countrymen. to be permitted 70 escape:
The story OF Captain Jack .and Schonchiu
will lose Its force if they are. What are
we 60 loo. for in she future II the. Vir-
ginius can be captured on the high seas
south OF Cuba, may not the faEoo or
the souder be eyerhauled in the same
manner north Of it: The American
people in mass meetings in twenty OF ouy
chief cities have asked all these questions.
and sent their Congressman on 20 Washing.
ton 10 give the answer Nothing short OF q
recognition of the independence OF Cuba
will satisfy them now. What complications
may arise in The future. time vii! tell. ]:
appears to us. viewing the whole situation.
as far as we can see, that diplomacy will
fail to unite the knot, and the sword will
be drawn to sI. it.