Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1873-12-25
CUBAN QUESTION.
New Phase Of Afsirs-yirginius Not American
No Right to U. 8. Flag-spain Wants Her
Back.

No Right to U. 8. FIsg-spain Wants Her
Back
WASHINGTON, Dee. 21.-It has
been known for some days that the
Spanish Government has furnished
evidence with regard 10 the Virgin
aus and her claim to the right to bear
the flag of the United States, and
that the President has submitted the
evidence to the Attorney General for
his opinion thereon. 1t seems now
to be understood in official circles
that the Attorney General has given
an opinion that the vessel had for
feited the right to bear the flag of
the United States. and at the time of
her capture was crrrying it without
q right, and improperly. In view of
this opinion, our Government will,
in accordance with the terms OF the
protocol. institute inquiry, and adopt
proceedings against the VirginiuS
and against any of the persons who
may appear to have been guilty of
illegal acts in connection Herewith.
AS Spain has proven to the satisfac-
ton of the United States, according
to the Attorney Generals opinion,
that the Virginius was at the time of
her capture carrying the United
States flag without right, and inn
properly, the salute TO the flag on
the 18th day of December will be
dispensed with, as now not necessar.
lily required /; but the United States
will expect disclaimer of any intent
of indignity to its flag in the act
which was committed. From proof
submitted by Spain, it appears that
the clearance papers of the Vtrglnius
were obtained by perjury. The De-
part ment of State has no informa-
ton concerning the complications
between Great Britain and Spain.
Rear-Admeral Scott hae sent TO the
Secretary of the Navy large num-
Der of documents connected with the
capture of the VirginivS and the ex-
ecutions which followed it. These
include the list of 103 who were in
prison at Santiago de Cuba, ID OF
whom were shot. But 4 Americans
are among the number given. Those
who were executed, in addition to
the l3 above mentioned, were in jail
only few hours. with the exception
of Captain Fry, who was not taken
to that place. According to official
reports concerning the mode of trial
by court martial, Captain Fry de-
clined to answer all the questions
put to him, protesting that by the
laws of nations hc and his crew had
committed no offense that justified
his or their imprisonment, or the
trial of parties claiming to be in
command of an American merchant
vessel, furnished with all the proper
ly certified papers, which he had de-
livered to the boarding officers of the
capturing vessel:
KEY WEST, Dec. 21.-Information
res ched here yesterday from Havans
that complications in regard to Cubs
bad arisen between the Spanish and
British governments. The advicet
did not state the precise nature oil
the difficulties, but it has become
known here that the British Counsel
General at Havana has received @
dispatch from Lord Granville to in
struct all naval commanders in the
West Indies to Immediately rendez-
vous in Cuban ports. 1t is stated
that in official circles it is certainly
known the British government will
assuredly demand the punishment oil
Burriel. The British Admiral has
left for st. Thomas, where be expects
to be relieved. Adm'l Scott looks
for the arrival of our European
squadron in few days when ADM
Case, relieved, will command.
1t is now looked upon as certain
that the salute to our flag required
by the terms of the protocol, will be
made in as informal manner az
possible. The feeling of officers Of
the squadron is one of much dissatis
faction.
The VirginiuS passed here yester.
day on her way to the north in
charge Of the OSSipee.
The United States war vessels
Colorado, Po,ohattdn and Manhattan
arrived this morning.
PARIS, Dec 2I,-A cypher dispatch
from the Herald's correspondent at
Madrid announces that Spain de-
mands the restoration of the Virgin
Jus. There is great exultation in
consequence of Secretary Fish admit.
ting that the Vrginius was not en-.
titled to carry the flag of the United
States. The demand was delivered
Friday. General Sickles has tele
graphed to Washington, insisting
upon the acceptance of his resignaS
ton.
MADRID, Dec, 20.-It is reported
that The Cabinet has decided to make
demand upon the United States for
the return of the steamer TlrqiniuS,
and the passengers and crew recent.
ly surrendered 1t is also said that
in accordance with this demand
President Castelar, has written Min
lister Sickles.