The New York herald., 1873-12-05
The Spanish Gazette and the
Rebellion in 1869.
Outrageous Onslaught on Min
istcr Sickles.
How the Herald Leads Press Opinions : The
Colonial Minister Colonel Of Volunteers
The Battle Of La sacra Spanish Loss,
4D0-The Volunteers Want Fight
HAVANA, Nov. 20. 1873.

issue OF tue Nrgnus question. There are, in fact,
two powerful reasons tending TO widen the scope
OF thus speculatng. One is that they feel the enor
nifty OF their criminal proceeding and the undue
haste with which 1t was carried out; and each in
dyidua argues, starting from such views as best
in his estimation would excuse the butchery, thus
giving rise to variety OF opinions, according to
the passions. talents or ability OF the thinker.
Another il that there is no real, prevailing opinion
entertained by the mass OF the people, who are, in
the immense majority, too illiterate to form any.
In the United States. when any question OF gen.
era interest is being discussed, it is easy to ascer
tain what che people OF gwen locality think about
IL by merely going into any place where q promis-
cuous gathering takes place and openly inquirng
OF every one his opinion. This happens Just be-
cause that people is able 20 form clear judg-
ment; but here passo and ignorance are masters
OF the mind
From various sources have gathered the fol-
lowing collection OF opinions, which give fear
ing that 1t Will not eddy the readers of the
HERALD for Its wsdom;-
These Spaniards who hate Americans most Bit
terly give out that the West and South but too
eager TO seize an opportunity for general up
rising, and that, fearing this. the United States
Government Will have to evade all foreign troubles.
Those who manifest this illogical opinion are
swayed by their hatred, and fear leads them to
ccive themselves as TO the true state of affairs,
choosing such arguments and pretexts as SUIT
them BEST but entirely prompted by their ani-
mostly TO the United States. And this should not
be lost sight OF by those American statesmen
who will have to decide this question. Let them
not forget that the Spanish people in Cuba are not
he Spaniards in Spain, whose struggles for a
LIBERAL government have won so much sympathy IN
the American Union.
Another prevailing opinion is that by paying to
the families relatives OF such American citizens
as have been executed a certain amount OF dam
ages the excitement will cool down and matters
continue as heretofore.
Many OF the "uncondtionasi here assert that
the United states have not the necessary means to
go TO war with Spain stating that the navy OF tnat
government is but little less than worthless and
that Spain would only have to issue 100 let ters OF
marque. ana spanish privateers would swarm the
seas destroying the commerce OF the United States
in which undertaking England would be but too
ready 10 assist; and this would settle the AFFAIR
the oceans. and the volunteer force on the island
woald suffice for any invasion. Finally, the mi
nority-men OF some talent who lully recognize
the strength and power OF the United States-ac-
knowledge that war with that country would be
rHR Loss OF CURA AND PORTO RICO
10 Spain; but upheld by their pride, they say that
they willing TO accept even war and lose these
islands struggling to the last for the honor of
SPAIN
War IS, however, feared by ALL and the best proof
Of this is that they are abstaniug from ell public
demonstration, although excitement has run high,
and active preparations Tor an emergency are
going on in the lorts surrounding this city.
The Dtorto de Ia Marina OF the 27th inst. gives
under the title oil Facts and Rights long art-
Gle first OF series which 1t announcesl, dedicated
TO the question and issues OF the VTginius from
which make the following extracts:-
We undertake this task IN order TO convince the
world at large, which is so gwen to msjudge the
events Transporting in this island OF the rights
which assist us-r1ghts even acknowledged by
many Americans VINO have on former occasions
separated from Spain, as the first step to its abb
sorption by the United States
Before proceeding we must state here that the
Spaniards have not cast into oblivion their past
brilliant history that IN Spain We have protested
against passionate and inconyenient exactons,
and that the loyal people OF this island will not
md themselves alone should tue day arrive
which we do not wish-ol trusting to the force OF
arms for the defence OF reason.
We do not desire at any time tumultuous de.
Jnonstrations, and but lew days since we called
attention to the striking contrast between the
calm and collected behavior OF the Spaniards in
tins Island and the uproarous declamations OF the
American press. We advise the continuation OF
this dlgnlred conduct, though sharing the same
feeling which prompted the people OF Madrid to
protest against arrogant demands.
We have given, TOO recently to require repeti-
ton, the opinions oil the American press and those
OF noted men, relative to the international ques-
tons which the capture Of the Vrginius may bring
forth, and will now present tner synthesis.
spain, to prove the legitimacy of her proceed
tngs, needs only to show that the steamer Virgin
jus had on board q fihbusteripg expedttion in
tended to land on Cuban soil, 10 Join the rebels
ngnting against the Spanish government.
public men, whom we would call impartial had
they not openly ayowed sympathy with the Cuban
patriots and deplore punishment so necessary
and just, and that they would see with satisfaction
the final triumph OF the separatists OF Yara.
Caleb Cushing's opinion determines the three
make clear before taking any action in the matter
at al:-
tion OF the steamer at the time OF her capture;
third, her mission.
As to the first, it is not sun1cient that nag
covers the vessel; proofs must be adduced by ap-
proprate documents that IL had the right TO the
nag. AS highwaymen generally carry passports IN
nca @ @ WIN tne requisites oi the po-
ments IN perfect order which is not sufficient 10
give them an acknowledged nationality since
Marine Courts frequently disregard them and de-
clare them lawful prizes,
The Ddrto continues quoting the opinions OF
Mr. Cushing and Mr.. Woolsey approving everv-
thing favorable to Spain manifested py these
gentlemen. and referring to Mr. Summers let
ter 10 the sympathizers VINO met al steinwav
Han, ia which that gentleman qualities the acts
committed by the authorities In Cuba as "horrible
butchery, The Didri0 says:-"snce Mr. sumner
acknowledges that the executions were caused by
an illicit expedition from the coasts OF the United
states he should moi ask from that government
indulgence and sincerity, but atonement aud JUS
tce."
In yesterdays issue the Diaiio gives the prom
ised history OF the virgnius stating that II is taken
mostly from the NEW YORK HFRALD-"that pa
per-" II says ''being above suspicion OF being par
tiai to SPAIN" In the recapituatlon OF the history
OF the virginius, so wen known TO the readers OF
fhe HERALD, the Dtafo appropriates 10 Itself such
parts ana paragraphs given in the journal IL refers
TO as are in accordance with the logic peculiar
TO the leader OF the Havana press, making all sorts
OF rhetorical efforts TO prove that the virginius was
vessel bought by Cubans and In the service o. the
aeparatists, and was not entitled to the pro lection
of the Dag she bore at the time OF her capture