The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1873-12-04


il is due Speaker Miller.
The best authenticated accounts of the
bulcbcry at Santiago de Cuba somewhat
diminish the extent. but in no wise m'tl'
gate tho revolving nature, Of the atrocity,
Erty.thrce souls, instead Of q larger re-
ported number, seem to constitute u this
instance the sacrificed victims to the blood
thirstineSs Of Spanish vengeance. The
locality Of the capture Of tho Yrginius' as
well as tue nationality of the vessel, have
also been pretty well defined, confirming
the impression that tue outrage was per-
pclratcl in neutral waters, and that the
ship was sailing under the flag of the
United States at the time Of its occurrence.
Inquiry has also developed the further in
formation that the Virgjuius was "a reg
istorcd American ship, entered as such up
on tue archives of the Treasury, and de-
sCribol by number, measurement, andton'
age. Ga her last voyage she vas cleared
by the United States Consul at Kingston,
Jamaica, for a named port, sailed under
the American flag, and was commanded by
au American citizen" The establishment
Of these facts, officially makes it impera,
tive on the Government Of tho United
States to exact reparatjon for the indigOity
to its flag aud the gross infraction of inter-
nationallaw. Even il the circumstances
lid not present the American side OF the
case in so strong legal light, the Gov
ornmeut would be rccreOnt il it failed, in
behalf Of civilization, to make determin-
ed effort to put a stop to the brutal and
barbarous methods of dealing with captiVes
that have been adopted by tue Spanish
apEborities in Cuba. Thus far it has not
transpired what measure OfrGdress will be
exactcd by the administration, Indeed it
is said that there has been no formal de-
maud, but merely a diplomatic notice that
if certain facts are proved, certain repara-
ton will be demaxlcd Meanwhile extra
ordinary activity porvadcs the navy yards
of the country, aud millions are being ez'
pendedin putting the navy on war foot
ing, Whether his really means war with
Spain, or is a demonstration at the nod OF
tue CASTELAR, government to aid it in pcrsua'
ding the Spaniards to certain concessions
throughfearofhayiug Cuba's independence
or annexation to this country accomplish
ed, it is difficult to tell.
To the ordinary observer, however, il
seems exceedingly inconsistent that oul
symypathics should go out to the Spanish
Republic, under Castelar's ministry, anC
be Withheld from the Cuban patriots
though that inconsistency is equalcd in thu
fact that The CASTELAR, governments seek
log to ropress IN Cuba identicdiIy what W
commend bis faction for attaining in Spai'
-iulcpo2leHce Of the constituted author
tiles through revolution. For the power
at Madrid with which we treat on thl
question are nothing more nor less than al
intrenCbed rebellion against an overthrow
dynasty, struggling even now for eSistenc
at home aud powerloss to execute its de
Crees in one of its insurreCtionary pro
Yinces Whether, il the reparatiou OK
acted for the Virginius outrage aud mas
sacre goes to the extent Of demanding til
punishment Of the butchers committing it
such punishment could be enforced by th
Madrid authorities seems exCeediDgl
doubtful, in view of the Cuban officials
previous disregard of Instructions frOr
the home government Whether such de
mand will be made is not yet clearly ind
Gated, though little short Of it, in addi!io
to indemnity and future security, will sat
isfy public sentiment in this country. l
the event Of it being made aud refused
either through disiacioation or inabilit
on the part Of Spain to coforco it, the dut
will simply dogolge upon Congress, wbic
I with US is the warmaking power, to iuai,
tue punishment through the iustrumcAl