The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1873-12-06
AN HONORABLE ADJUsT1rE16T.

'hc felcgrams announce that 4 rough
dr"'' Of terms Of amicahlc adjustment Of
"a" differences between the United States
and spain has been signed by Secretary Fish
and Nlmira! Polo. representing the re-
>l""ti'" governments. 1t seems to us that
III" basis is just and honorable. although it
may mot m approved by hot bl"odcd and
incorporate thinkers. 1t remains yet to be
approved by the respective governments.
and then will arise the question whether
the Spanish government is able to enforce
its authority in tho matter. The Nirginius
and surviving crew and passengers arc I"
~. surrendered to the United States. In
less spain shall satisfy the United States
that our flag was Improperly carried Ivy the
Nir.:ini.,s. the Spanish government will
formally salute the flag in token that no
inli"nity was intended and prosecute the
! commander Of the Tornado, and Burricl the
butcher Of Santiago and all other persons
VIII" have violated the treaty stipulations or
international laws. II Spain shall show
the Virginius was Improperly carrying our
flag rs a protection in unlawful acts. then
the United States will prosecute the sur
vi,'r> VIII" were guilty Of the crime. In
addition I" this, provision will most likely
be made for the widows and orphans Of the
bn,cheral crew and passengers. What
more could he asked? 1t is true indeed.
the Castelar, government, now recognized
10y all the powers rs the legitimate govern
men, of Spain. il in sore distress and peril
! navy m"mlarling its seaport cities and
tarli-t troops infrstim. the mountains. the
United states might take advantage of
Spain distress. wrest from her the Spanish
West Indies, overthrow CASTELAR, and
"ntlrn,c the tarlists. Would that he
h"r"rabr.' Would it not I've cowarlly and
mean and un-.\merican: The CASTELAR,
government agrees voluntarily to every de-
mand made by the United States for repair
alton. 1t is something I" be proud of that
the United States has asked nothing but
what can In most h"norslbly granted. and
yet which, so FAR rs the government is con-
ccrnrd, atoncS for the otlcnsc. CASTELAR,
represents the best and most liberal element
Of Spain. lie is the Washington Of Europe.
His government is one Of progress, Of
freedom, Of enlightened Republican prin-
ciplc. lie is cn,lcavoring to establish. in
Spain that character Of government. the
very inspiration Of which he drew from our
Republic. When few dared he cslouscd
anLal,"atcd in peerless cloqucncc through
ont Europe the cause of free government.
Circumstances were suspicious and the
twin Republics Of France and Spain salute
MS across the Atlantic. and menace dcspot-
ism in its very stronghold. They may or
may not I've established permanently; but
Irt rs not hm first to crush them. While
fri.nhlir>t relations cxistcd--not merely 4
formal friendship but one Of warm >ymlH-
thy and hopeful Interest,": Spanish vessel
"vcrlau!> u vessel Oh the high scas-.s Al
tested by the British COis,ll-bcaring the
American flag: she is taken to Santiago dc
Cuba. and there. by order of subordinate
officer. fitty-s"vcn persons arc inhumanly
l'utc!,crA. The act cannot bc recalled. 1t
might hc very many Spanish Cuballs would
r-enact the deed IL in their power. But
tn" government disavOws the decd and Of
frrs all rcparati"n in its power. 1t is our
duty to accept that rcparation, and il the
element with which Castcllar haste contend
and whicl, may attempt to overthrow him
for making it. succeeds and prevents him.
then will he time cn"lgh-and right good
timc--for turning guns and bayoncts to-
warl Spain. and may they bc heavy, sure
and true. II is to bc hoped Congress and
the Spanish government will approve the
terms, and AS earnestly hoped that Castel-
lar may bc able to overthrow his enemies
and tho tw" Republics tor ag.. IL. pre-.
serve pcac" and good will.