New-York tribune., 1873-12-13
ALErTEP TO PRESIDENT GRANT.
VIEWS or A SPANISH OFFICER IN CUBA On THE DE
MANDs OF THE UNITED STATES.


MANDs OF THE UNITED STATES.
MATASzAs, Dec. 8, 1878.
To His Ezeelency the President Of tie United aaes Of
America
SIR: History teaches us from remote times
that the most nations have experienced
thor seasons OF adversely. Ancient Rome attained to
the vanglorious and pompous title OF Mistress of the
World Kings and peoples went yoked to the chariot OF
her trumphs and nevertheless after great vicisstudes,
she found herself compelled to open her doors to the
barbaraus having 10 succumb 10 the furious onslaught
of Attila and Aarie 1t appears that Providence has
orlaned that 10 those rulers OF the world who AFRO
canty and ncOnsideratey abuse the power nrusted to
them terr1bl hour Of Jetrbutton is sure 10 come.
Spain whose sons achieved the glory OF beng the first
10 explore unknown and discover this great CONT
nent of the land Of the great nation over whose
dcstinee Won are called preside; SPAIN by Of
her internal dscord finds herself placed IN critical and
hazardous situation But her faithful sons cannot forget
that handful Of Spaniards collected FOR refuge In the
mountains Asturas and succeeded by dnt OF bravery
and consancy in reganiDg their country from usurpng
foes extending aterward its boundaries TO the furthest
seas They also learned that nothing tends much 10
elevate the minds of dignity amid the rude at
ac Of misfortune. With the prospect OF even greater
evils these such these do not shrink from the
sacrifice o Their ves in order to sustain the right and
Justice OF their cause.
The demands which your Government has made upon
hat of disturbed
the high seas of the steamer Nirginins, employed
in a criminal enterprise against the Island Of
Cuba are as injurious as they are humii-
.,inc and The harshness OF these demands,
made before time taken 10 establish facts and cir
cumstances prove their justice or injustice has hlled
N the brrn the measure OF suiferngs at moment
when isolated and without friendly help In these times
NJ pots we are under the necessity OF struggling with
50 many adyersaries Nobody with the exception as it
irnO he fact hat
the yrgnus was dedicated to the service OF the Cuban
rebes and that she has several occasions effected
the landing OF and ammunition ON our coasts
since the OF your country have taken care
o spread the knowledge ot these facts even to the point
~ giving the names Of the fbusters, with the partcu
lars OF the carsoes in their charge.
Nobody with the exception OF your Government. can
doubt that this has more than one OCCASION
netrayed your fas under which she sailed IL Is also
generally that each time that she started upon
new piratical enterprise she sailed provided with the
same class Of documents those which are usually
borne for legitimate commercial purposes Nevertheless
your Government which represents great nation and
has conded II the trust Of that nations honor de-
cides the question oJrato, without awaiting the
aurroaching meeting Of Congress, and decides, not
| against those criminals who have abused American
hospitality but against the nation that, although bowed
down by present troubles has earned fame and respect
nv IFS past history and the part has sustained IN the
/ annals OF DatlOnes aud nauOn 10 "nch Cnteu
! States has owed great obligations In former times
One would almost incline to think from this conduct
that the matter had decided beforehand for the
copshment OF particular ends, and that the decision
has been made o spirit opposed TO that justice and
| tnpartiaty which demands investigation consders
,ton and compOsure. Under what circumstances have
Won assumed the show OF arbitrary power against the
spanish peOpef Certainly the attitude OF the United
states was soDe what different In 1880 when worthy
nredecessor Of yours had sooner been made aware
hst a number OF American subjects were preparing q
,ariy aggressive enterprise than he issued procs-
nation informing them that he would abandon TO their
fate ALI those who should take part In snch expeditions,
which he declared were contrary to the laws OF the
limited Ststes. But now, when Spain nnds herself
weakened and divided, and employs troops In combat
| ING opposipg factions, IN order firmly to o.
| tabhsh the same form OF government which
exists In your country you attack her, Did you
cider that th. course is glorious or dgnined for
greet nation TO taket Are sure that your Govern
ment by 10 doing interprets truly ana nightly the feel
| ings Of the great American peopef What Importance
attaches TO the cIamor Of portion OF the presi What
matters the excitement Of unstable cowos pafuy moved