The New York herald., 1873-11-18
THE MATTER IN WASHINGTON
The Secretary of state Closeted with the
President-GeneraI Grant Recalling
the Past OutraSes Against Our Citizens
and Consuls.

WASHINGTON. NOv II, 1873.
There were but few visitors at the Executive
mansion to-day, nearly all Of whom were admitted
TO an audience with the President. Secre-
tary Fish, who brought his portfolio OF docu-
ments the Cuban question, coseted
with him for an hour, and explained the present
state OF the correspondence wthEhe Spanish gov
ernment, which, the President subsequently said to
the writer OF this article it would be improper
to make public, because only these were diplomatic
usages and courtesies, which it was neces-
sary TO observe pending the contro-
versy but, in due time, the result would
be announced. This government had thus far
acted on such facts as had reached it, and was now
engaged in collecting from all available sources
further Information concerning the capture OF the
Virgnus and the particulars attending the re-
voting executions which followed that event. IL
was desirable that all Information should be
OF such a character as would leave no doubt
whatever as to its reliability. The propriety OF this
course was too evident to require explanation the
government being careful in what it is now doing
and what 1t may hereafter do to act upon facts and
not upon assumptions and uncondrmed reports.
II was essential that we sh ould be prepared 10
maintain our position. The President said he had
changed none OF the views heretofore expressed
by him concerning events in Cuba, but had more
than ever been confirmed in them by recent oc
currenccs.
THIS PRESIDENTS DIPLOMACY.
He shared with the public their denunciation OF
the capture on the high seas OF vessel sailing
with q regular clearance under the United states
nag and the startling events which quickly fol-
lowed. spain never having considered the island
OF Cuba IN a state OF war, and there being
no proclamation by the United states
according begerent rights 10 the insurgents, the
virginius, II regularly cleared TOR the Island OF
Cuba, had a right to enter Havana or any other
open port or the Spanish possessions. This gov
ernment did not recognize any right on the
part or Spain, in the present state OF
AFFAIRS, to interfere In any manner with
our merchant ships upon the seas. except
in the usual right in her ports and within one
marine league OF the coast OF any OF ner dominions,
and OF this fact she is aware AS matter OF
course IL is the determination OF this government
10 protect our citizens IN all their rights
and to compel respect to the nag. The
present naval preparations were with this view,
not TO initiate war by the President that power
being vested in Congress, but 10 be prepared Tor
all possible contingencies. Congress would meet
two weeks from to-day, when everything in
possession OF the Executive Department relative
to Cuban AFFAIRS would be laid before that body
with such recommendations as the occasion might
demand Tomorrow he said he would commence
the preparation OF his message, but would defer
that part relating TO Cuban affairs until within
dsv or two OF tue meeting OF Congress. desiring