South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1873-12-05

Terms Of the Official ProtOcot-7he Rir-
ginius to be .Sarreadered-.Satkte 10 the
Fag-Reiease Of ,,Surrioors.
SUMMARY OF THE SETTLEMENT.
WASHINGTON, November 20. Tho ne-
gotiations between the United States and
Spain, with regard to the questions growing
out of the capture of the Virginius were
brought TO a conclusion to-day, Secretary
FISH and ADMIRAL Polo having agreed
upon and signed protocol, which the lat
ter soon after teegraphed to his govern
ment. "A conflicting statements have ap-
peared 10 the newspapers regarding intelli-
gence received last night, and also to-day,
it can DOW be positively stated that the
terms arc as follows:
FIRsT.-The immediate delivery to the
United States of the ship Virgiuius ADD all
the surviving passengers aud crew.
SECoND.-A salute TO our flag on tie
10Th of Decemb Der, unless in the meantime
Spain shall satisfy the Upited States that
the American flag was improperly borne on
that vessel, aud further that she had no
right to the American flag or American
papers. In this event tho salute is to be
spontaneously Withdrawn, aud Spain is to
formally disclsim any intentional indignity
to the flag in the acts committed by Spain
against the Virginius.
THIRD.-If il shall thus be shown that
the Nirginius had no right to carry the A.
mcrican flag aud papers, the United States
will institute proceedings against the vessel
aud the surviving parties who have violated
the laws of the United States aud Spain
guarantees to institute proceedings against
any of her authorities who may have viola
ted either law or treaty stipulations.
FoURTH.-The matter of reclamations
for damages is reserved for future con,idc-
ration.
la addition to the above, il can also be
positively said that within the next two
days Secretary FISH and the Spanish min.
lster will determine the port at which the
Pi-ginius and the surviving passengers and
crew shall be delivered to the United States.
The words 'immediato release" as appli.
cable to the delivery of tho Virgiuius and
the surviving passengers and crew implies
of course q reasonable time for its execution,
as some days must elapse before Havana
and Santiago de Cuba can be reached.
The agreement is regarded in official
quarters as covering all the points of our
original demands, though in a modified
form, whilc it is considered respectful and
honorable to both countries
The fixing of the 25th of December as
the time for saluting our flag is to allow the
necessary opportunity to Spain to show that
the Virginiu. improperly carried the Amer
lean Gag aud American papers. There is
sensible relief in all quarters that the ne.
gotiation has thus peaceably ended
Both Secretary FISH and ADMIRAL Pc.
10 had for two weeks past been engaged in
producing this result, on which they re-
ceive the congratulations of their respcc-
tive friends.
The questions between Spain and the u
nited States are freely discussed in con-
grcssional, army and naval circles The
only fear expressed il that the Casteler cab
met will not be able to enforce its agree
ment.
All excitement concerning the Virginius
has subsidized, the terms of settlement be-
ing considered honorable to both powers
Baltimore Sun, December |