Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-12-31
The New Minister to Spain-The Line
of Policy Mark ed Ont

WASHINGTON, Dec 30.-The appoint
ment of Gushing to be the successor of
Sickles as Minister to Spain, continues to
excite comment concerning the character
of instructions he will receive from the De-
partment of State after confirmation of the
nomination by the Senate. Although usage
is opposed to an open declaration OF the line
Of diplomacy to be pursued, it can be sta
ted with truth that one of the subjects to
which Mr.. Gushing will give his attention
will be the policy of political and admins
trative reform in Cuba as the best means
calculated TO restore peace to that island
and promote its prosperity, and amongthOse
reforms is included the abolition of sla-
very in the Antilles. These views
have respectfully been enforced both
in the Presdents annual message and
official correspondence of Secretary Fish,
and which have been often communicated
TO the Spanish Cabinet. 1t will be recol-
lected that, several years ago, our govern
ment rendered its good offices to Spain, in
the hope of Cuban pacification, but which
were respectfully declined, on basis sug-
gested. 1t is not improbable that SINH
lar tender will again be made by the new
minister, as the administration will resort
to every proper eXpedient for the purpose
of restoring peace and protecting American
interests in Cuba and adjacent waters, and
there can be no doubt that an effort will be
made to conclude q new commercial treaty
with Spain of friendship, limits and nayi-
cation.
Correspondence Between sickles and
Fish.
The following is the teIegraphic colrespon-
dence between Secretary Fish and eX-Min-
lister Sickles concerning the resignation of
the latter:
Madrid, Dec 13-IIamilton Fish, Secre-
tary of State, WashingtOn:-lt is publish
ed semi officially that the government dis
approves of my conduct in case of the
Virginius. If in opinion of the President,
my resignation would facilitate satisfactO-
~ termination of the question or be other
wise advantageous to the public interest,
such resignation may be considered as
hereby respectfully rendered. SIcKLEs.
WdshiRgtOn, Dec. 6.-To SickleS, Min
lister at Madrid: The alleged publication of
disapproval Of your conduct is entirely un-
authorized. No disSatis faction has been
expressed or intimated, and it is deemed
important that you remain. Your resig-
nation at this time would not be accepted,
as it would interfere with prospects of an
accommodation. FISH.
Madrid, Dec. 16.-To Hamilton Fish,
Secretary of State, Washington:-lrespect-
fully request that my telegram of the 9th
inst, rendering my resignation and your
reply of same date, may now be published.
SICKLES.
Washington, Dec. 1z.-To Sickles, Mad
rid: Your tender of resignation was only
hypothical, and your telegram referred to
| alleged publications unknown here, attrib-
uting dissatisfaction which had not been
| expressed. Under these circumstances,
publication is not deemed necessary, and
| cannot be authorized FISH.
Madrid, Dec. 2O.-To Hamilton Fish,
Secretary of State, Washington:
l respectfully renew the tender of my
resignation, which trust may be accepted
now, without interfering with the pros
poets of an accommodation. SICKLEs.
Washington, Dec. 20.-To Gen. Sickles,
Madrid: Your resignation will be ac-
cepted. Letters of recall, with instruc-
tions, will be forwarded by next mail.
FISH.