New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-11-24

profits, the carrying of the American flag was a
fraud, and should not protect her from capture
The law on this point is very explicit When yes
sci registered oath has to be made that there is no
subject or citizen of any foreign prince or state
directly or indirectly, by way of trust confidence,
OF otherwise interested in such ship vessel or IN
the profits or issues thereof. The penalty for using
a certificate of registration without beng entitled
thereto is as follows:
II any certificate of registry or record snail DC 1rau
enty knowingly used for any ship or vessel not eh
actually entitled the benefit thereof according 10 the
intent OF this act such ship vessel shall De lot
feied 10 United States, with her tackle, apparel
and furniture
But there is no doubt that the Virginius had a
primd tdcio claim to the protection Of the United
States and the President has therefore demanded
reparaton and the surrender Of the ship lt Is now
the duty of Spain TO comply with that demand or
submit her case in defense If it should turn ont
that the Virginius was fraudulently using the
American register, or that there was doubt "a 10
her legal nationality, then Spain might ask that
the case be submitted to arbitration, and 1T ~
held by many here that with our record on
the Alabama case we could not refuse. lhere Is
one state Of the case however, which, II IT eAsts'
stands in the way Of all arbitration If there actu-
ally was an insult to our flag, that Is subject on
which there can be arbitration; an apology or
war must follow That ;point settled, the door
may be opened for a peaceable settlement. The
subject of arbitration has already been seriously
considered by the Cabinet. The sentiment In
favor of q peaceable settlement OF the present
difficulties gains strength with the arrival OF every
public man of influence. The President is exceed
ingy anxious to avoid war; and both he and Secre-
rotary Fish opposed to any measures looking to
II. e (,,Ln OH SebuTZ
Scott Sumner Cameron and many Others, who are
here or have been heard from, do not believe
that there is any cause for war; All of
the leading New-England members Of the
House, with the exception of Gen. Butler,
and perhaps one other, hold the Same opinion, and
to these may be added the names of many of the
oldest members from the West. A prominent Sena-
tor said this evening that the greatest danger arose
from the intercourse of Cen Siclles with the Gov
eminent at Madrid and indiscreet action by some of
our naval officers in Cuban waters. The news re-
ceived by Secretary Fish from Madrid this evening
removes IN great measure the former of these.
The tone of the Spanish Ministry continues
friendly and disposition is manifested to act in all
matters in controversy in such q way as will pre-
serve peace between the two nations. The only I'M
portant communication received to-day from
Madrid was by the Spanish Minister. Admiral Polo,
who communicated the contents to Secretary Fish
The Spanish Government contradict the report
Of any hostile manifestations against the American
Minister. and say that Gen. Sckles is treated with
consideration and respect that some incompetence
Of language Of the mOnarchical press was promptly
silenced by the threat of immediate punishment,
and that the Minister of the Colonies reports from
Havana that the restoration of enlarged property
to American citizens is diligently proceeded with.