New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1873-11-12
BY Ell E GR APH
WASHINGTON.
The Cuban Massacre Discussed in II
Cabinet.


The Cuban Massacre Discussed in the
Cabinet.
WASHINGTON, November 1l.-There was
full Cabinet meeting today, at which the
seizure OF the Virginius on the high seas
and the slaughter of Ryan and his COM
panlons were discussed, but the conclusion
has not ;ranspired. General Burrell's an
nouncement that the patriots died with
conpOsnre seems TO s0othe the authorities
into InactlOl.
No Official Information Received from
Santiago ce Cuba-Acrion Taken to
Cause Stay of Further Proceedinss-
The shooting Disnpproved Of by the
spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs,
but the Home Government Powerless-
Orders to the Navy.
The official information from Santiago de
Cuba, which should have been received by
the Department of State from our consular
representative, has not been received, al
though several days have elapsed since he
was telegrapiIed to furnish all the partcu-
lars relating to the seizure Of the Virginlus
and the executions which SO soon followed
the event, but Notwithstanding the non
receipt of the information our government
has, as already known, taken such action in
the premises as has, SO far as the Spanish
r
proceedings relative to the captives now in
The custody of the Cuban authorities until
all the facts in the case shall nave been
ascertaineG.
The Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs,
N mis- recent converse ton with Minister
S.ckles, expressed his disapprobation OF the
summary manner OF the execution of the
prominent persons captured with the Vir-
ginius, and gave him the assurance that no
Shn h1, Il k,v ~, al
government to show the United States that
its friendship was more substantial than
mere words, or language to this effect.
The utterances were, IL is believed by
those who have been officially advised of
them, made in good faith; but the Spanish
government, like our own. admits the im-
practicable character of those with whom
ii has to deal in Cuba, while referring to
the troubles which eonvulse Spain herself,
thus rendering her almost if not quite DOW
erIess to act efficiently IN the affairs OF Caba
and restrain the excesses which, under
other circumstances, might be prevented.
AT the Cabinet meeting to-day there was
q conversation Of long continuance with
regard to CGban affairs generally and the
position occupied by the United States on
the subject. There was no difference alDun z
tine members OF the full Cabinet as to our
dury in the premises, present and prospec-
tive, while awaiting the necessary official
information.
There is 70 doubt that The Admiral and
commanders Of our fleet in Cuban waters
will be, ii they have not already been i'll
strncted. TO observe the orders issued n the
spring OF 1863, when reports came TO the
Navy Department, through the press and
telegraph, OF several American vessels hav-
ing been searched by Spanish men-ot-war
II British waters and on the high road OF ma
tious in the Gulf oI Mexico The gov
ernment then as now, took the posi-
ton that while the United States
government wished to observe strict neu-
trality in regard to the difficulties
existing in the island of CGba, that it could
not consent that our merchant vessels
should be molested IL their lawful pursuits,
or Overhauled and examined, unless they
were found committing some violation OF
Spanish authority: which they could only
do by landing arms and munitions OF war
the waters between Cuba and the United
States being used as the great highway of all
Nations, and vessels should not be molested
unless they were lC a marine league of the
island, and not even then unless detected
in some overt act.
The Secretary Of the Navy. in his general
aud special instructions, said the United
States government sees no reason why yes
sels pursuing their peaceful vocations
should be OverliaUled and searched by
Spanish cruisers; there has been no pro-
clamation according belligereno rights
10 the so-calied insurgents, nor IS the
by the Spanish government You VIII,
therefore, prevent, as lar as lies in your
power any infraction of international law
by the Spanish vessels of war as far as the
matter of our commerce is concerned
And in the Instructions TO Admiral Poor.
ina January, 1870, the Secretary said: It
is desired that you should keep some of
your vessels stationed on the north
and south ends of tie island Of Cuba,
or at such points as the so-called
should convene for escape
from the island. While the department does
not desire that you should seek oppoI tuni-
ties 10 encourage these distressed persons
to seek tie protection OF the United States
flag, YOU will, in no case, refuse them shell
ter on the vessels OF your fee: and when
they are once under the protection of the
flag, their persons and property will be
held sacred against the interference OF the
Spanish authorities.
In no case will you give up any one at
to escape from the island except
by authority from this department 1t is
probable the feet in the south Atlantic will
oe increased without delay and one or more
vessels sent to Santiago de Cuba.
Discussions have taken place in official
quarters as to the course this government
Ought 10 pursue in case Spain should be un-
aole to enforce the principles of interna-
tional law or violate those applicable TO the
highway of nations particularly affecting
vessels sailing under the national flag. 1t
has heretofore been plainly inrimated to
the necessity might be imposed on
the United States to decisively en-
force the principles for which the
government has so earnestly cOntended.
The future will determine when they shall
have practicable application.
Tie Secretary of State in a conversation
to-day expressed his surprise at the report
ed interview with him yesterday, there be-
ing some things in the publication calcula-
ted 70 place him false position.
johnson Replies to Judge
Holt.
Ex-President johnson sends a commun-
cation TO the Chronicle IN reply to that OF
Judge Holt. printed last August, on the
,ubect of the execution of Mrs. Surratt
IRE Chronicle says OF Johnson's communi-
.atiOn:
1T is throughout dignifed and free from
leediess personalities aud all vituperation,
,nG is confined TO a review OF the state
nrDt of d government official, which, #
.redited. might affect his reputation as a
.:tizen and as an officer, while acting as the |
hief executive Of the natien. Charges |
rom unofficial circles are altogether g. !
.ored in Mr.. Johnson's communication"
Indian Affairs.
The C0Iumisslo loner OF Indian Affairs does |
lot credit the report from Texas that all of
he kiowas are off their reserva ton except |
,antanta. He says few of the Kiowas may
ave lasD dGnrpGat in IpylS nut ne
oes not believe that anything like 800 are
n the war path.
He has received recent advices from the
gent of the Kicxas and Comanches, and
hen the latter were heard from they were
Il unier ard on their reserEa alton. He feels |