Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1873-12-10
THE YIRGINIUS AFFAIR.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6.-The Vir-
ginius complications have entered upon
new and more serious phase. Yes
terday the Spanish government tele-
graphed to the Spanish minister here
to request modification of the proto-
col, SO that the Virginius might be de-
livered to q neutral power, instead Of
the United States, until the character
OF the vessel can be determined Our
cabinet had long session upon the
subject, and .determ ned to make no
modification. The agreement has been
made, and it must be executed. There
is little doubt that Congress will sus-
tain the cabinet, and unless Spain with
draws this new propositio and ful-
fills the protocol, the consequences
seem to be evident. The CASTELAR, gov
ernment. it IS feared, has been compelL
ed to choose between its own overthrow
aud the non -fulfllment Of the protocol.
The condition is critical .s
PARIS, Dec Ga Herald cable
cypber dispatch from Madrid says the
Cuban question is again grave Minis
Ger Sickies to-day rendered his resigna-
100 as minister III consequence ct a
Disagreement about the Spanish catn-
picarons Tn's disagreement has ex-s
lsted for some time. ltIs understood
that in the recent negotiations, Secre-
1ary Fish acted directly with President
CASTELAR,, and ignoring Sickles, and dis
approving of his impera1 tone. TIE
correspondence says they have had fre-
quent' disasreements before, and that
there was almost rupture on the oc-
cas'on Of the correspondence attending
the. remand of Bidwell from Havana,
aud the Howard case, when Fs, lg-
nored Sickles. and, dealt directly with
the Spanish miuister.
It IS generally said in diplomatic
circles, that the good Offices Of the
Brush minister had accomplished a
ettlemcat, but as now Fish proposes
further cpncess ions, ,Sickles resigns.
The Cuban authorities demand that
,he Virglulus be delivered a. some
Spanish or Porto Rico port, at the dis.
| erection OF Soier, colonial minister, there
30 await arbitration.
The opposition to CASTELAR, is cul
mlnafing in a cabinet crisis. The
whole panish press Indignantly ro-
test against the tone of president Grants
| message, as an lmperllnent in erference
III Cub affairs really none of his bu-
| slness The cause OF the cabinet crises
5 the charge that Castelar, panaers to
America The situation here springs
from the astounding ignorance, haugh-
uness. and pride Of he people. The
teel'n is intensely warike.
WASHINGTON, Dec. THE proto-
| col signed by Admiral Polo with Sc
| cretary Fish on the 29ih of November
was with the fall appreciation OF his
| Government, after mature consideration
of all its Consequences, and since that
time 1t has expressed no inclination
whatever for a change Of its terms.
The excitement in the Island Of Cuba,
aud the allie ed threats concerning the
| Vlrglnius, gave reasonable foundation
for fear. on the part Of many persons
that the vessel and the surviving pas
seneers aud crew would not be prompt
! Iy delivered up to the United States
authorities according to the terms Of
the. agreement.
But such apprehensions have NOT
been shared by the Executive branch
Of our Government, for it can be posi-
lively stated that there is noting to di-
minish its confidence in the sincerity
of the purpose Of the Spanish Govern
ment. or its ability to execute its en-
gagements. The delay of transactions
has been unavoidable, and only recent
ly arrangements for the consummation
Of the terms have been completed.
Whatever may have been suggested
heretofore as to the programme, it can
now be asserted that the Virginius Will
be delivered to one of our naval vessels
within the next ten days at Cuban
| port in open day; and the surviving
passengers and the crew will be trans
ferred to United States ship at San
tiago de Cnba in an equally open man
ner. The vessels to perform this
service will soon be, if they have not
already been, designated by the Secre-
tary of the navy. This is the condi-
ton of affairs tonight, which has
served to inspire hope of continued
peace with Spain, in order that the
United States may continue to give
their moral support to the CASTELAR,
Government 10 Its efforts to establish
republic.
Admiral Polo has lately received
a communication from Capt. Gen.
Jovellar, in which there is no reference
to the subject of his alleged resignation.