Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-11-27
CUBAN AFFAIRS.


Passports.
Sheridan Summoned to IA Con-
ference.
Continued Activity in the Navy
yards.
The British Minister TO Protect Amer
lean Residents.
PARIS, Nov. Herald cable special
The following dispatch has just arrived in
cypher from a Herald correspondent in
Madrid:
Madrid, Nov. 26.-The situation is
grave On the 10Th Gen. Sickles, by order
of President Grant, delivered formal ul-
tinatun to President CASTELAR,, demand
ing prompt and vigorous repara-
ton for insult to the flag, the restora-
tion of the Vrginius, the release of surviv-
ing prisoners, indemnity to families of the
murdered, and punishment of the murder
ers, and also guarantee against future
outrages in Cuba. The demand is couched
in a kind, sympathetic tone, but no
alternative given. Gen. Sickles was
also instructed to say that if CASTELAR,
did not comply with the demand in week
he should ask fer his passports and leave
Madrid with the legation. The time eX-
pires to-day and no answer has yet been re-
ceiyed. Everything at the legation is pack
ed up ready for immediate departure.
Sickles has no hope that the ultimatum
will be complied with, and telegraphed
TO Paris Yesterday to Have all his
official correspondence that might be there
kept for few DAYS. Gen. Sickles, in con-
versation, says he does not see how war
can be avoided, as CASTELAR, can give no as
sarance that the order will be obeyed. In
Cuba public feeling is also opposed to con-
cessions. Unless CASTELAR, responds this
evening, General Sickles leaves
Immediately. All the American ships
in the Mediterranean, have been ordered to
Kew West. In the event of Gen. Sickles
leaving, the British Minister will probably
protect the archives and the American res
idents. President CaStelaris personally anX-
ious to accept the British Minister'S good
offices to effect compromise, but there is
no hope tonight.
New YORK, Nov. 2G.-A Washington
special says the government at Madrid de-
clares that it is willing and resolved to re-
store the Virginius and yield the other
claims of the United States, its only re-
quest now being that the fact shall be first
established that the Virginius was entitled
to the protection of the American flag.
Activity at Norfolk Navy-yard.
Fort MONROE, Nov. 26.-Norfolk Navy
ward presents scene Of hustle and activity
not surpassed since the war. In case Of
hoStilities, it will be an important station,
being the nearest navy-yard of consequence
to the West India Islands. Preparations are
making for any emergency, and vessels
loaded with coal, ship-timber, etc, are
dailv arriving. Work on the Galena and a
new sloop-of-war, are being pushed forward
RAPIDLY. It is understood that the force Of
wOrkmen will be largely increased the lSt
of December.
4 careful inspection of the fort has been
made and the weak points are being
strengthened. The Rip-RapS and Fort
Wool can be put in state Of defense in
ten DAYS. That and judicious distribu-
tion of torpedoes will protect the harbor.
The present force in the machine shop, at the
fort. arc hnsv altering and improving fifteen
inch gun carriages for Southern coast
works.
sheridan Summoned to siae Confer
ence.
CHICAGO. Nov. 26.-Lieut. Gen. Sheri-
dan left for Washington last nigh by the
10 o'clock train. 1t is understood he goes
in obedience to an official summons to CON
fer in regard ID military affairs. In case of
war with Spain, Gen. Sheridan would have
the chief command in the field.
Returning Home TO ROOst.
MADRID. Nov. 26.-The Igndidea news
paper justifes the execution OF the Virgin
ius captives, and cites as a precedent for
the action of the Spanish authorities, the
circular issued by the United States Gov
ernment during the civil war, declaring
Confederate privateerS pirates.
The Washington Navy-yard.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 26.-SecretaryR Robe
son and United States Naval Constructor
visited the navy-yard this morning. Work
is being urged forward rapidly, and on
Thanksgiving day all the hands in the yard
will be employed. One hundredmen were
added to the force this morning.
A General Resume.
As it is not customary for the government
to publicly make known, unless by compe-
tent authority, the progress Of negotiations,
it can therefore be said that statements re-
garding an alleged agreement between
Spain and the United States are, to say the
least premature. 1t is known that our gov
ernment has protested to that of Spain
against the seizure of the Virginius while
fying the American flag, and summary eX-
ecution of number Of persons captured,
notwithstanding the efforts of our Vice
Consul to secure a delay in order that our
government might be heard before judg-
ment should be pronounced. The conduct
of the Spanish wan-of-war and that of San
tiago de Cuba Icing contrary not only to
| international law, but against comfy which
| should always exist among civilized and
| friendly nations. The stay of further exc
cutions at Santiagode Cuba by order OF
the CASTELAR, government placed the case in
condition for settlement. This Govern
| ment has alIeady shown to the Spanish
| Government, or assumed that the Virginius
| having United States register and carry
| ing the United States flag was prima facie
| an American vessel; at least this character
attached to her at the time of the seizure
| and hence, the United States, in the alb
sence of proof that ownership resided in
some foreign parts, were bound to protect
the flag she carried. The Spanish Govern
ment has been afforded an opportunity tC
make proper explanations on these points
and to justify the conduct of those acting
under its authority. The nationality OF
| the vessel settled, remaining points
| will be of comparatively easy
| solution, and these include
nationality of the captives. If it should be
determined that the Virgiuius was our YES
sci in the sense that shielded her from cap
ture, her surrender would follow as amattel
of course, and the firing of salute to Oul
flag would not be a severe draft on Span
ish pride. \ demand for the surrender
| of surviving passengers and crew
| and for suitable indemnity for benefit o
the families of those slain at Santiago dc
| Cuba, depend on the contingencies and OF
the facts of the entire question. IF such {
demand were made, it certainly could moi
include families of those of other national
ity than our own. Spain has before now
delivered captured American vessels tC
their owners through the intervention o
the United States Government. after Ions
! DELAYS, the contests always being
as to the lawfulness of their transactions
and our government has for many years
been engaged in procuring the release
from time to time, of American citizens un
| Justly imprisoned or deprived OF their prop
erty in the island Of Cuba. While insist