Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1873-11-20
New Series-Vol. 13. No. 43

startling in its character, not only from
the atrocity of the act reported, but
from the fact that the Cuban authOri-
ties were ordered by the Madrid gov
ernmeH5 to stay further executions,
that il created ut first, in official circles,
doubts rs to It's truth, huI these now
have been removed. and while the
credit of good faith is given to the
Madrid government, emphatic con-
demnation of the Cubanauthurities for
their swift vengeance and disregard OF
the commands of the home govern
mcnt. is everywhere expressed. The
Secretary of State yesterday, on receipt
OF the dispatch announcing the Who'll
sale execution atSantiagO de Cuba, tel
egraphed to Consul Genera! Hall, at
Havana, TO instruct the Vice Consul at
that port TO inquire into the matter,
and to enter earnest Protest against the
haste of the trial in the face of the or
Gers Of the Spanish government for de-
lay until full examination could De
made into all the facts attending the
capture of the Firginius. Hall replied
that the Vice Consul had already pro-
tested in strongest terms against the
proceedings, but that his action w;sS
seriously ObStructed by the Spanish of
ficialS, all avenues of communication,
being closed agalDst him. The tele-
graph line between Santiago and Ha-
vana being Interrupted, he was pre-
vented from telegraphing to Kingston
in order to make inquiry relative to
the Virginius, when she was brought
into port. There was nothing left to
him but the slow proct S. of mails, aud
this mode of communication was of no
advantage under the circumstances.
Immediately on receipt of Consul
General Halls dispatch the Secretary
of State instructed Minister SickleS to
enter with the Spanish government Il
strong protest against the proceedings
at Santiago, characterizipg them as an
outrage on civilization and humanity,
and an insait to the American govern
ment. Gen. SickleS has replied that he
had an interview with the Minister for
Foreign Affairs and acted in accordance
with his instructions, and further, that
the Spanish government, duly impress
ed with a severe responsibility, had
promised to act in such a manner as
would show its disapprobatiOn of the
proceedings ut Santiago, and at the
same time its friendship for this Gov
ernmeit.
The Spanish Minister had long con-
ference with the Secretary Of State to-
day. and Sir Edward Thornton, the
Britis! AmhasSadOr, WAS afterWaru
ci0seteii with Ene Secret PrY. The French
Minister WAS sSiihsequeniiy admitted to
an audience. but on 4 different subject.
This IS What IS called diplomatic Day
oae day in each week being set apart
for foreign Ministers. The Secretary
was occupied till a late hour with these
and other callers CT various legations.
t5ns Of the points about which there
is muck sOlicitude, is the position OF
the VirgiaailS when she was captured.
The first dispatch To Secretary Fish
said she WAC captured six miles from
the coast OF Jszlna4ea. while at about
the same time !, disE2Gh received at the
British legation saiH ths capture took
place in British waters. the President
being restained by Constitution and
laws from making war On Spa1z Oy at
tacSing her Colonies, all that c2E now
be done is in the way OF correspondents.
with the Madrid Government. the Off
cial papers TO be laid before Congress
for SUCH action as may be due to the
dignity Of the nation in vindicltjOu NJ
It's honor and full protection of its cit
liens. rha Government, however, Is
mean Hilii4 making preparations -
meet all issues which may arise, even
if they should require force, aud this
fact is apparent i'll the present naval
movements. The Kansas has bcen Or
dered immediatly 10 Santiago de Cuba.
and will be commanded by C0mmO-
doTe A. V. Reed. In addition 10 this
vessel and the MahOpac and Manhattan
iorn clads, the Powhattn and OSsipee
Will also be ordered to active service in
the North Atlantic squadron. The
War Department will strengthen the
fores in toe Gi:If, having already taken
measures tor Strengthening and ad-
diiionally garrisoning Fort Jefferson,
in Florida.
1t is the opinion here thai Congress,
acting on the Recommendation of the
President, viii promptly tale action
on the questions to be presented con-
cerning our affairs with Cubaa