The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1873-11-20

Spanish-Cuban OOtraaes.

| A thrill of horror and storm ofindig-
nation has swept over the United States,
from one end to the other, in consequence
OF the high h-handed proceedings and brutal
butcheries of the Spanish authorities in
| Cuba and the demand is loud and geLer-
al, that something be done, and that
| quickly, to vindicate the honor of our flag
and secure the protector n of our citizens
from the blooa-thirsty Spaniards ruling
| the Gem of the Antilles" with rod of
iron.
For years the native Cubans have
been struggling to free themselves from
the Spanish yoke, and In vain has Spain
sent men and money to subdue the re-
bellion. The United States Government
has refrained from according the insur-
gents belligerent rights, and though it
has protested against the horrible bar
barities which have been perpetrated by
the Spanish commanders and soldiers in
Cuba, it has been led, by the fair promises
OF the Madrid government, and especially
of late by an unwllllngness to do anything
that should embarrass or tend to the
overthrow of the Republicans in Spain,
to refrain from any more decisive meas-
ures.
1t has become evident, however, that
the local Spanish authorities in Cuba are
OF late disposed to do very much as they
please, without regard to the wishes Of
the home government, and it looks as if
the time had come when it was necessary
for the UnitedStatesGovernmeut to inter
fere with a strong hand, in the Interest
of humanity, aud restrain the Spauish
barbarians In Cuba from committing such
horrible outrages as it is appearant the
central government is powerless to pre-.
vent.
The steamer Virginius, blockade run
ner during our civil war, captured at Mo
bile, sold to private parties who transfer
red her to the friends of free Cuba, has
for threc years been engaged much cfthe
time in carrying men and means TO aid
the Cuban cause She has claimed ali
the time, however, to- be a thoroughly
American vessel and has carried the
American flag and an American register.
The Spaniards have twice attempted to
seize her in neutral ports, but have been
prevented by United States war vessels.
On the first of November, while sailing
on the high seas and flying the American
flag. with proper American pa pers from
one port of Jamaica toanother, and very
close to. if not in, British waters, the
EdTginius was captured by tho Spanish
steamer 4o5nots0. and ia ken to a port of
CUBA, on the pretext that she was
pirate, against which claim the United
States long ago vigorously protested.
The Spaniards in Cuba were wild with
exultatlon over the capture, as among
the passengers On the Paraiuus-and
doubtless intending when opportunity
offered 10 land on the island, but not
caught in doing so,-werc several leading
Cubans and thar sympathizers. Scant
time was taken for rejoicing however,
before proce eding to business. A drum
head court martial was Qrganized, and its
first result was announced il The fnll-..,;;oo
dispatch to Oafiain Ge-.r.I Jo,,oiI"na ,n".ns
tS the fate Of four passengers Of the
,uginius
SANTtAGo DE CuBA. Nov. 4. 1872.
10 HIS Ercellency the Captain General.
At SIX Q clock this morning were shot
IN this city, for being traitors to their
country and for being insurgent chiefs,
the following persons styling themselves
patriot generals Bernabe Varona,
alias Benlbetta, General OF Division
Pedro Despedes. Commanding General
OF Clentuegos General Jesus del Sol
and Brgadior General Washington Ray
an. The executions took place in the
pr senoc oi the entire corps of volunteers
the force of regular infantry and the
sailors from the fleet An immense
conoours of people also witnessed the
act. The best of order prevailed. The
prisoners met their death with compos-
ure BURRIEI.
Since then adyices have been received
OF the execution on the 7th Of the captain
and thirty six Of the crew, and since then
Of different parties of those on board,
until now it is said that not one of tie
passengers OF c1'ea0 as left to tell the taie,-
the later executions having been in dis
regard Of orders from Spain
Waiving all question as to tie legality
of the capture of the vessel, even as to
the right to punish Cubans who had been
engaged in rebellion; the fact remains
that there were American citizens among
those thus cruelty and summarily butch
cred by Spaniah cut throats, and that
their blood cries to heaven.
We are glad to see that the Government
at Washington seems to be fully aroused
on the subject. while waiting 20 ascertain
the facts in the case. is preparing for any
emergency that may arise, in defense of
American citizenship and American hon.
or.-iState J0arRal