Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-11-12
THE VIRGINIUS.

The capture of the Virginius was made or
the lst inst. The captives were executed or
the 4th. 1t was not until the 9th that the
news of the capture reached Washington
On that day Secretary Fish telegraphed Min
lister Sickles TO prevent any hasty proceed
ings; he also had conference with Presiden
CASTELAR,, who hadtelegraphed TO Cuba order:
that no action should be taken in regard tc
the prisoners till full report of the capture
had been made to the Government at Madrid
The haste of the captors and representatives
of Spanish authority in Cuba will be fully APP
preciated by the recollection of the fact that
the execution had taken place before Presi-
dent CASTELAR, and his Ministers were informed
of the capture. On receipt of the information
of the execution, Mr.. Fish sent a dispatch to
Mr.. Sickles that the seizure of a vessel car
rying the American flag upon the high seas
was very grave matter, requiring imme-
date explanation, and if il should appear
that American citizens had been captured
and shot, the most ample reparation would
be demanded. He denounced in the strongest
terms the disgraceful proceedings and has,y
execution. Following instructions, Mr. Sickles
has had several conferences with the Pres-
dent and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
Spanish Government, and has received from
them assurances that, even in the absence of
the demands of the United States Govern
ment, every PREPARATION required by public
laws shall be promptly made. The regrets of
the Spanish Government have been already
expressed for the haste OF the execution.
Washington despatch says: The Sec
rotary of State has sent instructions to both
Minister Sickles, at Madrid, and Consul Gen
erai Hail, at Havana, to telegraph as soon as
possioie all the facts IN regard 10 the capture
OF the Virgnius and the execution of the par
ties on board that vessel. dispatch from
Minister Sckles states that the Madrid Gov
eminent had no information of the execution
until after it had occurred Mr. Hall informs
the Secretary that he has taken the necessary
steps to learn all the particulars, and will
communicate them to the Department imme-
diately after their receipt. The only informa-
ton the Government now has is the fact that
the Yirginius was captured and several per
sons on her executed, but as to what waters
or under what circumstances the vessel was
captured no information has been received
Until these facts are known officially the Gov
eminent will take no action in the matter
The question being very delicate one, it is
not the intention OF our authorities to take
any step that cannot be maintained under the
law of nations. The Spanish gun-boat Tor
nado had right to overhaul the Virginius if
she was caught in an illegitimate act within
three miles of the Santiago de Cuba shore.
On the other hand, if the Virginius were
caught in an illegitimate act within the pre-
scribed distance, and attempted to get away,
the question as to whether the Tornado had
the right to chase her beyond the distance of
six miles from the shore is an undecided one
some writer's on international law having con-
tended that vessel caught in an illegitimate
act within the three miles may bs chased and
overloaded on the high seas beyond the dis
lance Of six miles from shore. Again, If the
vessel was captured within three miles of the
coast Of Jamaica, as it has been stated, the
matter will be noticed by the English Govern
ment If not satisfied that the Virginius is en-
titled to the protection Of the United States.
IL is true that she sailed from New York un-
der an American register, but il has been
charged That she was sold to Quesada some
nfteen or eighteen months ago at Curacoa.
and since that time has been sailing under
both the Cuban and the Venezuelan flags. and
If the charge should turn out TO be true. she
cannot receive the protection of our Govern
ment. Hence, no action will be taken toward
protecting the vessel until all the above cues
tions shall have been decided