Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-11-25
THE WAR CLOUD.
The Actual Situation of the Case.

n Siekles and Figueras.
The following article which appeare
in the Washington Republican Of til
22d inst, is regarded as the Admins
tration statement of the situation o
Cuban affairs;
The Government has reason to con
graduate itself upon the aspect of til,
present condition of its negotiation
with Spain. 1t viii be remembered
that as soon as the first information O.
the Santiago slaughter was received
the Government instructed minister
Slckles to convey its protest TO the
Madrid authorities Ii the most EN-.
phatie manner against the outrage. and
that subsequently demand for recla.
nation sufficient to repair the injury
inflicted upon the victims of the slansh.
ter, and atone for the insult to our fac.
was submitted TO The same authorities.
The result OF this prompt action was
tke transmission of an order from the
Madrid Government to the Havana an
thor1tles to suspend further executions
until more satisfactory investigation
could be had. The effect Of this order
was to prevent additional buteheries
after it had been received i5R Gov.
BurrieL The United States Govern
ment is, therefore. entitled to the credit
OF having saved by its prompt inter-
vention many in1periIed lives of mem
bers OF the unfortunate crew of the
Vlrginius. Great credit is also due to
Minister Sickles for this result, as it is
known that he had taken the initiatory
steps before the receipt of especial III.
structions from our State Department
60 secure If,
The dispatches, official and other
wise, conclusively prove that if the Gov
eminent had not interviewed the major
lty of the remainder of the crew would
have been sacrificed. Burriel's sub
mission to the Spanish Government is
thereby made apparent beyond the
possibility of contradiction. The
Spanish Government is, therefore, en-
titled, SO far as this submission is con-
cerned, to whatever credit may accrue
from the fact that it effectively and
promptly responded in a favorable man.
her to our first demand in the prem
lses. If its command had been DISC
beyed the ease would have presented
different aspect; but as it is we are
compelled to accept the fact of Bur-
rlel's obedience thereto as a proof of
the honest intention Of the CASTELAR,
Government te yield satisfactory and
honorable settlement of the difficulty.
No doubt exists that an imperative ne
cessity for action on the part of our
Government, of the most aggressive
and unpleasant kind, to protect it's
citizens, has been removed by this new
and favorable feature of the case.
The sensational dispatch printed yes
terday, giving an account of an alleged
quarrel between Minister Sickles and
the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs
is characterized by competent authori-
ty as pure fabrication. The official
received from Minister Sick
les from the outset of the case show
that be has continuously enjoyed pleas
ant official and personal relations with |
the officers of the Madrid Government. |
1t Is true, as announced in our own spe- |
clal dispatches yesterday, that the Uni
ted States Legation was threatened by |
a mob on the night Of the 18th inst. |
Official dispatches 7, ceived by the Gov
confirm the announcement.
This confirmation cannot be construed. |
however, except as an indication that |
the mob of the Madrid streets, infuria-
ted by the angry tone of the press,
which clamors for General Sickles' re-
moval, is inimical to him. 1t is known
that this mob is composed in part of
persons who are friendly to the Carlist
and would consequently do
and dare everything in their power to
the embarrassing complica-
lions with which the CASTELAR, govern
ment is now afflicted. They know, too,
that Minister Sickles had much to do
with the establishment of the republic.
This is another cause for their inimical
feeling toward him; but the fact that
IN the occasion of their threat to the
United States Legation they were
promptly dispersed by the Madrid au-
-horities proves that he so far enjoys
-he respect of those authorities as to
sntitle him to their protection.
AT the Cabinet meeting yesterday,
which lasted four and a half hours, the
)fficial dispatches submitted confirmed
he belief that there Is no more reason
o abandon the idea Of attaining Just
conclusion nOav than there acds yesterday.
The sensational tales now so rife may
nave temporary effect, but the facts
'emain as they were when we announ-
ed the receipt of official information
hat the Spanish Cabinet is "unani-
'oo1SIy an .fauOr Of satisfactory and
honorable settlement of the Virginius
lifficulty, but regard the maintenance
# the integrity of Spanish territory as
,ssential.' When it isunderstood that
10 new developments have occurred
mce this announcement was made, ex-
,ept those regarding the obedience by
8urrlel of the commands of his home
Government, which, as stated, must be
accepted as favorable indications of
he honest purpose Of that Government
o deal justly, it Will at once appear
hat the situation promises favorable,
not peaceful results. The Gov
Will, nevertheless, continue its
in anticipation of unfa-
-orable results. The Cabinet was
unanimous in the support of this policy.
The future of the Republic of Spain is
he subject of serious concern, and pro-
oked much discussion. But the gen
raj belief was expressed that CASTELAR,
nd his associates will be able to main
ain themselves in their efforts to ac-
ord justice in response to our demand
or reclamation. While the Govern
nent is not unmindful of the embar-
assments which surround CASTELAR,, it
S fully impressed with the responsible
y of its duty and to the evidently
unanimous desire Of our people that
he honor and dignity of our country
hall be asserted and maintained at all
hazards. Future proceedings will
therefore, be controlled by this latter
lesire. 1t is now almost certain that
Ielays will occur to such an
xtent that the case will neces-
arily be presented to Congress in an
Incomplete condition. II These delays are
he result of the interruption of the
Geographic communication between
havana and Santiago de Cuba and
4 bo,. ,.oagn,s on,n,,r xrbioI |