Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-11-10
TINE sPANisH BUrCHERY OF THE
VIRGINIUs PRISONERS.
The views OF secretary Fish.

A representative of TsE STAR had an inter-
view with Secretary Fish this morning with ref
erenee to the action OF our government in the
complications arising out of the seizure of the
steamer vrginius, and the execution of four Of
IL e captives.
MIR. Fish stated that he had not yet been able
to receive any information concerning the seiz-
ure aud execution other than that the Virginlus
was captured near the island oil Jamaica; that
telegIaphic communication between Hsvans
and Santiago de Cuba was interrupted, and 1t
might be several days before the full details
we're officially presented.
STAY OF PROCEEDINGS.
Last night a dispatch was received from Min
lister Siskles by the Secretary, who stated that
he had had an additional interview with Caste
Ter, and that the news of the execution hal
been officially received at Madrid. The Span
ish government at once cabled the authorities
at Havana peremptory dispatch to stay all
further proceedings in the cases of the other
captives. Said Mr.. Fish "You see the case is
a complicated one. This government cannot
act upon vague Information. We cannot bring
the dead to life, but we can endeavor to pre-
vent further executions, and you may say this
much has already been accomplished. There
will be no more executions. In regard to the
seizure we have no official information. If the
Virginius was first sighted in Spanish waters
forms one view of the case; If she was on the
high sea and chased to Jamaica, that forms an
other; AID If she was captured within a league
of Jamaica 1t becomes a matter for the Eng
lish government to take cogniZance Of"
how THE EXECUTION MIGHT HAVE BEEN
STAYED.
The consul at Santiago de Cuba is A. N.
Young. Some how or other this important func-
tionary was away from his post. Said Mr.. Fish,
"Mr. Young was not at Santiago de Cuba. He
was away from his post without leave"
The fact seems to be that the government of
the United States had no one but
the assistant Consul (Smith) on hand to enter
protest, and hence the executions were rushed
through before Intervention was possible; when
II consul of the United States had
been present to demur, a stay might have been
had long enough, at all events, to have received
the order from Madrid forbidding the exec u
tons.
MR.. FIsH's OPINION OF SPANISH GOVERNMENT.
Said Mr.. Fish, the government of Spain is
composed of good republicans. They mean
well. They have made many concessions at
the instance of this government. The whole
trouble is with the volunteers (Spanish) in Cuba.
No one attempts to apologize for their brutality
and butchery. think if the Spanish govern
ment was to cut the threats of the whole batch
of them (the volunteers) it would be good
thing. don't mean physically but politically
ihSy nave ul-plhytu THIRSTY
and have given their home government a great
deal of trouble. But said Mr.. Fish, "The min
lister of the colonies has been sent from SPAN
to make an inspection; he is armed with great
power and expect to hear of great reforms.
With reference to the reported additional ex-
ecution of Santa Rosa. Mr.. Fish said he had not
been officially advised, but said he, "He has
before condemned to death as q pirate ana [
am not sure but that he came under that provi-
sion. After consuming a ream of paper, and
numerous cable dispatches this government Sc
cured his release. He wrote me letter only a
few weeks ago, saying that he owed his life to
me think he is great fool If he went down
there again"
STAY AT HOME SOLDIERS.
Continuing, the secretary said: al am in
sympathy with the Cuban cause. The trouble
with them is that they have no seaport. They
have no means Of communication; they are shut
out from the rest of the world, and in getting
supplies Of any kind have to smuggle them in
through Spanish waters All those who were
executed were no doubt in the commission of
the insurgents. 1t would have been much better
for the Cubans to have kept them home, doing
service where it was valuable. Fighting battles
in New York and in Washington by the words
of titled officers will not earn victories. If they
had done more service in Cuba and less else
where the cause on the island ght to day pre-
sent more fattering aspect. L would rather
see Cuban patriots made Of sterner stuff" In
reply to an inquiry, Mr.. Fish said the distance
from HAVANA to Santiago de Cuba was AGO
miles, and that 1t was possible that the Cubans
themselves might have cut the wires and have
prevented telegraphic communication.
In parting with the Secretary he observed
that as soon as he received any additional
ohicial Intelligence concerning the Firginius,
ne would ut once communicate it to the press.
The representative of TIE STAR said, "Mr.
Fish what reparatiOn will be demanded of the
Spanish government? Will il be q mere apology
from them" "well, said he." we can't tell at
this time. not having facts before us, but you
can rest assured the government will act
promptly in the premises. 1t Is a somewhat
similar case to the Mason and Slidell affair
Inc insurgents actually want the government
OF the United States to do what the government
OF England did not dare do during the war of
the rebellion. They want us to fit out expedi-
tions and land them on their soil. This is more
than England did. True she fitted out one or
two priyateers, but she has had to pay fifteen
ana half million dollars for the pleasure.
England never landed an armed vessel on our
coast. In this Virginius matter. after we are
lnioim med OF the facts, this government will
act, it cannot act now because it does not have
any pass upon which to proceed firmly and
Intelligently. 1t may be week yet be fore the
news If presented in an official shape.