The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-07-23

We publish in another column extracts
] from the correspondence between the British
and Spanish governments, in reference to
the execution of British subjects who
formed part of the Yirginius crew. 1t is
worthy of note that the British government
denies absolutely the right of the authori-
ties to lnfict the death penalty on men who
were nOn-cOmbatants. The plea that the
! ViTglnius was a pirate is secuted, and the
/ right Of Spain to make blockade running a
piratical oifense is firmly denied. This
viewin keeping with common sense and
humanity, contrasts strangely with the
mean and cowardly interpretations of the
law of nations furnished by complying
Judges to the American Secretary. We can
scarcely hope that the digRifed action of
the British government in this matter will
induce the Washington magnates to insist
on reparation for the outrage done our flag
and the murder of our citizens. .-NeU YOrE
Herald.
The position assumed by the British gov
ernment will meet the appreciation of every
friend of civilization and humanity. It is
entirely in keeping with reason and COM
mon sense. Now, it will be evident that
the government at Washington has not
taken the high and commanding attitude
toward Spain which should characterize
American craftsmanship. 1t is, indeed,
very strange that such lax views were en-
tertained by the administration in relation
to an offense of such character.
In a great degree, our government per
mitted the character of the vessel to aggra-
vate or mitigate the crime against humanity,
as If that could excuse or extenuate the
butchery of innocent and unofending per.
sons. From the very outset, it seemed to
be looked upon and treated as case of sec
ondary importance, much like the feeling
aroused for the violation of some treaty OBJ
legation. The Spanish government was al
lowed to show that the papers of the Vir
ginius were not made out regularly, and
and therefore the capture and slaughter Of
the prisoners, at Santiago de Cuba, were tc
be looked upon as an act for the protection
of the island of Cuba from the descent of a
piratical crew.
| It has been charged time and again that
the administration of afairs was weak and
vacillating, not in accordance with the his
tory and glory of the United States in ante
6ellan times. These charges were treated
as the ebullitions of disappointed and soured
politicians, and not in accordance with the
facts. But the conductof the United States
and British governments in the Virginius
affair, and their policies, will do more tc
demonstrate the allegations than any event
which has transpired. In the one case, We
have bold and fearless demand Tor cUm
pensation for the slaughter of non-combat
ants, and the declaration that Spain
acted contratry to the law of nations and
without authority; and hence, that
she is liable for damages and must make
ample reparation for the gross wrong and
barbarous slaughter of the British subjects
that Spain cannot, on the plea of the Vir
ginius being piratical vessel, take the
right into her own hands and, by drum.
head court, condemn to death, without trial
according to the sanctity of law and Gus
tom, men, because they were passengers
upon ship alleged to be piratical because
of attempting to run the blockade of the
island of Cuba. On the other hand, the
United States parley and enter into ar
agreement about the final adjustment Of
the difficulty upon conditions which
are utterly repugnant to the feeling;
of outraged humanity. When it wa.
first announced that United States steamer
had been overhauled and captured on the
high seas while flying the American flag, il
created one universal outburst of indigna,
ton; and it was believed and said, that the
arrogance and barbarity of the Spanish
government would be put down and the
most ample indemnity demanded. For a
time great preparations were made; the
naval depots were active; the monitors were
overhauled; commanders were ordered tc
their vessels; and there was apparently q
determination to bring the matter to ar
early settlement, or else declare war against
Spain and submit the question to the arbit
rament of the sword. But as time
elapsed the feeling died out; and the
United States, with the sinking of the Vil
ginus, while on her way to port, seemed to
have lost sight of the outrage. It is there
fore the more gratifying to know that there
is power demanding q settlement accord.
ing to the stern principles Of justice and
nothing less than ample remuneration to the
Surviving relatives Of the unfortunate victims
and suitable apologies for the mOnstrOus
outrage viii appease the wrath Of British
statesmen. Earl Granville, in his letter Of
instructions to Mr.. Layard, holds the fol
lowing positions:
s'Her Majesty's government maintain that
there was no charge, either known to the
law of nations or TO any municipal law, un-
der which persons in the situation Of the
British crew Of the 'Yirginius' could have
been justifably condemned 70 death.
tsThey were persons not owning allegi-
ance to Spain; the acts done by them were
done out Of the Jurisdiction Of Spain; they
were essentially non-combatants IN their en-
ployment, and they could By no possible
construction be liable to the penalty Of
death.
In these circumstances her Maiesty's
government consider that they may prop
erly insist On full reparation for the execu-
ton Of the British subjects in question from
the government Of Spain
Il 1haye, accordingly, 70 instruct you to
address note 10 the Spanish government
recapitulafing the arguments set forth in
this dispatch, and you win state that her
Maiesty's government entertain the con
hdent hope that the government Of Spain,
respecting the justice Of those arguments,
win lose no time IN rendering fun repara-
ton, both IN the fOm Of . national recOg.
milton Of the wrong done 70 Great Britain
and also Of compensation 10 the relatives oi
the British subjects executed.
pnov--777-7 = = 1TT-Euw-