The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1874-01-08
cnrn on So11ru CARn11NA
Washington News and Gossip.


The sinking of the Virginius is regarded in
administration circles, not as an irreparable
misfortune, but rather as lucky accident,
which relieves the government of the trouble
and expense which otherwise it would have
been called upon to meetin the final disposition
of the ship. But though it is not likely now
that Spain will demand the restoration to her
of the Virginius as lawful prize, Mr.. Fish
will have something yet to do before he can
boast of complete and satisfactory settlement
of this business It is understood here that
among the claims which Spain will urge upon
our government, in view of definite settle
ment of our Spanish complications growing
out of Cuban affairs, will be demand for in
demnity for the acts of the ,Virginius, as a
cruiser under the United States flag In the
service of the Cuban insurgents. The ground
for this demand will be that the case of the
Virginius is analogous to that of the famous
Anglo-rebel cruiser, the Alabama, and, in some
appeal of this character, it is probable the
Spanish government will propose another tri-
bunal Of arbitration. Unquestionably the
timid temporizing course and apologizng
disposition of our State Department upon all
our difficulties and ;ndignities suffered in our
relations with the Island of Cuba during the
last five years has encouraged Spain to hope
in the end even to bind our government to the
conditions of an active ally in the maintenance
of her authority over the Cuban insurgents.
The appointment of General Caleb Cushing
to be the successor of General Slckles as Min
lister to Spain continues to excite comment
concerning the character of the inttructions he
will receive from the Department of State after
the confirmation of the nomination by the
Senate. Although usage is opposed to an open
declaration of the line of diplomacy to be pur-
sued, it can be stated, with TRUTH thai one OF
the subjects to which Mr.. Cushing will give
his attention will be the policy of political and
administrative reforms in Cuba, as the best
means calculated to restore peace to that
island and promote its prosperity, and among
those reforms is included the abolition of
slavery in the Antilles. These views have re-
peatedly been enforced, both in the Presidents
annual message and the official correspondence
of Secretary Fish, and have been often COM
municated to the Spanish Cabinet. 1t will be
recollected that several years ago our govern
ment rendered its good offices to Spain IN the
hope of Cuban pacifcation, but they were re-
spectfully declined on the basis suggested. 1t
is not improbable that similar tender will
again be made by the new Minister, as the
administration will resort to every proper ex-
pedient for the purpose of restoring peace and
protecting American interests in Cuba and the
adjacent waters. There can be no doubt that
an effort will be made to conclude new com
mercal treaty with Spain, the only one ever
made with that power being that of 1885,
which is one of friendship, limits and naviga-
ton.
Some persons, dissatisfied with the course of
the administration respecting the Virgnius, are
inventing and propagating false and .groun1dless
statements, which deserve contradiction. linus,
it has been averred that Mr.. Cushing wrote or
dictated an article in Washington paper
criticising the opinion of Attorney General
Williams. There is the best authority for say
ing that this report is utterl y destitute OF
shadow of foundation. Thus it is also asserted
or implied that Mr.. Gushing has been the agent
of the Spanish government, both under the
monarchy and republic, which is also untrue
On the contrary, before going to Geneva, ne
was the agent of the United States against the
Spanish government, and at that time and since
has been counsel or agent for various citizens
of the United States having claims against
Spain founded on wrongs perpetrated by the
Spanish authorities in Cuba which are the
only interests of any sort which he has bear
ing upon the present relations between the
United States and Spain. The incorrect ru-
mors on this subject possibly arise from the
fact of his having been for several years coun-
sci or agent of the Mexican Republic.-N T.
Herald