The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1875-11-09

A decision has lately been rendered by
NJ. BARTuoLUI, French Ambassador at
Washington, in his capacity as umpire of
the American and Spanish Claims Com
mission, which will be n bitter pill for tho
Spanish authorities in Cuba and for the
Spanish treasury In Madrid. This dcci-
sion awards for damages sustained by the
claimant, an Amcricanized Spaniard,
JOAQUIN G.. DE ANGARICA by name, the
snug little sum of S74s, $50, with interest at
the rate Of six per cent. per annum until
paid. The amount awarded is only for
part, moreover of the claims presented
by ANGARICA, and represents merely the
depreciation which, in the opinion Of the
commission, the property Of Mr.. ANoARTCA
suffered while under conhscation. Another
claim is for the value OF the yearly crops of
sugar which two estates were yielding when
they were seized, and which will amount
to over two millions OF dollars besides
which there are other claims which will
sum up between three and four millions
OF dollars.
The history OF the claim is not particu-
larly interesting IT Is one Of hundred
almost identical cases. The Spanish au-
thoiiti,s in Cuba chose to suspect Mt. An
GARCIA, who owned handsome and lucra-
tive property in Cuba. of being at least
tainted with revolutionary tendencies,
and seized his property in 1862 In this
there WIS nothing remarkable; but the
manner Of the restoration of this contis-
Gated property to its owner, and the OBJ
tanning OF the award for damages, are de-
serving of record.
Mir. ANGARICA was shrewd enough to
put his case in the hands Of II man who
had deservedly earned a reputation as II
nist-,lass collector. His remuneration
was madc contingent upon his success in
which event he was to have thirty-three
and a third per cent upon all damages
collected from the Spanish Government
after the restoration Of the property con-
flscatcd Tho collector was the Hon.
CALEB CUSHING.
On the very pressing and persistent de-
mands, exceptionally made in this case bv
the State Department in Washington, the
Madrid Cabinet was induced to issue n
decree commanding the restoration of
ANGABIcAs property. About the date of
this decree the collector, who had been
proclaimed by the United States Senate to
be unit to be a Judge Of the Supreme Court
at Washington, was thought by the Presi-
dent good enough torepreseut our interests
IN Madrid. Mr.. CUSHING thought so, too,
the appointment, strangely enough. dove
tailed so charmingly with his incliuations.
Besides, ut Madrid he could serve at once his
country aud his much-oppressed client,
| Mr.. ANGARICA.
AS the contingent fee was to be paid only
subsequent to the actual restoration of the
property, Mr.. CUSHING, when he went to
Madrid, left the completion Of that part Of
| the business TO the house of Messrs. DENT
4 PAIGE of Washington DENT being "a
| brother-in-law-au Mr.. PAIGE soon visited
Havana, and after IA few unsuccessful at
tempts 10y the Spaniards to delay proceed
ings, formally received all Mr.. ASGARIcA's
property.
Three-quarters OF million of dollars is
an unpleasant draft, especially just now,
upon the Spanish treasury, but It Is likely
TO be promptly paid. Under the circum-
stances, Mr.. CUSHING seems to hold the key
| to the position.