The New York herald., 1875-12-15
A Herald Correspondent at a Private
Banquet in Madrid.
SPAIN'S REPLY.
The Concessions as to Courts Martial in
the "Ever Faithful Isle"
What is Thought of Soldier" JUS
tice in the Manigua.
MApRrn Nov. % 1874

arrived here three days ago precisely at the
ment when the pending questions between the United
States and Spain warmly discussed in official and
political circles, IN view OF the incessant recamations
OF learned and energetic representative Mr.. Caleb
Gushing. NY hrst visit was to an influential person
age long connected with affairs or State. shall suf-
ncently describe him by saying that he has Of late
cupied the highest position that statesman reach
in Spain and will, It is generally believed be again
called to the head OF the administration such being
the case his views be taken the expression OF
the sentiment which now prevails the Spanish gov.
ernment
A srATEsMAS's vIEws.
The remarks OF this gentlemen to the effect that
there two questions pending between the govern
Of Spain and the United States but that neither
is likely to b. the of or codness in
the relations OF friendship that have existed for CEN
tury between the two countries. "The question as
to tho Interpretation to be given to the seventh
article OF tho treaty OF 1895" said ho gen.
tcman referred to- lis or the greatest Importance
II is simply whether American citizens involved in the
nsurrection in Cuba TO be tried by the courts
tal there established the ancient practice In
country and the opinion of government by the
civil tribunals, claimed by the government of the
United States. This question, however is not difficult
OF solution and will undoubtedly be settled in short
time In such to meet the desires Of your
already existence before the of the treaty
ofI7e6 These laws OF ancient origin and have been
In force since their enactment on this point
therefore, concessions will go far those laws
and the national dignity will permit 'This," he
added, lis the main question, the being
pressed by Mr. Caleb Cushing
QUESTION,
that relating embargoed property of American
gems, has become one of less Importance and is not
much urged now by your government 1t before,
for the that most or the embargoed property
has already been returned to the American citi-
whose claims proven. on this point
the present government is literally disposed the
former, which asked all the necessary information Of
HIS Majesty's Minister Washington, and Of the Gov
ernor General OF Cuba in order to decide the matter
fairly and equitably Much Of that required informa-
ton has already arrived other will soon be received
and when all will be collected general decision will be
arrived atone that will be sweeping possible,
and the concatory character and evident justice OF
which will not DO doubted by the United States. As l
have already told you there remain but few OF
these cases Of embargoed property, 1t has been
stored to all except those whose claims to American
nationality to the property in question evi-
IDENTIFY unfounded. Meanwhile the mixed commission,
established in Washington by the Convention Of 1871,
Is actively engaged the subject and has recently de-
cided several cases. that OF Augerlca among the
ber to whom the umpire has awarded large OF
16 900 reals $780, 900 in gold with interest to be
paid by Spain This is the interest his embar
COED during its detention, the property itself
having been returned long time ago. This question
might have been considered by the Spanish govern
Inent settled by or the aforementioned Con-
venton; but It has out OF good will to the United
States adopted that viii put immediate
end TO the whole controversy, and decide those
which have not yet been reached account OF the
character Of the claims or the claimants"
Subsequently paid visit to another gentleman an
editor Of considerable influence, who Is supposed to
have opportunities OF Ministerial inspiration. He said
to me :-sIn matters OF diplomacy much secrecy
maintained here as elsewhere but come and dine with
tomorrow, you will find among the company at
my table several public men. we'll informed pending
affairs of diplomacy and by turning the conversation to
the subject which you desire knowledge, you will
probably find out enough to satisfy journal
exacting in the matter Of the New YORK
HERALD need not say accepted promptly.
DIPLOMACY AT DINNER PARTY.
The next day, therefore, at the appointed hour.
found myself the table with several statesmen and
journalists After animated conversation on the sta
pie topics OF society Madrid such the opera
son. the latest bull Tight &C. my host gracefully turned
TO the subject in which most inter-
ested by proposing a toast in these words
existed between that country and Spain for
over century always be maintained" Being
the only American citizen present. felt
myself called upon TO answer in the same strain.
This led general conversation the subject of the
relations between Spain the United States One Of
the guests whom the Washington correspondent would
class under the head OF 'semocian authority then
remarked
'The controversy pending between spain and the
both sides. Tho reports in the European press that
there are difficulties between the two countries that
might lead to war are, in my opinion, entirely
founded. Tho only question under discussion is
that the Interpretation OF the seventh article OF the
treaty or 1895 Soon after the dna settlement OF the
virgnius difficulty the United States government ad
dressed In May last note TO Spain, demonstrating
against the trial by martial Of American citizens
in Cuba aud asking for the release Of Dockray,
dcmned to death by OF those military tribunals,
whose sentence, however was commuted to mprison-
ment for years. That note forwarded to the
Council Of State, supreme body, whom the govern
mcnt Is bound to consult on an questions ofimportance
The usual adjournment Of the Council in summer de-.
layed their report In the interval, however your
ever persistent veteran Caleb Cushing sent to our
government several other notes, and memorandum
recaptuang all the complaints or the United States
as regards Cuba and asking tor immediate and favor
able answer; hntng also that II Il forthcom-
ing the United States government might accord the
rights Of bclIigerency to the Cuban insurgents
sPnS's coScILIAroRY ANSWER
Since then the Council or State have given their re-
port and the Cabinet having in its last meeting thor.
oughly examined the question: agreed upon the answer
which, believe, has already been handed to Mr. Caleb
Cushing The note embodylng this is con.
catory and strictly accordance with the spirit OF
thc treaty Of 1895, that will undoubtedly satisfy the
Unted States "
Here remarked:"I suppose the Spanish govern
mcnt will accede TO the demands ofthe United States
viz that hcnceforward courts martial in Cuba shall
have no jurisdiction over American ctzens.n
lie replied that be thought Spain could not concede
much, although she would mako all possible conces-