The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-03-21

FhSd ut by . Spanish Man-of-war-Gre,
hAmss AC41on

| FhVd 1t by . Spanish Man-of-war-Gres
| hams ACeisn.
When the Ceiuabiar Line soeauaeY Alliance
Capt. Crossman. from Colon, arrived ct Quaran
tine she brought ssa1slfng tale Of Outrage al
sea. On March 9, at about 7.30 in the morn
ng.whsn the steamer was II the east cad Of ths
island Of Cuba, . brisAatins- riened man Of. war
1yisE the Spanish fss was passed steering In
the same direction NJ a4istanss Of Rbeut nile
and half The AMsass dipped her cslors in
| salute. and the courtesy wss Acknowledged and
reeiprocated by the Speniard. A few minutes
later puff Of smoke seRsAred from the man.
0f-war's bow, and report followed. This was
followed . few minutes later by another blank
cartridge. Capt. Crossman did not pay any at
tention to the shooting, bat continued his
course northward. The man-of-war then
altered its course to follow the Alliance. and
almost at snce another gun was fired, and a
solid shot came bounding toward the American
steamer. missing her narrowly. Two other balls
were fred. but both went wide. The Spaniards
fast dropped astern, and after chase OF about 20
miles their vessel altered her course and headed
back. Capt. Crossman was unable to advance
any reason for this affront. The Secretary OF
State had courteous remonstrance cabled to
Madrid asking for an explanation, and demand
ing an apology, but SO far no answer has been
received. The dispatch to the American Min
lister was as follows:
This Department is informed that on the
9Th inst the United States mail steamship All-
anca on her homeward voyage from Colon to
New York, when six miles from the coast of
Cuba. off Cape Maysi. was repeatedly fred upon
By Spanish gunboat, with solid shot, which,
fortunately, fell short.
1.-The Windward Passage, where this occurred
Is the natural and usual highway for vessels
plying between ports of the United States and
the Caribbean Sea. Through it several regu-
lt,,n1 Af -..1 al
steamers pass weekly within sight of Cape
Maysi. They are we'll known, and their voy-
age embraces no Cuban port of call. Forcible
interference with them cannot be claimed as q
belligerent act. whether they pass within three
miles OF the Cuban coast or not, and can under
no circumstances be tolerated when no state of
war exists.
"This Government will expect prompt dis
avOwal of the unauthorized act, and due ex-
preston of regret the part of Spain. and It
must insist that immediate and positive orders
be given to Spanish naval commanders not to
interfere with legitimate American commerce
passing through that channel, and prohibiting
all acts wantonly imperiling life and property
lawfully under the flag of the United States.
"You will communicate this to the Minister
for Foreign Affairs, and urge importance of
prompt and satisfactory response.
GRESHAM"
~ ude UccH iebTutu tudg OilulstcE 1dylOE
sent a reply from Madrid, in which he gave
the substance of a most satisfactory interview |
with the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, |
Mr.. Grssham's position. 1t does not |
appear that Spain has made direct cOmmGni- |
cation to this Government, but this fact is not |
regarded as affording ground for criticism. On |
the contrary, it is rscogn zod that the affair
will require some time to investigate, and the |
administration is not disposed to be unduly |
pugnacious. The political troubles now occur
ring in Spain, with the consequent withdrawal |
Of the Ministry, would in themselves be suff- |
,ient excuse for what might seem q desire to |
lelay prompt action.
Capt. Crossmans story has been con affirmed at |
Havana by the commander of the Spanish
cruiser Condo de Venadito, who reports that
IN March 8, while cruising off the eastern coast
If the island, he sighted steamer heading for
iaysi Point. The steamers course was to the
northeast. The cruiser hoisted flag and the
teamer replied by raising an English flag.
The cruiser signaled the steamer to stop, but
Without effect. As the steamer proceeded at
ull speed the cruiser frst fred two blank shots,
md then two solid shots.
The Commander says he did not desire to
1T the steamer, but merely to cause her to
eaye to. He asserts that the steamer was but
ne and half miles of the Cuban coast when
he firing occurred. The authorities at Havana
ave ordered full inquiry be made into the
acts. Judging from Capt. Cross
mans story nobody can doubt that the steamer
q question was the Alliance which was fired
n by Spanish cruiser March 3.
The Spanish Minister declines to talk of the
lattr r, and excuses himself to all callers.