Birmingham age-herald., 1895-03-20
Either Crossman or tue Captain of
 the Spanish Vessel.
NO OFFICIAL NOTICE YET
Received by the Spanish Gov ernment-- Another Report of .
 the Irene Affair.

met today for the first time siuce March l. Secretary Gresham went over to the White House at Il O 'clock armed with several vol umes of treaties on international law. He had previously explained to the president by means of a chart and by quotations from diplomatic authorities the reasons for bis action in demanding an apology and reparation from Spain in the Allianca mat ter, and it is understood that he reiterated his explanation this morning for the bene- f of his official associates.
 On his way to the White House Mir. Gresham was asked if he would have any news today about the Allianca affair, and he made the non -committal apswer, ''I'm sure don't | know"
 It is learned from other sources that the state department is not impatient with the course of Spain in delaying positive an swer 10 the demand of this government, but will give the Madrid authorities ample opportunity to ascertain the facts before taking the nextstep in the proceedings.
 The cabinet crisis iu Madrid is also given as the reason why this government will not press for an immediate answer to its de- mand for an apology.
 It is believed that the Venezuelan and Nicaraguau difficulties are regarded oy the president and his advisors as much more dangerous aud p-assipg in importance than tuc AiliuuCd iuSiuShV aS " hoW oeohac.
 CAPTAIN CROsSMAN
 FILES AN AFFIDAVIT AS TO TIE FL(a TED-wILL CARRY OUT MUNIa soNs
 NEW YORK, March 19.-The following affidavit was drawn up and signed by Cap tam Crossman of the Allianoa this after noon:
 "Capt. Jaines A. Crossman, being duly sworn, deposes and says: I have read In the morning papers of this day, Tuesday, March l9, 1895, that the com mander of the Spanish gunboat Condo de Venadito has maie statement that the steamship that was off Cape Maysi. Cuba, on the 8th day of March, 1895, which was fired on by his gun boat hoisted tue British ensign in saluting him. In view of this statement l do most solemnly swear that the flag hoisted on the staff of the steam ship Aiiianca in saluting the Spanish gun. boat of Cape Maysi, Cuba, March 8, 1895. by my orders and n my presence, was the American ensign. This is the only flag used for such purposes-the national flag of America
 .'sworn to before me, H. J. Bowden,
 ssCommander.''
 Captain Crossman stated that he had British ensign on board, he also had French and Danish flags which he was obliged to use when entering the ports of these islands in the West Indies ln posses sion of the different countries. They are buldll u5SS, hOWCNri, uO cA PAoioSa eo bho agent of the steamship company.
 In regard to the report that the Alliance is to carry rifles and other munitions oi war ih her cargo when she sails tomorrow on her trip to Colon, the agent of the line said this morning that 1t was quite true, though not at All remarkable or sensa- fional.
 The company carry arms to the Colon. bian government on nearly every outward bound steamer. It was perfectly legiti- ma and viOlqta0 law The steamer did not stop at any Cuban port, and the arms were not intended for the Gu ban rebels.
 Captain Crossman said the Spanish naval officers have contempluous opinion of the American navy, but they have a whole some fear of the British navy, and would not fire on British flag.
 THE SPANISH CAPTAIN ASSERTS THAT THE FLAG HoIsTED WAS A
 BRITISH ONE. q WASHINGTON, March 19.-Official ad- vices received this morning fully corrobo- rate the dispatch from Havana which con- tains the substance of the report made by the captain of the Spanish cruiser Condo de Venadito, which fired upon the Ali. anca. The captain of the Condo de Vena- ditto insists that the vessel which he att tempted to intercept was flying the English flag at her masthead. Upon this point he is very positive.
 He says the vessel was oue and half miles from the eastern promontory of Cuba, Cape Maysi. He was within hall mile when two solid shots were fired. He asserts, however, that these shots were fired wide of their mark in order not to strike the vessel, and if possible to bring her to. When the vessel fired upon had passed out of the six mile line the Spanish cruiser gave up the chase, inasmuch as she had then left the jurisdictional waters of Cuba.