New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-03-16
THE SPANISH MINISTER SURPRISED.
HE THINKS MR. GRESHAM SHOULD HAVE WAITED
TO HEAR BOTH SIDES.

HE THINKS MR.. GRESHAM SftOt LII ma Il Wal III
TO HEAR BOTH SIDES.
WASHINGTON March l5.-Secretary Greshams per
.n,n,o-v demand sent TO Minister Taylor at Madrid
FOR prompt explanation of the Alliance affair was
a manifest surprise TO the Spanish Minister Senior
Muruaga. The Minister did not say that the infoT-
nation was entirely unexpected. but ne old not
hesitate express his regret and surprise That the
United States Government had apparently acted
so hastily in sending such dispatch TO Minister
Taylor without hearing both sides OF the case
When asked what the Spanish Government would
probably do in regard to the matter. the Minister
said Il don't think my Government Will make any
reply until 1t shall first have heard from the Gov
ernor- General 0. Cuba.
Up to the present time the Governor-Ge General has
been placed in possession OF no Information leading
him to believe that Alliance had been fired upon.
j had telegram from him last night stating that
the naval commander at Havana had telegraphed
TO the local authorities Santiago de cuba and
Glbara. two Of coast cities for full particulars
Of the alleged firing upon the Alliance. Gibara IS
near the spot where the is said 10 have been
committed. Up to a few hours ago report had
been made the local authorities. and have been
inclined believe that Captain Crossman was rO-
mancing. 1t seems incredible that ore of our gun
boats should have done Captain Crossman
ports without having acquainted the naval COM
n1ander at Havana with his action"
Suppose the Governor-General at Havana
ports that the facts substantially stated by
Captain Crossman. what them
what then?' Queried the Minister. We'll the
rest will depend upon circumstances. If the Alliance
within the jurisdictiOnal waters OF Cuba /
not that We have any apology TO make. II she
was outside OF the siX-mle limit then l have
doubt the Spanish Government will do what is
proper in the matter"
Suppose she within the jur.sdlctonal limit.
but simply making quick transit through the
Windwar6 Passage in order TO reach the Atlantic.
ON hal q what
face would that put upon the natter
In those circumstances the Spanish Government
would invoke the general international law that
every nation has the right of sovereignty in It's
waters. Everybody knows that having
trouble with bands OF so-called insurgents in Cuba.
The Government has declared martial law in the
island We know that vessels have been fitted out
IN the United States with and men designed 10
assist the insurgents. Is IL not natural under the
circumstances that should be suspicious Of all
vessels lowering about shores? Only last month
three yachts fitted out in this country 10 carry
arms and to Cuba to aid in the rebellion. The
facts must be familiar 10 you They We're the La
by Mr. Borden. who had been the Nice-COnsui Of
Spain and England at Fernandina. The yachts were
detained at Fernandna and released on the ground
that no charge had been made In the United states
courts against them. If the United States want 10
deny our right OF search at this time within To
1urlsdictlonal waters OF Cuba they must then prH-
vent vessels leaving their shores which IL Is known
are carrying contrsband of war to the people in re-
bellion against our Government