Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-03-20
SPAIN'S POSITION
This Government Should Watch the
Cuban Filibnsters.
SECRET SOURCES OF INFORMATION
What May Be Urged in the Final
Reply.
THE TWO CONVENTIONS

Are the Spanish authorities In possession
of particulars respecting the activity of tho,
friends of the Cuban leaders in this coun-
try? And do they intend to use this infor-
nation in any way in the final reply they
shall make to this government in the case
of the Allianca?
1t is remarked in diplomatic circles that
close track seems to have been kept by
Spanish officials of certain transactions
The Spanish commanders in Cuban waters
are evidently suspicious of all American
craft in that latitude, and the commander
of the gunboat who trained his guns on the
Alliance had informed himself of the car
rying of munitions of war by that ship.
Capt. Crossman explains that this portion
of his cargo was not consigned to Cuba
and was not landed there. But the fact re-
mains that the Spanish commander had
news of the Allianca's invoice, and this
shows the establishment of secret sources
of information leading straight to Spanish
ears. The rumor of the sinking of the fish,
ing smack Irene by another Spanish gum
boat, although discredited both in this
country and in srain, is yet attended with
the statement that the little boat had been
under suspicion for some time. Upon whose
information? Minister Muruaga has called
the attention of the STATE Department to a
coast,
intended he has reason to believe, for the
use of the Cubans in revolt. He has like
wise referred in an authorized interview to
the presence in Florida port of several
SchoonerS flying the American flag but be-
lieved to be loaded with stores for Cuba
How far does this detective service reach
and how much has it accomplished? Are
the names of the friends and agents of the
CUBAN leaders in this country known to-
gether with the names of those with whom
they have been dealing? And IL Spain has
these particulars and intends to use them
now should she do SO to make them effect
I've IN her reply to Secretary Gresham's
dispatch.
What Spain Mny Insist Upon,
1t is suggested that if the United States
insists upon rigid reading of the right
of search at sea Spain in the circum-
stances may insist upon as rigid reading
of the law prohibiting the harboring of
hilibusters and the fitting out of their
expeditions in the ports of power friendly
TO the power against which the expedi-
tfcns are aimed. Spain is known to be Civ
irg "a good deal of attention to this sub
1ect. She has consented promptly to the
statement of the case respecting unoffend-
ing American shipping. Cuba is so close to
the shores OF this country and so directly
in line with sailing routes to the south, all
American shipping, unless something very
explicit on the subject were established,
would be liable to suffer serious ipcon-
the island continues Spain comedies this
point without discussion or a moments
delay. But is not she preparing to show
that this proximity of her shore line
to that of the United States should
count for as much on one side as on the
other? If American shipping interests are
involved, 80 are Spanish territorial in
terests involved. If American vessels are
to proceed without molestation or annoy-
ance through Cuban waters, Spanish terri
tory must not be invaded by American
sympathizers with Cubans in rebellion. The
United States must do unto Spain as she
demands that Spain shall do unto her The
law must be interpreted for both sides
alike. Cuba Is close at hand, and a great
deal OF American shipping passes it's coast
This shipping must go and come as freely
as possible. This is the American con-
tention, and it is granted. The United
states lies close at hand, and filibustering
expeditions with Cuba as their destination
enjoy unusual advantages. The United
States. as power friendly to Spain, must
employ unusual diligence to prevent such
expeditions from leaving her shores. This
is expected to be Spain's contention
VIII it be granted? And If Spain insists
that such diligence has not been shown
in the past, what will be the reply of this
government to the charge?
Points Still Unsettled.
Lawyers of experience in matters of this
complexion declare that Notwithstanding
the many cases that have arisen involving
the duties OF friendly power in such cir
cumstances as now exist in this Cuban i'm
broglio, there are many points still open
for settlement. The Itata episode is recall
ed, as also the fact that that case went off
the docket in way thoroughly unsatisfac-
tory TO both sides The larger questions
involved were neither argued nor decided.
1t still remains to be determined how much
Of detective government must become
in protecting the interests of a friendly
power within its own boundaries and upon
what evidence it must proceed and how far
it should go. Or should 1t play the part OF
a detective at all in such matters? Should
not all such information be gathered by
the official representative of the power
threatened, and laid formally before the
authorities having the right of action in
dispensing the law breakers?
In the present case the unofficial COM
plant of the Spaniards is that this govern
ment has taken no steps to discourage ac-
tive sympathy in this country with the Gu.
ban movement. With many public ex.
pressions of sympathy with the Cuban
cause by leading newspapers, and rumored
Cuban rendezvous all along the lower At
lantic coast, to point to the necessity of
some action on their part, the federal au-
thorities. it is charged, have yet held their
peace. and let unlawful work go on. The
question now is as to whether this COM
plant is to become official, and how vigor-
ously, IL at all, the point will be urged.
Spain has the floor.