The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1895-05-11
ALLlANcA AFFAIR.
Regret Expressed. Hut There L. . Further
Communication Coming.

Regret Expressed. Hut There Ii = Further
Communication Coming.
ST. LOUIS, May ia Globe-Demo-
crat Washington special says:
The state department has received
the reply of Spain to Secretary
Gresham's demand in the case of the
Allianca The answer is satisfactory
as far as it goes, but supplementary
dispatch is to follow which it is expected
will be in the nature of counter de-
mand. The Madrid government ad-
mits that the assault upon the Ameri-
can steamer by the Spanish cruiser was
unwarranted, and expresses regret at
the occurrence.
The reply reached the state depart
ment few days ago, but consistently
with the policy of suppressing all news
relating to international affairs the fact
has been withheld from the public.
The message came from Minister Tay-
lor, through whom Mr.. Gresham's dis
patch was transmitted to the Spanish
minister for foreign affairs.
In Two Sections.
It is in two parts, each Of which
was sent from Madrid on separate oc-
casions. In his dispatch Secretary
Gresham said that this country must
insist that Immediate and positive
orders be issued to Spanish naval Off
GERS In Cuban waters not to interfere
with passing American commerce and
prohibiting all acts wantonly imperil-
ing life and property lawfully under
the United States flag. Spain's first
answer relates to this part of the de-
mand Of the state department. 1t says
that appropriate instructions have been
sent her naval officers in Cuban waters,
and that hereafter it is expected that
they will be more discreet and cautious
than in the Alliance affair.
Following soon after came the reply
to those parts Of Mr.. Gresham's dis.
patch relating to the facts in the case
as stated under oath by Captain Cross.
| man. Secretary Gresham said that the
Alliance at the time she was assaulted
was outside the three-mile limit and on
the high seas. Spain comedies this
point. She says that upon investiga
ton it has been found that when the
| Conde de Venadito fired at the
American ship the latter was more
than three miles from shore. As pal
liating circumstance it is mentioned
that on the occasion the regular com
mander Of the Conde de Venadito was
not on board. being at distant point
sick. A Junior and less discreet Officer
was in charge Of the cruiser, and tt
this fact is largely due the error O
Judgment. Spain expresses regret a
the occurrence frankly and disavows
any intention to offend this country o.
to interfere with its commerce.
Will Have Another Communication.
To this last reply Spain adds that ,
further communication on the genera
subject involved may be expected from
her. In fact she says plainly that sh'
viii revert to the matter in a subse
quent dispatch, in which question:
bearing upon the Alliance affair will b.
discussed more at length. 1t is impos
sible to say just now what Spain will
refer to in the exDcted communicated
but it is thought here that she will
claim that while she, or, more strictl,
speaking, one of her impulsive nava
representa- was at fault in the Al
lianca affair, the United States is no
blameless, for in this country there ar
persons who openly sympathize witt
and assist the Cuban rebels. It is ais
believed that Spain will attempt t
show that American vessels, including
those Of the line to which the Auianc
belongs, have, while on the high seas
transferred arms and ammunition t
small boats, which afterward lande
the contraband articles in Cuba.