Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1895-03-21
THE ALLIANCES ASSAlLANT
1t Proves to be the Cruiser
Condo de Venadito.
THE CLAIM OF HER COMMANDER
Says the Allianoa Displayed
an English Flag,
Also That She Was within III Miles of
the Cuban Coast - spain's Answer Ia
Secretary observation-disclosures Whit
ney on tile Alliancl Affair.

HAVANA. CuBS, March l8.-The com
mander OF the Spanish cruiser Condo de
VenaditO reports that IN March Sth, while
cruising oil the eastern coast of the island,
he sighted steamer heading for Maisi
Point. Tine steamers course was to the
northeast. The cruiser hpisted flag, and
the steamer replied by raising an English
flag. The cruiser signalled the steamer to
stop, but without effect.
As the steamer proceeded at full speed
the cruiser first fired two blank shots aud
then two solid shots.
DID NOT DESIRE TO hit HER.
Tho commander says he did not desire to
hit the steamer, but merely to cause her TO
heave to, lie asserts that the steamer was
but u miles off the Cuban coast wlen the
firing occurred.
The authorities here have ordered that a
full inquiry he made into the commanders
acls. Judging from Captain Cheeseman's
story nnhUdy can doubt that the steamer
i'll question was the Alliance, which was
Tired on by Spanish cruiser Oh March Sih.
Nothing has been heard here to confirm
the rumor that the gunboat Alcedo has
sank an American schooner. The Tumor
Is regarded as utterly unfounded in fact,
sPAiN's REPLY TO GRESHAM
WAsniNGToN, March ls.-rhere is good
reason for the belief that the Spanish
Government has made u preliminary reply
to Secretary Greshum's message in regard
to the Alliance affair According to the
best information, the Spanish Minister Of
Foreign Affairs courteously and temper
ately acknowledges the receipt of Mr..
Greshams note and expresses his regret
that anything should nave occurred to
interfere with the cordial relations of the
two governments
Fha Spanish government also gives as
~
any interference whatever with American
cnmmerca in spanish. and that there Is no
likelihood OF u repetition Of such an affair
As that alleged by the commander OF the
Alliance. II is made particularly clear
tnat the Spanish government will EN-
deavor to avoid any just cause for com
rlalht OH the part III the United states.
WHITNEY INDIGNANT.
New YoRK, March IS-Mr. Charles K.
Miller, editor OF the New York Times, sent
Il message to Hon. William Z. Whitney,
ex-5ecreiary Ut the Navy. asking him for
his views OF the Alliance affair and To-
day received the following cablegram in
reply. dated to day, AZ Naples;
reply to your dispatch us follows:
In considering what should be done
concerning the outrage perpetrated by the
Spanish man-Of-war in firing on the
Alliance. one fact should not be lost sight
W. ~ was NeIIDeTats anu WIN lull khOWl-
edge of the act.
II is certain that no person in command
OF any war vessel in the world would be-
ignorant that firing upon merchant YES
sci OF another power on the high seas in
time of peace would violate the law of
nations.
There isn't a subordinate officer of any
man-nl-war in the world who has not been
sufficiently Instructed 10 know that.
thAFnftnr4 f.tisl .nF NNttll T..t
to the American ilig and people
do not recall 50 wanton an outrage as
happening to any iirst.class power in so
years; An apology scarcely wipes out such
an aifront.
MAKES HIS BLOOD BOIL.
The truth is We have happened to come
in for piece OF the general brutality and
ruilianism that holds Cuba. The thing is
relic of the middle ages. 1t is a disgrace
10 us that lies at our doorstep.
1t makes my blood boil, for one.
of course, they will apologize deliberately
and discipline the officer. liut when we
are looking toward him the general terror
ism which holds Cuba down while they
suck her blood will have been substantially
increased at our expense.
You can gather what my opinion is.
What the government should do is ant
other matter.
me lIeslueNl IN SuCl matters Is Sener-
ally safe person to follow but, as you
ask my opinion, there II is.
w. c. WHITNEY.
NEW NoRK, March 19.--Caplain Cross
man Of the steamship Allianca to-day
made the following affidavit
Captain James A. CrOssman, being
duly sworn, depOSes and says that he has
read in the morning papers of this date,
Tuesday March 18th, that the commander
OF the Spanish gutIbOat Condo de Nenadito
has made the statement that the steam.
ship that was of Cape Maysi, CUBA on
the sth day of March. 1895 which was
fired on by his glinboal, hoisted the
British ensign in saluting him
In view o. this statement he does most
soemnly swear that the flag hoisted on
the staff Of the steamer Aliancu in salute
to the Spanish gunboat OF Cape Maysi,
Cuba, on the stA day of March. 1875, by
his order and in his presence, was the
American ensign This is the only flag
used for such purposes, the national flag
Of America"
Among Others who signed similar afli-
davit are; benjamin Corning. First OH
Ger; #. w. Russell, Second OlllceT W. II.
Churchill, Purser, and A. 5. Jussen,
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