Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1895-03-21
CRESHAN'S DEMAND.
Tho Secretary Wants Spain to
Apologize.
1 NOTABLE POINT IN THE DISPATCH.
1scretary Gresham Also Wants the Spanish
Government to Instruct Its Naval
Commanders Not to Interfere
with American Vessels.

WASHINGTON, March l6.-The state
department officials admit the correct
ness OF the Madrid cable showing Sec
retary Gresham had made protest and
demand for disclaimer and an apology
on the Spanish government for the fir
ing upon the Allianca. 1t is too
early yet to expect response from
Mr.. Taylor, but if it does come it is
rather expected it will indicate
desire by the Spanish government
for o proper opportunity to ascertain
the facts before taking action in the
matter. But this, it Is said ut the de-
partment, will scarcely avail in the
present cause, unless the message con-
veys some assurance on the part Of the
Spanish government that ii has In.
structed Its naval commanders 10 re-
frain from further interference with
vessels flying the American flag.
The notable feature Of Secretary
Gresham's dispatch is found in his
statement that when an American YES
sel Is on her usual route the fact that
she Is inside or outside Of the Smile
limits does not affect the merits Of the
case. From this 1t Is apparent that the
secretary has taken his stand on the
decision Of the Alabama claims COM
mission, which was practically now
dictum in international law, for II had
been the rule previous to that decision
to regard rs beyond question the right
ofa nation to retain suspicious vessels
passing within the limits Of 8 miles
from Its coasts over which Its marine
Jurisdiction extended.
1t will undoubtedly cost Spain BIT
ter effort to accept the force Of this
doctrine, for II the right to stop sus-
picious ships in Cuban waters is denied
the task Of maintaining an effective
blockade against tilibustering expedi-
tions will be extremely difficult, II not
impossible without recourse to formal
acknowledgment Of belligerency Of
the insurgents. The Spanish govern
ment would be exceedingly loath,a are
nearly oil nations In such cases, to
make such an acknowledgment, for not
only would 1t immensely strengthen
the rebellion morally, but 1t would re-
suit in comforting upon them certain
very important aides in the prosecution
Of their warfare. 1t was for Just such
privilege that Adm. Da Cana strug
gled so hard in the Brazilian rebellion,
only to meet defeat through the sue.
cess of the efforts OF the Pexioto gov
erpment in persuading the United
States against affording recognition of
his belligerency.
Secretary Gresham came to the state
department looking very weak as the
result OF his illness, but determined 10
keep further negotiations in his own
hands. Looking to the future, it is
fully expected, in view Of the prompt
action Of the Spanish minister here, in
promising that if Spain was in the
wrong she would make all proper rep
aration, that the incident will be speed
lily and peacefully settled II, how
ever, the Spanish government should be
stung by the urgency shown by the
United States in making that issue
into refusing to meet our demands,
our minister Mr.. Taylor, may make
demand for his passport and, unless
cooler Counscls coming from some
disinterested and friendly nation pre-
vail, an ugly complication may result,
ending in the presence Of consider
able feet Of United States naval yes
sells In Cuban waters to protect ship
ping.