The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-11-15

uohs imposed by Spain upoh Aihcrichn
shipping entering the port OF Havana,
and that unless immediate steps are
taken to direct General Weyler to treat
United States merchant ships entering
and clearing from that port fairly. this
| Government will regard further inposi-
IONS and attractions Of the port regula-
lions as Intentionally directed towards
this Government.
The communication sent to Spain by
the secretary OF State Is framed in the
most positive terms, and Is result Of
| information brought here by Consul-Gen-
erai Lee, TO the effect mat for several
| months every occasion has been seized
| upon by the Spanish officials at Havana
10 hamper, annoy. and discriminate
against American ships entering the port.
| Mr. Olneys communication sets forth
| that the United States Is inclined to
regard the acts of the Spanish customs
officers as extremely discourteous toward
ms Government. and that. moreover,
they nave not been justified by the rules
Oh commerce. He has pointed out that
vessels OF Great Britain. Germany, and
other nations, committing acts similar
| 10 those Tor which fines and taxes have
| been Imposed upon American vessels,
have been permitted TO so free, and
| that the repeated attempts on the part
Of the Havana officials TO interfere with
| American ships have already gone too
TAR. Many cases have been reported
showing that few American ships could
enter ana leave the harbor without being
insulted by some official or port officer.
and Mr.. Olney assumes that these Off
GERS were acting directly under instruc-
tions from the Spanish Government.
few weeks ago General Lee was IN
structed that hereafter when fines were
imposed he was to seek an immediate
order Withdrawing them. 1t became ap-
parent that for the slightest infraction
OF harbor regulations heavy fines were
imposed by the port officers. and that
captains were either compelled 10 pay
ttcm or else delay for several days the
departure OF .her vessels In order to Law
the facts before the Consul-General with
proof that there was no foundation for
the allegations presented. Several cases
arose where masters were fined hundreds
or dollars for simply anchoring in the
wrong SPOT. and In one captain was fin
ed $50 for getting UP anchor and going
away without asking permission Of the
port officer.
some or the fines were such fragrant
violations OF custom that General Lee
saw Weyler in person and demanded
instant withdrawal OF the fine imposed I'm
certain instance. which he Intended
making n test case. This related to a
snip Tor which for some trivial oversight
or the port regulations were fined 800.
ana upon the Consul-General's demanding
that the fine be removed tn, officials
returned one half the amount 10 the
ships captain. with n declaration that
the other half was necessary 10 cover
the expenses OF collecting the fine. On
General Lees vigorous protest 10 General
Weyler that these determinations must
cease. the Captan-General assured the
Consul-General that all such questions
hereafter would be referred 10 the courts
Of Havana for adjustment. his apparent
purpose being 10 make the whole affair
the subject Of international correspond
ence with Spain. and lead to an inter-
minshle wrangle. in which the ships
captain would come out loser in the end
When IL was learned in Washington
that this was one OF the acts of Weyler
10 indicate his displeasure with the United
States for their failure 70 prevent flbus-
tering expeditions, the President lost no
time in communicating 10 Minister Han
mis- Taylor instructions to Law the whole
affair before Prime Minister Canovas. and
10 enter n firm protest against further
conduct OF this sort.
Mr.. Taylor was also directed to request
VI SPAN lHdt 'AlliIil oiuciS nc tiFtlA
Weyler TO afford all American ships the
same treatment when in Havana waters
as other foreign vessels receive. 1t was
pointed cut that British ships have not
been subjected 10 the same annoyances
as American vessels, nor had vessels Oh
other governments having trade relations
with Cuba. The answer TO this firm pro-
test Of Mr.. Olneys is now awaited. and
unless Mr.. Taylors presentation Of the
facts is promptly followed by orders 10
Weyler prohibiting him from further in
reference with United States vessels.
a firm demand will be forwarded by the
administration to Spain.
There are indications that Great Britain
regards a conflict between Spain and the
United States as possibility. and is
solicitous for the welfare OF vast guam
tty Of Cuban securities held In London.
The State Department has information
that three-fourths OF the Cuban debt il
held in London, and that Great Britain,
realizing that this vast sum might be
sacrificed If Spain went 10 war with the
United States. has instructed Sir Julian
Pauncefote 10 interpose his good offices
to prevent trouble.
There was further evidence to-day or
the desire of the administration TO bring
the naval force of the country at once
TO it's highest state OF efficiency. Admiral
Bunce was again In consultation with the
Secretary OF the Navy. and this time
strategic charts Of the Gulf OF Mexico
were spread out in great numbers ana
closely examined by beth. The work
OF preparing all available ships for sea
duty. upon which repair work Is pro-
crossing, continues with no signs that
IL Is TO be discontinued. and with no
explanation of the unusual haste OF the
department in getting ready so power
ful feet of warships as the home
SQUADRON that will assemble at Staten
Island by December 1st. The command
ant at the New York navy yard mas re-
ported the monitor Puritan all ready
FOR immediate service. and I'm rev DAYS
orders will be sent for her ofhcers 10 re-
mort on board and the ship To take her
Mace with Admiral Bunces ine squad
ron Of fighters. -.
From Norfolk. Admiral George Brown
renorts that the Newark VIII be reany
for commission on the 9th instant nav
ing been repaired I'm four weeks ,iilo
after a three years absence IN southern
waters. when survey board reported
that six months were necessary ana an
expenditure Of $4,000. The ADDITION o,
these ships. together with the armored
cruiser Brooklyn. now fitting our AZ
Cramps ward. brings Admiral bunce :
feet up 10 the highest degree o. neh'-
ing strength that the home squadron mas
presented IN It's history
Admiral Ramsay, the cher Oh tne nay.
igation Bureau. says to-day that every
vessel for which the navy has men VIII