New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-11-13


e.resses NJ tho customs officials, he ought 10
have granted redress in the cases that came 10
hig knowledge 1t was not until he learned tha'
a report OF the persecution of American captains
was to be made to Washington that ne look al!
action to stop the abuse. He sought to inouce
the Consul-Cenera to submit his demands u
the Havana courts; that Is. to sue the Ous'o"
House officers for damages. Had TINS course
been followed, the abuses would not soon nav
been settled Instead they would nave gone
through Spanish law complications and oelavs
and dragged along for months with almost a
certainty that the conclusion wouid De u"i"
vorabe to the American claims.
GENERAL wEYLER oUTMANOEUvRED.
In endeavorng to have the cases settled by
the Havana courts. Weyler knew that II the
cluims got legal status they would not be
settled through diplomacy until decision Oh
the courts was rendered as the Madrid Govern
ment would say that the subject was under con-
sideration by the legal tribunals Of Havana.
But General Weyers efforts to defeat General
Lees object unsuccessful. In fact, tne
Consul General showed himself TO be cre1l.-
able diplomat in handling the subject Few
days were valuable to him. for it was important
that his report should get to Washington ana
that Secretary Olney should comm unicate win
Madrid before he gave final reply to Weyier
General Lees object was to have the matter
made one of diplomacy. which meant It's con
sideration by the State Department and the
Foreign Office at Madrid and not by the Havana
courts. He delayed an answer and reported the
facts to Secretary Olney who has cabied nrm
demand for redress to Minister Taylor The
question has thus been removed from the Jurs-
diction of the Havana courts, and Will be treated
purely diplomatic subject. Those who know
the slow progress of Spanish law will appre-
ciate how important ii Is to American vessels
going to Cuba to have the matter of unjust fines
upon them left to diplomatic, not judicial settle
ment.
.EENGLAND's INFLUENCE FOR PEACE.
An interesting report was current in official
circles to-day to the effect that Sir Julian
Pauncefote was giving much attention to the
possibility of complications between this country
and Spain 1t Is said that, pursuant to instruc-
lions received from Lord Salisbury. Sir Julian
is exerting every effort to prevent open
break between Spain and the United States.
The Ambassador has been frequently at the
White House and the State Department in the
last two days His visits might have related to
the Venezuelan case. but that important ques-
ton has reached the stage when calls from
Great Brtains diplomatic representative are
not so necessary as they were. The reason for
England's interest in preventing war between
the United States and Spain is not difficult to
fathom. Perhaps a majority Of SPANS out
standing bonds are owned by British subjects,
largely by the Rothschilds. 1t is highly impor
tant to Engshmen therefore, that nothing
should occur which might interfere with the
prompt payment of the interest on these bonds
TO say nothing of the payment of their face
value when due. Naturally. Sir Julian Paunce-
tote would display activity in endeavorng,
through his good offices. to heal the breach be-
tween this country and Spain.
An official of the Navy Department said to-
day that he had positive knowledge that Sir
Julian was manifesting much concern in the
matter and that he had made several PROPOSE
tions to the authorities calculated to insure a
peaceful settlement of any impending compca-
ton. This official said that England W as bring
Ing great pressure TO bear on Spain to induce
her to give up all idea of going To with
the United States.
HURRYING WORK ON COAST DEFENCES
Extraordinary zeal has recently been dis
played in hurryng along work on the land de-
fences of the United States Only recently Sec
rotary Lamont. accompanied by General Craig
hill. inspected a number of coast defence
projects. They have given particular study to
the fortifcations at New-York, Philadelphia,
down the Potomac and at Charleston. Secre-
tary Lamont has personally inspected the I'M
provements at the three former places General
Craighill has just returned from Southern
tour. having closely inspected the progress OF
works at Charleston. where extensive improve
ments have been pushed with much vigor within
the last six months. ~ 5rf ~1Is g.
Fort Hancock. at Sandy Hook. and Forts
Wadsworth and Schuyler have received new
powerful guns: the Delaware defences have
been similarly strengthened and the Potomac
Notifications, although still in an imperfect
condition. are better than they were in July
Forr. erly Charleston was helpless in case OF
attack Now earthworks are to be found, ana
before the year Is out guns will be In place I'M
movements on the Pacific are also being made.
Special attention has been given to San Fran
cisco. and the needs of Puget Sound have been
seriously considered.
SPANS WAR PREPARATIONS.
Significant at this time SPANS prepare
tions for war. Confidential information received
at the Navy Department shows that the Madrid
Government has recently ordered from England
and France great quantities Of war material,
chiefly projectes for big guns. An official at
the Navy Department said to-day that the
ant NJ mat ri
than she could use In ten years under ordinary
service conditions He volunteered the informa-
ton that the Spanish Governments course was
remarkable to say the least. This Is not the
only direction in which Spain has shown naval
activity. She has, as reports received at the
Navy Department show. attempted to buy ships
from Italy. In this effort she failed, Italy de-
clining to sell vessels. But Spain has ordered
two ships from England These II Is assumed UNI
after vessels which are being completed Tor
South American country.
partment OF the United States Navy has
purchased supply Of ammunition cost
Ing $4,000 This is in add addition 10 oon to
mission and in store for their USE The order
was given to projectile-makers only short time
ago. with directions to hurry up deliveries Most
home fleet
ADMIRAL BUNCEs VISIT TO WASHINGTON.
Naval officers are to-day discussing the OBJ
feet of the visit to Washington of Admiral
Bunce That officer has been in close conference
with Secretary Herbert That the Cuban situa-
ton was under consideration is proved by the
fact that during the conference the naval chart
called a strategic map of the world was before
them. There has been some talk about the home
fleet going to Venezuela. This report is absurd.
az inquiry shows Admiral Bunces command Is
to be kept together and held In home waters.
This can be said positively. The squadron is to
be held ready for an emergency, as naval
officer said to-day.
POLITICIANS TO ORGANIZE VOLUNTEERS
Madrid. Nov IA committee representing the