The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-12-26

An Investigation TO Be Made of
the Reported Engagement
With Spanish Gunboats.
If the Story Proves True the Owners
of the Steamer May Be In.
dicted for Piracy.

NEW YORK. N. Y, Dec. 25.-A Herald
special from Key West, Fla, says: As
to-day was a National holiday nothing
was done by the local Federal authorities
in the matter of the Cuban filibustering
steamer Three Friends.
For the same reason, it is presumed, no
instructions have been received from
Washington, nor has any intimation been
given of what is proposed to be done with
the steamer or her captain. The tug re-
mains tied up at the wharf, with GUS
toms officer aboard, and Captain Rey-
nolds of the revenue cutter McLane has
been instructed to keep surveillance over
her to prevent any attempt to depart
Considerable interest has been manifested
in the probable action of the Washington
officials in the matter, and the outcome is
anxiously awaited.
The report that the tug exchanged shots
with Spanish naval vessels on the Cuban
coast and within the jurisdiction of Cuban
waters is freely discussed in the streets,
and, while applauded in Cuban circles, is
considered by more sober minded citizens
. as seriously complicating the situation.
1t is thought the master and crew may be
indicted for piracy and the vessel con.
demned as pirate.
Captain Lewis was seen this evening.
He insists he has not violated any law
and declares the Three Friends has been
engaged only in legitimate trade. Cap
tain o Brien, who is also attached to the
tug, makes similar statement.
Consul General Lee called on Captain
Lewis during his brief visit ashore and
had long conference with him about the
reported cruise of the tug. 1t is not
known whether General Lee was acting
under instructions from Washington or
obtaining information for his guidance
after reaching Havana. If, as rumored,
an engagement actually took place be-
tween the tug and Spanish tugboats, the
matter, it is thought, will be brought to
his attention by the Spanish officials N
Cuba
NEW YORK, N. Y, Dec. ga Herald
special from Washington says: Officials
of the Treasury Department do not kno"
officially of the seizure of the steamer
Three Friends in Key West. 1t is the ips
tention of the officials to have a thorough
investigation made into the latest trip Of
the alleged hlibuster. 1t is probable THAI
the vessel, her officers and crew will BIZ
proceeded against under the laws prohib-
iting armed expeditions against a power
with which the United States are at peace.
The officials believe that if the reports Of
q conflict with Spanish coast guard YES
sci can be substantiated in the courts the
vessel will be condemned and her officers
convicted.
Under the law the vessel would be liza
BILE to forfeiture, and her officers and
members of her crew would be liable to
fines OF not more than $4,000 each and
mprisonment for not more than three
years. There has never been any question
as to such acts as are alleged to have been
admitted by the Three Friends being
violations of the neutrality laws.
1t is not expected that the incident will
lead 10 any serious com plications between
the United States and Spain. The Span.
ish Government will expect this Govern
ment to enforce the law against the vessel
and her owners and crew if they have been
guilty of violating its provisions. This is
all that could be expected unless it could
be proved that this Government h ad not
exercised due diligence In ate mpting 10
prevent the departure of the expedition.
In that case the United States might be
liable to claims for heavy damages.
KEY WEST, FLA. Dec. 25.-General
Lee passed through this city tonight, en-
route to Havana