New-York tribune., 1899-06-14
FLAG FOR CUBAN VESSELS.
A LIMITED USE OF THE AMERICAN EN-
SIGN ALLOWED.
fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.

lBY TO THE TRibuNE.I
Washington. June 13-After much considera-
tion and exhaustive study OF its possible
bearings on the question OF American sover-
eighty in Cuba the Administration has decided
TO allow limited use OF the American ensign
TO Cuban merchant vessels engaging In or
dnary commerce the high seas. With the
termination Of Spanish sovereignty on January
l last Cuban ship owners found themselves
without a symbol OF nationality to cover their
foreign or coasting trade The two principal
steamship lines. the north and south coasts
after some delay succeeded in obtaining per-
mission TO resume their regular business under
temporary Cuban flag. recognized by the
American customs and military authorities IN
the various ports But this emblem gave them
status whatever in foreign harbors or on
the high seas; and since January II no Cuban
master has been able to take ship legally
outside the three-mile coast limit, much less
to enter the ports OF the United States, OF
Mexico, or Of the other West Indian islands.
with which active commerce formerly
maintained
ORDER TO BE ISSUED TO-DAY.
Urgent appeals for relief OF some sort either
through the notification 10 foreign Powers by
the United States OF the existence of the Cuban
flag through the adoption OF the American
ensign for purposes OF commerce have been
under consideration here for a month or two
But the adjustment of the difficulty involved so
many ulterior questions Of policy that decision
has been necessarily put of from week to week
1t is understood. however that a definite solu-
ton has been found and Will be embodied In an
order drawn by Attorney-General Griggs, which
the War Department will probably issue to-mor-
row This order will direct that officers OF the
customs in Cuba may authorize the clearance
for foreign ports ports OF the United states OF
any vessel owned before January l. 1879. by
resident OF Cuba, under the present temporary
blue and white coasting signals. Such a per
nit to fly the American above the coasting en-
sign is for the purpose OF indicating that the
Government OF the United States has assumed
and will discharge the obligations TO protect the
life and property of Cubans which may unoer
international law result from the American mill
tary occupation Permission to fly the American
flag Will not. Of course. confer on Cuban snip
ping any OF the rights and privileges enjoyed III
foreign ports by American vessels under com-
merca treaties or in American ports uhGer
United States statutes. Cuban vessels ehterine
American or foreign ports Will be entitled 10 lhe
conditions OF entry clearance. tonnage dues ana
port charges prescribed for any non-treaty row
er In this country. for instance. 81 ton VIII pe
4 21q and 4 225 Of the Revised Statutes.
REGULATIONS FOR USE OF FLAG.
Various regulations are also expected to ac-
company the general order. These provide that
for each voyage to a foreign port separate
permit shall be issued. signed by the general
commanding the United States forces In Cuba
and by the Collector OF the Port from when
the vessel seeks clearance. Before the issue OF
the permit the owner or master must give Dond
that for the year his vessel shall engage only
in legitimate trade. and shall use the United
States flag only for the purposes set forth IN
the order. No Cuban vessel engaging In torelsn
trade shall carry arms or ammunition. unless Dy
special permit from the general commanding
the United States forces. Cuban masters IN
foreign ports will deposit their clearance papers
with the Consul Of the United States, or II there
be none with the Consul OF a friendly nation
For any misuse Of the American flag the general
commanding the United States forces may I'M
pose a penalty. not exceeding $40 gross ton, on
the offending vessel or may seize the ship ana
institute proceedings for forfeiture.
The two chief steamship lines benefited by
the new order the Herarra, or North coast
and the Menendez South Coast, companies
The foreign ports to which these lines have IN
the past run steamers chiefly IN the United
States Mexico. Hayti. San Domingo and Porto
piNn