Evening star., 1923-12-02
Fifty Years Ago
In The Star

A serious strain between the United
States and Spain from the seizure of
the Virgfnius in Gu
War With Spain ban waters and the
Averted execution Of prison
ers taken from her
arose fifty years ago, but the danger
of war between the two countries was
averted. The Star of November 29,
1873, says:
"On Wedn esday we stated on au-
thority we knew to be reliable that
Admiral Polo, the Spanish minister
and Secretary Fish had certainly
agreed on a plan of settlement. which
had been forwarded to Madrid by
telegraph for approval, and which
Will doubtless be approved. 1t includes
substantially these points: First, the
surrender of the Virginius and the
customary salute to the United States
nag; second, that the surviving MEM
bers of the crew must be restored
third. suitable indemnity to be made
to the families of those slain. This
was denied the next morning by n
city cotemporary. but the same pa
per this morning admits the entire
correctness of our statement.
The Spanish government has prop-
erly placed confidence in the ability
and judgment of its minister here and
has Endorsed the plan of settlement he
has negotiated with Secretary Fish
His representation to his government,
as to the status of the Virginius AS
prima facie an American vessel has
been accepted as settling the question
affirmatively as to the justice and
propriety of acceding to our demands
for reparatiOn
About 8 o'clock last night Admiral
Polo received dispatches from his
government stating that the plan of
settlement arranged between him and
Mr.. Fish had been accepted. Some of
the minor details will be arranged
hereafter, but the main points at is
sue, i.e., the surrender of the Vir-.
ginius and of the remaining prisoners,
formal surrender of the Virginius will
not take place until the 25th of De-
cember, the delay being requ' site in
order to give time to compIete the
negotiations by mail, which have so
far taken place informally by tele-i
graph. On that day the vessel will be.
surrendered. the American flag re-
stored and the customary salute
given.
"It is quite likely there will be-
some sulking on the part of the
Havanese over the surrender, but.
they will be apt to take a cooler view
of the situation before Christmas day,
especially as they are under the guns;
of the Spanish-manned forts and war
vessels. 1t is understood that the Cas-
telar government has the moral sup.
port of the other European powers IN
acceeding to the terms of our gov
ernment, the American demands be-
ing conceded to be only just and fair
Therefore. that government ought not
to lose strength with the Spanish
people for its action in behalf OF
peace
Secretary Fish and Admiral polo
deserve hearty commendation for the
prudence, moderation and good sense
with which they have managed this
difficult negotiation, under the strong
provocations to hasty and violent ac-;
ton
- 4
Despite the settlement there was.
still some war feeling in this country
|. In The Star of November
Moshv,s 20. 1873, is news item.
stating that Col. John s.
oHer. Mosby had called that day
upon President Grant and offered his
services in case of war. with Spain.
In the event of war. he told the prest-
dent, there would necessarily be a
great deal Of bushwhacking:
| 'Now." said President Grant, in
the late war you were called a BUSH,
whacker; but in a new country like
, Cuba you don't know the roads," 2
We'll, that is so.' said Mosby, but
did you know every road you went
through when you went to the
| south?"
"Of course / did not" replied the
| President, but what has that to do
with it?"
We'll" said Moshy, 81 propose
to get guides. If you will commission
me in case of q war I will raise
| 1900 men who know what bush,
whacking means. They are not anx-
ious for. fight, but they have fought
lsnd will follow me to the ends OF
the earth. They have fought against
| the fiag in other times-trys them
1 when their national honor is involv-
! ed.