Year: 1873

press themselves so plainly, In advance OF official
Information Mr.. Durant stated that prominent
foreign diplomat here recently said, In conversa-
tlon that the action OF the Spanish authorities
more vindictive and cruel than any otner govern
ment in Europe would be guilty OF even II the
parties had been caught red-handed. This was
certainly not the case. SO far as the facts were
known. In reply to a remark tue diplomat referred
to said that the United states would be bound to
go iurther-that 1t had the right to do so-than
Indemnity, all OF which he Thought
Spain would give. This country must demand
not give. The important consequences hung on
that. Mr.. Durant himself said that there could be
and OF the crime committed in the execution by
General Burriel. The vessel was not q blockade .S
we Or in marms Sa
law. She might pursue as she probably
SS Sd .n,an.a an Illegal trac but could not
taken, her summary Condemnation, while 1t was
evident according TO the report of her clearance
lar, is an act outside OF international law and ad
miraty procedure. The treaty or agreement OF
February IL, 1871, under which an arbitration had
been agreed upon rs to claims against Spain by
American citizens, and Dy which the American and
Spanish Joint Claims Commission formed, did
not provide and was never designed for any such
events as those now transpirlng. They relate to
private claims, fled BY private parties, not to the
redressing OF national outrages. What was really
to be regretted, apart from our own national rela
tions, IN his Judgment, was in its effect



politically speaking OF more consequence than that
OF Cuba. Mr.. Durant was not prepared to say
he thought the Madrid government would present
the idea on the other hand, he was DIS
posed to believe that the at.alr had pro-
ceeded too far In summary way TO
be disposed OF In any such manner. He was also
Of the opinion that II the Virginius had been cap
tured in British waters we should have 10 present
our claim to that government which would Tor
herself make demand ON Spain. The shooting OF
her subjects, as alleged, would greatly complicate
the against Spain.


Views or General James s. Negloy.


PrrrsBURG. Nov. 10, 1879


In conversation on the probable action Of the
coming Congress on the virginius matter, General
James S. Negley, member of Congress from the
Twenty second oIsirct said tnat he thought there
would be much broader measures proposed than
the recognition OF Cuba as a belligerent He
thought the majority OF the members would insist
on apology for the insult to the flag Of the gov
ernment and reparation for the loss Of life and
property by the payment OF an indemnity lor the
cerned in the massacre OF the Yirgipigs party.
To tear down our country1s flag from the mast
head head Of vessel sailing under It on the
high seas, which was her only protection, seems
to me the most emphatic insult our government
could be subjected to, and never shall my vote be
me- was even greater outrage than the massacre
OF those defenceless men, What right had the
Spaniards to interfere with this vessels Her
papers were drawn up in the proper form, ner
passengers were properly registered and her
il the virgnus had been laden to the waters
edge. with ammunition she could not be re-
cognized as contraband Of war. lnasmuch as
SPAN does not recognize Cuba as a belligerent
Power, and does not recognize officially that it has
war with Cuba.


In regard to Secretary Fsh's timidlty in this
matter General Negey said that he felt assured
Congress would rebuke the diplomatic action of
the Secretary OF State. That body considers he
could have prevented the second massacre. II
was only last year that leading congressman were
desirouS OF more decided stand on this Cuban
matter. Every man in the Cabinet, with the ex-
ception OF secretary Fish, is determined TO exact
reparation from Spain. But the country may over
power to take action upon the presentation by the
President OF the case, with his views on the
matter. The people generally win endorse the
most vigorous policy Of the government. A
patriotic feeling has been aroused, and 1t is popu-
ary considered that the action OF Spain admits OF
no apology.