The Virginius, a steamer sailing from New York under American
colors, was seized on her way from Jamaica to Cuba by a Spanish
cruiser, the Tornado, on the ground that she was carrying men
and munitions of war to the Cuban insurgents, and a large number
of those on board were summarily executed by order of the
Spanish authorities in that island. The intelligence caused much
excitement, especially in the City of New York, which was the
centre of Cuban interests in this country. An indignation meeting
was held in that City, which was countenanced by persons of high
character and position, and addressed by Hon. William M. Evarts and
others in speeches of great intensity. Mr. Sumner, taking a view of
the case which the sober second thought of the people approved, but
which was not in accord with the passions of the hour, answered an
invitation to attend the meeting by the following letter:--
BOSTON, November 15, 1873.
GENTLEMEN,--It is not in my power to be with you at your meeting to
ask for justice in Cuba.
Allow me to add, that, longing for immediate Emancipation in this
neighboring island, where Slavery still shows its infamous front, and
always insisting that delay is contrary to justice, I do not think
it practicable at this moment, on existing evidence, to determine
all our duties in the recent case where civilization has received a
shock.
It is very easy to see that no indignation at dreadful
butchery--inconsistent with the spirit of the age, but unhappily
aroused by an illicit filibustering expedition from our own shores,
kindred to that of the Alabama, for which England has been justly
condemned in damages--can make us forget that we are dealing with the
Spanish nation, struggling under terrible difficulties to become a
sister Republic, and therefore deserving from us present forbearance
and candor. Nor can we forget the noble President, whose eloquent
voice, pleading for humanity and invoking our example, has so often
charmed the world. The Spanish Republic and Emilio Castelar do not
deserve the menace of war from us.
If watchwords are needed now, let them be: Immediate Emancipation
and Justice in Cuba!--Success to the Spanish Republic!--Honor and
Gratitude to Emilio Castelar! and Peace between our two Nations!
Bearing these in mind, there will be no occasion for the belligerent
preparations of the last few days, adding to our present burdensome
expenditures several millions of dollars, and creating a war fever to
interfere with the general health of the political body.