Virginius Affair
THE. It was in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba that the historic "Virginius affair," occurred in 1873, which almost caused a war between the United States and Spain. The "Virginius," a ship registered in the New York custom house Sept. 26, 1870, as the property of an American citizen, was captured on the high seas near Jamaica, by the Spanish man-of-war "Tornado," Oct. 31, 1873. The reason given was that she was about to land men and arms in Cuba, which was then engaged in the "Ten Years' War" against Spain. At the time of capture the "Virginius" was flying the American flag. She was taken to Santiago. President Grant remonstrated with the Spanish Government, to Spain, General Daniel E. Sickles, deand through the United States minister to Spain, General Daniel E. Sickles, demanded the release of the "Virginius" and her crew.
Spain was at that time a republic under President Castelar, and while his government was asking for time to obtain information and was making promises, the authorities in Cuba determined to take matters into their own hands. On Nov. 7, 1873, the captain of the "Virginius," Joseph Fry, and 36 of the crew, were shot. The next day 12 of the most prominent passengers were also shot. The Captain-General of Cuba, were held, and the bloody work was dethese murders. When the news of this action became known in the United States the excitement was intense. Meetings were held, and the bloody work was dethe putting of the navy on a war foot- President Grant authorized ing, diplomatic relations were on the point of severance and war was immimade the excuse that his orders to stay Meanwhile President Castelar proceedings were received too late to prevent the crime. nounced. nent.
Several times it seemed that hostilities could not be avoided. Once, General Spain. At last, however, on Nov. 29, a protocol was signed between Secretary Once, General Fish and Admiral Polo, by which Spain agreed to surrender the survivors of the crew and passengers of the "Virginius," together with the ship, and to salute the flag of the United States on Dec. 25. If, however, it should be proved in the interhad no right to val that the "Virginius" ha fly the United States flag, the salute should be dispensed with, though Spain should disclaim any intention to insult the flag. Three days before the time should disclaim any intention to insult should be dispensed with, though Spain fly the United States flag, the salute agreed on, Secretary Fish announced himself as satisfied that the "Virginius" had no right to fly the flag, and the salute was dispensed with. On Jan. 23 Admiral Polo made the disclaimer agreed on.
The "Virginius" was delivered to the was dispensed with. On Jan. 23 Admiral Dec. 16, with the American flag flying, She was, however, unseaworthy and, Dec. 16, with the American flag flying.
Fear, sank. The prisoners who survived were surrendered on Dec. 18, at Santiago de Cuba, and landed in safety in New York.