Secretary Fish has transmitted to Congress his dispatches to the
American Minister at Madrid, which have recently been, by order, circulated to the Powers. In these documents the American Government reiterates its complaints against the Spanish Govern- ment for the way it carries on war in Cuba, for its outrages on American subjects, and for its neglect to fulfil its promise of bringing General Burriel, who was responsible for the Virginius' affair, to trial. Mr. Fish denounces the condition of "chronic insurrection" maintained in Cuba, the continuance of slavery, and the injury inflicted on commerce, and says that such a state of affairs cannot continue, as "it may become the duty of other Governments to intervene." This despatch is dated February, 1874, but it was read to Lord Derby on November 29, 1875, and embodies the present case of General Grant against Madrid. We have elsewhere given reasons for believing General Grant to be both honest and serious in this matter, though of course his action may be materially influenced by American opinion. It is certain that neither he nor the American people desire the annexation of Cuba.
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