Spain and America.

Opunake Times, Volume IV, Issue 195, 15 May 1896, Page 2

Spain and America.

New York, May 11.

Tbe court martial at Havana has sentenced to death five of the crew of the American schooner Competitor, which was seized by the Spanish gunboat for carrying arms to Cuba. Three of those under sentence are American citizens. President Cleveland cabled to Madrid that if the men were executed without a civil trial the United States Government would regard it as an unfriendly act. Premier Canovas replied that the dispute must be settled in accordance with the law of the treaties.

It is reported that Canovas subsequently ordered the Havana authorities to submit the cases to the Supreme Military Court. The New York Press is indignant at the incident. The New York World points out the only offence the men were guilty of was that of smuggling. Tbe American vessel, Bermuda, bound to Cuba with a force of three hundred men and a cargo of 10,000 rifles. The Spanish Consul protested against the departure of the vessel under these circumstances.

Wathington, Mav 12.

The United States Govrenment has ordered the battalion in Florida to prepare for action, and has sent orders to the navy to assemble in the event of the Spanish Government refussing to give way to President Cleveland’s ultimatum.

Savannah, May 12.

General Wekler, the Spanish Com-raander-in-Ohief, will resign unless the death sentences are carried out. New York, May 13.

The Spanish Government has postponed its decision in regard to the death sentences on four of the Competitor’s crew until the bearing of the treaties with the United - States has been considered.

The New York World says that if the men are executed, it will be impossible to prevent war. One of the treaties between the two* countries guarantees a civil trial unless the men are taken in arms.

The incident has aroused intense feeling throughout the States. , . Later.

The Spanish Government has agreed to a fresh trial of the Competitors' crew by the ordinary court, and the difficulty between the two countries may be regarded as settled.