which would certainly oblige us to declare war on Spain--it was stated
by those in authority that Spain does not contemplate any such course.

American vessels have a perfect right to carry arms to Cuba and fulfil
any orders they may receive for such goods, as long as Spain persists in
saying that war does not exist in the island. It is only when men
accompany the arms that Spain has a right to protest; otherwise it is a
mere carrying of merchandise from one port to another.

It is felt that while Spain has cause for anger against the American
sympathisers who have sent over so many filibusters, she has none
against the United States Government, which has done everything in its
power to prevent the despatching of these unlawful expeditions.

* * * * *

Before he left Havana Weyler made a speech in which he is reported to
have made remarks which have annoyed the Spanish Government. This
appears to have created trouble for him.

The Spanish ministers have talked the matter over, and decided to demand
an explanation from the ex-Captain-General.

The commanders of each of the ports in the Spanish kingdom have been
instructed to ask the General what these remarks were the moment he sets
his foot on Spanish soil, wherever that may be. If his statement agrees
with the reports of his speech, he will immediately be arrested and
tried by court-martial.

The particular remark reported which so offended the Government was in