Many of the reports we get through the newspapers have to be changed or
contradicted, no matter how careful the news-gatherers may have been in
selecting their information. This is because the reporters do not have
access to the official documents, and are obliged to base their reports
upon rumors or uncertain information.

When, however, a report comes direct from the Government, there is no
hearsay in the matter. Each department of the Government has the
documents relating to its business, and the reports it issues are made
from the actual letters that have passed between countries--despatches
and diplomatic documents which no outsider can ever hope to see.

Here, then, is Mr. Gage's report on filibustering.

He says that during two years and a half only six American vessels are
said to have successfully landed filibustering expeditions from the
United States in Cuba. Three foreign vessels are said to have been
successful in the same effort.

With the vessels referred to it is said that a dozen harbor tugs, three
or four lighters, a few small steamers, and about a dozen small sloops
and schooners have been associated.

That only six American vessels out of all our large merchant navy
succeeded in reaching Cuba is, the Secretary thinks, a proof of the
law-abiding spirit of the American people.

He says that eight revenue-cutters, with 317 men, have cruised 75,768
miles, patrolling the coast to prevent filibustering. These vessels