d States Navy, four by Spain, two were
wrecked, and one driven back by storm. One which is laid to our credit
the Secretary declines to acknowledge as belonging to us at all.

Of the successful expeditions, Mr. Gage points out that much was due to
the weakness of the Spanish patrol. In all the cases where the offenders
have been caught, he shows that they have either been punished or are
awaiting trial.

Concerning the case of the _Silver Heels_, the Secretary says that the
Collector of the Port of New York informed him that a representative of
the Spanish Consul stated to him that he did not desire the vessel to be
seized at the dock, but captured after departure therefrom. It was not,
therefore, so much negligence on the part of the Government, as speed on
the part of the _Silver Heels_, which enabled her to slip away from her
pursuers.

While we are on the subject of the _Silver Heels_, it will interest you
to know that she has been taken into custody.

She arrived at Wilmington the other day, and was at once seized by the
collector of that port.

An examination was made of the vessel, but nothing was found on board to
indicate that the ship had been engaged in unlawful work.

The crew have been subjected to a severe examination. Each man has had
to make a statement before the court.

The master and mate of the vessel swore that the _Silver Heels_ left New
York bound for Wilmington, N.C. Her cargo consisted of one hundred tons
of coal designed for sale in Wilmington.

On account of head winds she could not approach the coast, but was
buffeted about until a few days ago, when she cast anchor in Wilmington
harbor.

The two officers declared that no other cargo than the coal had been on
board, and that there had been no passengers.

The collector found the amount of coal in the ship that the master and
mate swore was there--and so far everything goes to prove that they have
been telling the truth.

The statements of the crew have been sent on to the Government, and the
vessel will be kept in custody as long as it is necessary in order that
a proper investigation may be made.

* * * * *

After thinking matters over, the Spaniards have decided that President
McKinley's Message was not so friendly to them as they at first
supposed.

They have arrived at the conclusion that the part of the Message which
refers to intervention on our part in case Home Rule does not succeed,
i