In the month of May, 1873; a.SPanish coastrgnardefirlifer stiked a
Spanish vessel, the Sol,' off ruropic point. The 'S-61' Eltd cleared from Gibraltar with a mixed carge, partly owned- by Englishmen, but, it is asserted, also, with contraband tobacco on board. Taken in by her captors to Algeciras, she was condemned by the revenue court and all her cargo, contraband and non-contra- band, was, according to Spanish law, confiscated. The British owners of the cargo have claimed compensation, but Lord Derby declines to support the demand. He maintains that English mer- chants who trust their goods to a Spanish ship in Spanish waters must take the risks of Spanish law, which, however, he hints, is an unjust law. On the other hand, the owners of the cargo con- tend that the 'Sol' was not taken in Spanish waters at all, but either on the high seas or inBritish waters. We hope Lord Derby ittistIed himself that the capture was not made in British sivsitkiii; if on the high seas, the right of a Spanish revenue-cruiser tausPected yeasel under the Spanish flag cannot be denied. fig that is-done to Spain by the sintiggling trade Which is ctirri—Vdozi; and to rianie extent encouraged, under the guns of Gib- riñ1ie ' sidinitted, but our clear* dttiy is te put &WU that ciintiabinid -Cud& ottraeIVes, and to Warn- Spain aterilY that we Will rid/aerate open breeches of international laVr. The tyranny .of *eidetitha finkY be obliged; and Spain is inelined to ðane upon tr4- pity thit 'her misfortunes nitiVe.
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