The New York Herald Newspaper, May 5, 1869, Page 3

CU BA. Enthusiastic Demonstration in Favor of Independence. Great Mass Meeting at , Cooper Institute. AMBRICA TO THE RESCUB. Speeches by Mr. McKeon, Mr. Woodford, Mr. Townsend, Rev. Mr. Prexeh, Mr. Fellows and Others, Vast evening the Cooper Institute was crowded to the doors, the occasion being a grand demonstration $n tayor of the independence of Cuba. The utmost enthusiasm prevailed. It was truly a great mani- festation of popular feeling, for the entire assem- biage went heart and soul with every patriotic ex- pression that touched upon the rights of the much cherished isle. It is certainly some time since the spacious hall was so densely packed, and that, too, uot by curiosity seekers, but by a sterling, earnest and determined audience. Long prior to the hour announced for the commencement of the meeting the space in front of the Cooper In- ‘stitute was crowded by a very energetic assemblage, and when the doors were thrown open a con- tinued rush speedily filled the hall. The deco- rations were handsome as they were ap- propriate. Beautifully entwined flowers wreathed 4m lengthened strings hung gracefully _be- mcath the well executed portraits of Washington, President Grant, Admiral Farragut, General Mc- Clelian and Governor Hoffman. sesides these or- Bamentations the platform was otherwise gaily fes- ooned; fags and banners were tastefully suspended, @mong them being the flag of Cuban inde- Pendance, but conspicuous was the ailken etreamer representing the stars and stripes. Neatly executed gariands dangled from the chandeliers, and altogether the decorations were rich and well designed, sufficient — at Jeast to add a something to the general feeling which characterized the unanimity of the meeting. Stands were erecied outside the building and congregated around them in dense masses were those whose tardiness or jack of crushing powers debarred them from obtaining space inside. Fireworks wrig- gied about in all directions, and when well executed or unusually brilliant elicited great cheering from the crowds. There was no Jack of open air orators whose remarks generally elicited much cheering. At ight o’clock the meeting was calied to order by Mr. W. E. McMartin, and nominated Mr. Charles A. Dana as chairman, Mr. J. E. Buck read a list of names, which he pre- wented as vice presidents and secretaries, which were unanimously adopted. He also supmitted the following :-— As citizens of New York, without distinction of party, we have assembled to make declaration of our opinions in relation to the Cuban revolution for free- dom and independence. The Cubans possess territory, population and resources sufficient two enable them, if independent, to dis- charge all domestic and international obligations which devolve on every State. bor generations they have been a helpless dependency on Spanish monarchs, by whom they have been despoiled of weir treasure and dented every vestige of political liberty. Whenever their aspirations for ireedom have been awakened by the example of our country Spain has strangied them in blood. A few months ago the Spaniards revoiutionized their own govern- ment, dethroned their Queen and changed their whole political system. In ail this they did not consult or consider the wishes of the Cubans, whom oe would still hold as dependents, without any Tights save such as Spanish caprice would concede. Against this the Cuban vente have revolted in favor of a republic, equal political rights, independence in government and freedom for all the population. ‘This patriot revolution, already maintained for many months, will, we believe, result in the estab- lishment of an independent Cuban republic. Im- pelied by these considerations, recognizing our dat, to favor the cause of political freedom and respond- ing to the Cuban appeals for our sympathy, we hereby declare:— First—That we heartily sympathize with the Cuban people in their war for independence, and in the grievances to which they point we find full justifica- tion of their revolution. Second—We will support the President in recog- nizin@ the Cuban revolutionary government, so as to secure to it the rights of a belligerent nation and to give heart to a brave people who are struggling for repubiican institutions aud for those principles of freedom, progress and humanity, the estabiish- ment of whica will make Cuba a worthy sister re- public of the United States, (Cheers) SPEECH OF MR. JOHN M’KEON, Mr. John McKeon was then introduced to the meet- po Fo proceeded to make a stirring speech. He that when he received the invitauion of the friends of Cuba in this city to attend that meeting he deemed it not only a duty to obey their call but a great pleasure. (Cneers.) The resolutions which had just been read conveyed to them the impor- tance of the occasion which had called them together. It was that a portion of the American people might express their sym- et with a people struggling for freedoin and indepenaence. (Applause.) An occasion like the present involved a responsibility which was not only shared by them, but by the government. Ina government constituted like ours the Tage Sapeonta reached not only from the people up to the Fd ment, but from the government down, and it was emmently proper that they should on this occasion express their wisies and point out the course which they wished their public agents to pursue. Whatever trouble came on the country came on the people ultimately. ‘Tbe occasion Which has called you together is the present revolution in the Island of Cuba, and you are called upon not only to express your sympathy with that movement, bat also to point out to our opened agents the policy which ought to be adopted yw the government of the United States. I need not tell you that the contest in Cuba is the death- struggle between the representatives of a foreign despousm in Spain and the natives of the isiand of Cuba. The people of Cuba are denied freedom of the pi enied the night of petition, the right to acquire or dispose of property except under certain restrictions—denied the securi person from illegal arresis—demied the right of representation, whilst robbed by the taxation of the home government in Madrid. In a word, pot a gtievance enumerated in our Declaration of Inde- but exists at the present time in Cuba. ‘he oppressions have for years past given cause to uprisings of the people, but never has the oppo- sition to the government taken such shape of power and capacity of resistance to the armed force of the government of Madrid as at the present time, — nt we can learn the pn = ch 1s waned the men struggiing to give independence to their native isie is carried on by the provisional government in Spain with a spirit of savage ferocity revolting to every sense of humanity. (Applause.) ‘The supreme authority i the island 18 nominally in the Governor General Dulce, but he is nothing more than a puppet in the hands of the hordes of volun- teers, who are the offscourings of Spain, sent to pil- Jage and murder the unfortunate native Cubana. If no other reason existed, we should insist that a stop should be put to a policy which 1s calculated to disnonor the age in which we live, If the civilized world years interfered to prevent barbarities being prac on the Greeks ioe Turks, ts it not Hue and proper that we, the neighbors of a civilized community, should cry out in horror against a war which is characterized by a barbarity to which the Turks never approached. The American 1 people have declared their sympathy with classic Greece, with Poland, with Hungary, with Ireland, within a few months past with the little island of Crete— far away in the Mediterranean, with a population about the size of one of the wards of this city—in one word with every people on this Continent and in Europe #1 ling against despotism. And now you are asked eciare your sympathy with the Cubans. 1 cannot be mistaken when I answer that the heart of the American people beats in unison with the patriots of Cuba, and the voices of the American people will be raised in one grand chorus of support for the cause of Cuban liberty and independence. It 1s, on such occasions as the pre- sent, easy to dealin general principles of devotion to liberty, and in good round phrase | of the yf ohawd ideas involved in contests simila! that now being Waged in Cuba; but my purpose I 0 some- thing more. I propose to examine what our duty asa nation Is at the present moment; what are our righis unde laws of nations, and then to say to world in the language of Pre sident Adams, in 6, to Congress, “that the United states must ill, as heretofore, take counsel from their duties rather than their fears. (Cheers) In order to show the deep interest tne United States have taken in Cuba it is only necessary to refer to our diplomatic history, — It will be seen that we have assimed that the right of self-protection au- thorized us to pursue a policy in respect to this island which we would scarcely presume to enforce in relation to any other territory. We have uniform. ly beid the doctrine that no power but Spain should Aoid the isiand—a doctrine which is an exception to aur general policy, which has been that every nation has & right to dispose of its territories as best may aut ite = sane ae to some facts In our » Ad writing In as Secretary of State under Mr. Monroe, says: traneter, of Cuba to Great Britain would be an event unpro- tious to the interests of this Union, The ques jon, both of our right and our a vont it, if necessary, iy foros, airedady obtrades itself upon our councils; and the administration 18 called upon, in the perf of its duties to the ‘ation, at least to use all the means within its competency to guard against apd Jorefend ii,” (Cheers,) Io all the Goropeae Ware the Rave resorted to ‘nis country of Jate and ster eappiies, The question now early. it we sell to the oppres- the 07 ed? If such of any admit tion, | am sat- be overwhelmed with the indig- the American people. While we are to course We shoula pursue the that England is about to give the Cubans, and that Mexico my them, oe have 4 samen information; but sup ¢ news to be true, what cause of offence could such recognition give to Spain or any other nation? | take, for instance, the case of the Fenian invasion of Canwtu, and tie uprising in Ireland within the past few Suppose the friends of Irish liberty stould hota for six months the interior of Treiand inst the British geveament, would any one complain i nists should be recognized as beilig- erents by us or any other power’ The policy of England at the present time 1s to put @ stop to this ‘war In Cuba, as it 1s constantly exposing her to de mands by the United States. For every violation of our flag on British waters in the West Indies we have aright to look to Great Britain in the first place for any damage done American commerce, and she 1s rg sews oa to look to Spain for indemnity. ‘The case of the Géneral Armstrong, sank in the har- bor of Fayal during the war of 1: has settled the prmeiple that a neutral must look to the sovereign within whose territories a wrong may be done io him, provided he does not wke the law into bis own bands, Moreover, England is fuliy aware that we will not permit a surveillance of tho seas mn the vicinity of the West India islands, some years stuce, when it was intimated that England, France and Spain intended to order fleets to cruise in these waters to intercept vesse’ carrying contraband gocds and men, our gov: ernment protested against converting those waters intoa mare cliusum and the project was aban- doned. Every day this Cuban war continues the prospect of trouble with foreign Powers increases. ‘she government at Washington must act, 1 will ud- mii, with great caution and circumspectiony 1 am not disposed to acd to the difficulties of their posi- tion. Yet who will venture to say to them that no paltry policy of prudence and regard to the wishes of any foreign Power wiil be weighed in the balance by the American people with what is due to our own interests and our own honor as a nation, while we act within the Innits of the laws of the civilized world, and known as the law of nations? The peo- ple of America ize the appeal of a peopie struggling to be free. It comes from the land where rest enshrined, ip the old cathedral of Havana, the ashes of Columbus, who gave a new worid to Castile and Leon, Americans will not permit it in sitence tobe dishonored by the thraldom which degrades the great race on which Columbus conferred undy- ing glory. (Cheers.) Mr. Stewart L. Woodford next addressed the meet- ing. He said he did not come with the fervor of Bostic words to stimulate the feclings of this assem- lage for it was m fever heat already applause and laughter)—neither to demonstrate the right or jusuce of the cause, but simply, in brief terms, to enlist their sympathy as men, as Christians, as freemen. upon this cause of liberty, free government and free religon. In October lust the telegraph flashed to our city the tidings that an insurrection had broken out in Cuba. It did not appear to be the result of a preconceived plan so much as a spontaneity on the part of those who rose against oppression. " Be- tween six and seven months that insurrection had been waging, and now assumed not oniy the form of an organized rebellion, but that of a (le facto govern- ment. What was the cause of such rebeilion? li was simply the cause of justice. Whence came the right of Americans to rebel against Engiand? Just because they had a right todo so, (Cheers.) They had aright to establish a government. From our own history we had come to kuow tilat no gov- ernment had a right to be recognized that failed to support the interests of the citizens. The Spanish government had fatied to give freedom to its subjects, having, among other things, denied the freedom of the press. But the Cubans had the rights of humanity in their hands. (Cheers.) The Cuban saw that while he was willing to take his heel off the neck of the slave he also saw that he wouid remove the heel of the Spaniard from his own, (Cheers.) It was a grand sentiment. With the justice of God upon their side they had ad- vanced rapidly and had succeeded, for the progress of the age had gone too far that any couniry that struck for hverty should, not succeed. (Applause.) But what had Americans to do with it? Our exist- ence as a free people was a temptation to those struggling under burdens to strike for freedom. (Cheers.) It was a grand thing to be freemen, but there was a responsibility with it, for it called on those enjoying it to do everything for those that were struggling to be freemen, (Cheers.) It was certain that Cuba must eventually drop out of the hand of Spain, The question was whether the United States should say 1 believed in fair play. If we sell aes to Spain we must sell powder to Cuaba—(cheers)—only ave will sell the Cuban powder a little cheaper and give them longer credit. (Cheers and laughter.) In this strifggle there must not only be fair play, but there must be hands off; otherwise the United States must step in; and by the God of Nations she would stand by her. (Cheers.) Air. Woodford continued his address, referring princi- pally to the various causes which instigated the in- surrection, animadverting strongly on the Spanisn rule, and asserting that the hour of deliverance was. close at hand, His observations were at intervals loudly applauded, = Mr. TOWNSEND, of Staten Isiand, then addressed the meeting. He was conscious of fidelity to his conn- try, and he was assured that no one present would leave such an enthusiastic assemblage without the conviction that Cuba was safe. His devo- tion to Cuba was founded upon three prin- ciples—humanity, honor and, lastly, our in- terests. (Whee! There was no preventive from Cuba jg independent. (Applause.) If Ireedom were refused to the Cubans at this hour let the word liberty be torn from gil speiling books. (Loud cheers.) “He did not propose to speak the sentiments of the meeting, but he was assured thac the Cubans were resolved to have their independ- ence. Mr. Townsend delivered a very earnest address, which was most cordially received. Rey. Mr, FRENCH next addressed the meeting and read the following age from a letter he had received from General N. Quesada, Generalissuno of the Cubans:—“Providence las destined us to be free, and the chatns which heretofore enslaved us are soon to be cast away forever. They have even now commenced to snap. It could not be otherwise. ‘The example of the people of your great nation is always before us, and we will follow it. Our suc- my dear friends, you, no doubt, know, w.1! de- pend on the aid which we confidently expect from that noble and great nation” (America). Ex-Lieutenant Governor Stewart L. Wooprorp then read letters of sympathy trom Wendeli Philips and ex-Governor Fenton. Mr. FeLLows, Assistant Corporation Counsel, was the next speaker. He alluded in strong terms to the rights of the Cubans, holding that when America was struggling for independence Spain appreciated her efforts to gain her freedom, and that now, f lowing the example taught by Spaiw, A should be among the foremost to recognize Caba. During the evening the foliowing speakers ad- dressed an audience of nearly 2,090 persons ouiside the building:—Mr. Algernon, Sullivan, Rey. Mr, Freach, Captain McClellan, Mr. Levy, Mr. MeMasver and others. Mr, SULLIVAN, meeting in the © UNITED STATES MARSHAL’S OFFICE. Reported Departure of an Expedition for Cuba. It was rumored yesterday that an expedition, con- sisting of about 300 armed men, left for Cuba on Monday night from one of the docks on the Jersey shore. In order not to be in need of the good things of this world the report further adds that a fully selected stock of provisions sufficient to last for two months was taken on board. Marshal Bariow, it is said, telegraphed to the Secre- tary of State, but had not received any answer whatever. Whether the vision of some spectator from the ‘flats’ was rendered dim by ordi cumstances has not transpired, but it is ¢ any vessel left New Jersey shore its occupanis were as aly as they were wise in attending to the tner man. At last accounts the floating arsenal had not been sighted at Sandy Hook. CENSORSH'P OF THE TELEGRAPH IN HAVANA, Sensation Rumors of the Havana Press. ASSOCIATED PRESS OFVICE, | NeW YORK, May 4, 1809. "5 On the 26th alt. the agent of the Associated Pr at Havana filed a message for New York, of which the following 18 a copy:— General Dulce personaliy went to Fort Cabanas, released the prisoner Ceapedes and delivered a s to the volunteers, The Vor de Cuba says that the Gerona, commanded by Admiral Maicainpo, has gone to Vera Cruz, owing to the report of the Mting out of an expedition of filibusters. The Spanish war vessels Pizarro and Isavei are cruising off the Mexican coast. Mexico openly tavors fubustering, and it is probable that Malcampo will make an ex. ample. le Pinrio annownees the disappearance of the insurgents between Nuevitas aud Puerto Irin- cipe. {This message was returned tothe sender by the Telegraph Company with the endorsemeut:— “There is not a word of truth in this and it cannot be transmitted.” . It will be seen that the authority jor the main part of the above despatch was the Havana newspapers themecives; consequently it seems that the government allows the journals in Cuba to publish news in their leading articies (suid articles having previously passed the rigid censor- ship) and refuse to allow the same to be forwarded per cable to New York, giving as a reason that they are untrue.) INTERESTING NEWS FROM CUBA. d z | in a few remarks, ought the per Institute to a su sive close. Rawrors of Expeditions=Mexico Thrent- ened=Carge of the» Mary Lowell—News from the fvterior=Diseatisfaction of the Catalans, HAVANA, April 27, 1860, For the past two days the city has been full of romors regarding an expedition said to have landed in the vicinity of Cape Corrientes, im the south- western part of the island, As ihe hours passed and Bothing way developed 1) began to ve understood | Supposed chat more definite that these rumors were but canards, and Cie result- aut excitement soon died ont. {tis now generaMy understood that the Gerona has gone to Mexico to look after ap expedition said to be fitting out there. The Voz de Cuba says there 48 no truth in the various reports in circulation, and that the Gerona nas gone to join the Ferdinand el Catolico and the Pizarro, now im Mexican waters, ‘The former were sent upon the report of an expedition being fitted out there, and it is mformation had caused the departure of the flagship, The paper mentioned assumes quite a beilicose atti tude toward President Juarez, and intimates that the 1ron-ciad Victoria will soon be here; that she is equal to any vessel afioat, and upon the order of the Captain General will proceed to batter down the San Juande U!ioa and do many and divers other things, to the great honor and glory of Spain and corresponding detriment of the descendants of Montezuma, The Voz ce Cuba is forgetful of the recent and somewhat unprofitable experiment of France in relation to Mexico and the admitied fact that she 1s beyoad punistment, The same paper gives a list of the essential part of the cargo of the Mary Lowell. It is as foliows:—940 Remington carbines, with bayone N09 percus- sion carbines, 170 packages cavalry carbines (eight shots), 40 Spencer carbines, three rifled st nons (Parrotts), 5 gun carriages, with appendag: 13 cases artiliery am ounition, 130 revelvers, 10) | maceetes, 50 poarding sabvret, 1 campaign forge, 1,000 grenades, 80 soll balls, leather straps, 2,700 boxes cartridges, charges Kemington, Spencer and Mime rifles; 4 packages spurs: 6,000 quick matches, 50 boxes per- cussion caps, 150 saddles, 2,500 bayonet scabbards, 7 jars cannon powder, 31 bags grain salt aud a great variety of other small articies, such as hatehets, pikes, <c., forming 6,000 packages, and ‘ail intended Jor use against Spaniards’? The trial for disioyaity of Sefors Rafsel Lunza, Mendivil and Cigarroa, in connection with the Villa Nueva theatre affair, terminated on Sunday last. The court was composed of six capiains of the army and the Mayor de Plaza, The Fiscal, Sefor Dole, opened the proceedings with a luminous report, which concluded by demanding the death penalty against Lunza, four years’ imprisonment of Men- divil and the discharge of Cigarroa. Seilor Soto- mayer acted as counsel for Lunza, and an engineer omicer undertook the defence of Mendivil, The former made a very clear and able defence, and con- tended that there Were not the necessary proofs to warrant the death penalty. The sentence of the court has not transpired, thongh it 1s generally re- ported that against Lunza was coniirmed, It will be recollected that Luuza was the editor of a paper calied the Convenion Republicana during the short reign of the “free press,” following Dutce’s arrival. Tne following are the estimates of expenditure for May ensuing:—War, $965,031; navy, $319,164; gober- nacion, $197,416; finance, $845,500; law und equity, $776,400; public works, $42,746; other items, $131,145. Total, $2,671,458, Our news from the seat of imsurrection continues meagre, ‘The steamers Morsella and Alicante re- .uurned here on Monday after landing at Nuevitas the battalion of Catalan volunteers. They were to leave immediately for San Miguel, where the bat- talion of colored chasseurs were awaiting them. ‘rhe numerous bands of insurgents of Camaguey had abandoned the line wich they occupied be- tween Neuvitas and Puerto Principe. The whole road seemed clear, as the recent successful march of Lesca froin one point to the other would indicate. Advices throngh Spanish sources state that a col- wnn ot infantry left on the 16th to repair the road to Prineipe, It consisted of 3,000 troops, with six pieces ot artillery, acompany of sappers, 200 horses, two companies of colored mobilized volunteers, one of the fire brigade and 800 pardoned insurrects, all under command of Brigadier Ferrer. It was ex pected that the ratiroad communication would be reestablished in seven days. Daics from Cienfuegos are tothe 25th. Three days previous the insurgent chief Bouyon, with 400 men, came to the Turquino woods, between Carthagena and Lechuzo. Asmail force of troops scared them capturing fourteen horses aud a medicine ‘the chief Junco had been arrested in his », but Casanova and Villamil were yet at large. ‘al Pelaez had retarned from Trinidad, which he left on the 21st, Sunt Espiritu dates are to the 23d. Enrique La del Key, the newly appointed Governor, had arrived, and on the 21st his predecessor, Mechiavilla, relin- quished the command, On the same day the former issued a conciliatory address to the inhabitants, soldiers and volunteers. The retiring Governor was entertamed at a farewell banquet. ‘Trinidad dates to the 25th contain nothing of im- portance. Some forces arrived on that day from Colon. They brought @ number of prisoners who had presented themselves. Advices from Cruces, in the jurisdiction of State that some insurgent bands had reap) there, and that @ portion of the railroad near Cama- rones had been cut and another portion burned. it has transpired here that a captain of the Catwlan volunteers, recently arrived, refused to go with his men to the field, and he is now under arrest and will be sent back to Spain. He had a violerit altercation with the colonel, ‘Tejada, which it is said did much to bring on the vertigo, with which the latter was attacked. The captain complained that the volun- teers were assured Liat ey vee to fight, not against republican ‘ideas, but for the mtegrity of Spam, and on thetr arrival here they found that all was des potism and against liberal institutions. - he United States flagship Contoocook, Rear Ad- mural Hott, returned here yesterday from New Or- leans, and it 1s anticipated will now remain here. Agaravating Fines on American Vessels. MATANZAS, April 22, 1969, To Tak Epiror oF THE HERALD:— Permit me to make known through your columns the manner in which we are subjected to many petty annoyances by the Spanish government, besides those incidental troubles we always have in dealing with Spaniards. My case is this:—! came here from Charleston, 8. C., in ballast, having my papers duly signed and sealed by the Spanish Consul at Charleston in the legal way, as far as it was possible for me to know. larrived here and my papers were delivered to the interpreter, who pronounced them all right; but when i came to cicar I Was told that I was fined $100, because the Spauish Consul had failed to sign one of my manifests, although he had filled it out and had signed ali the rest, and his name was printed on that one, which they say here 1s an illegal form by Spanish law, and oa that ground have detained me three days and compelled me to pay the before mentioned fine, | am not alone. Almost every American vessel in port has been fined for some trivial thing that was impossioie for the captain to know. Captain Staner, of the brig Fidelia, from New York, was jined $100 because the Spanish Consul's clerk had signed his papers th of the Consul hhuself. Of course the captain could know nothing about it One copy of the muntfest 1s always sealed and stamped by the Spanish Consul, and we ure fined, in short, for any mistake he may make. it has become a regular thing to fine American ves- sels, and I know of no way to avoid it if we come here. Vessels have been fined here tor a single mis- spelt word and for angrammatical construction of the language. Many are dined because there is not an oath at the bottom of their manifest swearme that the above isthe whole cargo or ballast on board, when the very first thine we do in clearing from our Custom Honse is to subscribe to the oath onthe back that the within account Is a trae account of au merchandise on board. Some vessets are fined for one thing one time, something else next and both manifests the same in every respect; and there is no way to get ciear of tt. 1 nave been “ned three times at this port within a ilttle more than a year. Once for not having the weight of empty hogsheads carried in kilogrammes on my manifest, and once be- cause the broker's place of business was printed on top of my manifest, That is probably @ tair exata- ple of how we are treated. And what aggravates us more is that English vessels are very seldom fined, although thetr papers are the sameé as ours. Atm it it is Much worse than ever before. If we so to inquire about it we are treated with ness and contempt by the Spanish oMeers, and we have no appeal but to the people through your per. Mr. Seward, the Secretary of State, replte jo Mr. Hull, I here, Wien he made 2 remon- strance, that if our people would trade at the island of Cuba they must submit to what the Spaniards re- quired. So we have reason to believe that our rights are virtually abandoned by government. There were thirteen fines lected of American vessels yesterday. There is very seldom anything said about fines until the vessel Is ready to go and the cantain wants his 1 we then have to pay what they demand ir owners to a greaicr luas by the dete’ vessel. Mr. Huil. the resident Consul of this place, is at Havana ac Consul General at present, so We have /iteratly no Consul here. An old jwercbant named Blanchard is acting Consul pro fem. I shat! have several captains sign this who are known to the Shitpmasters’ Association at New York, and aiso well Known to your inerehants. J think | lave im no way overdrawn in what [have said, and not told the whole. tam, with res 5. “T. MARKING, schooner Dexter Washburn, » W. Comery, brig M. bark G. W. Horton leiades; G. W. Morton, brig. Sports m Northern Sleeper, brig Revex: Alfrod Ben brig Rio Grande; N. Gapttll, brig Thomas Owen 4 KR. Robinson, bark Acocacia, fined tive tines m one veal JK, Bradley, brig Geo. 8 Berry: setooner Island Beil Briss, ivi H i. PD. Littledeld, brig Nettie Chiord: ¢, bark Lt Cignina. THE RIGHT OF SEANGH, HARK CORDELIA, GALVESTON, April 21, 186% To THY Korror or rie Tran I write you this to inform you that the Spanish war ships, even in British waters, have the audacity to fre at us and bring ws to, and alao to search our vessel, papers and crew. The bark Cordelia, of New London, under my command, was hove to and searched on the 3d inst., Styrup Key bearing east by south, per chart, three miles distant. Ver reapert+ Mastor of the American bark conieila, of New rhe della, of » London, A. Pieree, POOKS: ALY NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 186¥—YRIPLE SHEET. WASHINGTON. Instructions to Mr. Motley on the Ala- bama Claims Question. SUMNER’S SPEECH, THE ULTIMATUM. Negotiations for a Settlement Not to be Hurried. LAST RECEPTION OF GRA MRS. 4 Quaker Ring Forming Among Applicants for Indian Agencies. NERAL GRANT'S LAST YEAR'S INCOME, WASHINGTON, May 4, 1869. 'Yhe Cuban Envoy. In my despatch of last evening about Cuban mat- ters, through a mistake, I represented Mr. Rulz as the agent of the Cubans accredited to this govern- ment. Mr. Ruiz at present is the secretary of Mr. Morales Lemus, who is, in fact, the Cuban agent ib this country. The despatches from Cespedes alluded to in my despatch were sent to Mr, Lemus and not to Mr. Ruiz. The Quaker Indian Poliey—A Thrifty Friend A Quaker Ring Looming Up. ‘There seems to be a general impression that the appointment of Quakers as Indian asents is an en- tirely new thing, whereas the fact is that the plan was tried under President Linco!n with no very suc- cessful result. In the early part oi his adiministra- tion “Ole Abe” commissioned an Indiana Quaker to look after the Lo” family, located west of Arkansas, ‘This honest Quaker, whom J will designate as Friend William, 1s said to have proved a very expensive article, On a salary of two thousand dollars per annum he sccumnulated, it is alleged, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars in a short time, and was able to pay off a large indebtedness that weighed him down when he accepted the office of Indian Superintendent. In fact, it 1s said ne was completely bankrupt when he commenced his official career, but now has lots of greenbacks invested in the stock of a national bank out West, and is altogether ina highly flourishing condition. But Friend Wii- lam, it seems, was not satisfied with his former success, and therefore managed, curiously enough, to have the Quaker delegation that recently waited upon President Grant present his name for the same old position, as a man eminently qualified and suitable in all respects. The delegation for along time insisied upon ‘“William’s” appoinument, but were finally compelled to give up, on being told thar the Senate would not confirm him, So much for the first experiment of Quaker-Indian management. This is not cited in disparagement ef the Friends, but to show that the idea is not new, and that the sect is very likely to be imposed upon by cunning men who know how to take advantage of the foibles of the Quakers, It ig stated that some sharp fellows have actually hum- bugged the Quakers already, and have laid all their plans for a profitable Quaker ring. President Grant and Secretary Fox will have to keep a sharp look- out for these fellows. Departure of General Lee. General Lee, left here this morning at eleven o’clock on the boat for Alexandria, where he intends stopping for a short time to visit his relatives and friends. He was accompanied to the boat by his relatives, Mrs. Commodore Kennon and her son. Though: trying to avoid publicity, he was recognized by many persons at the wharf, who stood gazing at him until the boat movea off. General Lee himseif paid no attention to the curious crowd, but stood with his arms folded looking in the direcuon of his okt home, Arlington, The General is looking weil. “Wé is as straight and soldier-iike in bis bearing as ever, and, thongh his hair and beard show signs of age, his step is firm and elastic. He has evidently abandoned politics and public affairs generally, and proposes to devote himself wholly to the interests of Washington College, over which he presides, and to the internal improvements of Virginia. On arriving at Alexandria a large number of citizens paid him their respects. President Grant’s Income. Among the income tax returns publishet here to-day occurs the following: . & Grant, $960." Mrs. Grant’s Reception. Mrs. Grant’s reception to-day, probably the last of the season, was attended by a large number of ladies and gentlemen. Mrs. Grant was elegantly dressed in acorn-colored silk, with Diack lace trimmings, She wore coral ornaments. She waa supported by Mrs. James Pani, of Philadelphia; Mrs. Judge Dent and Mrs, Geverai Augur. The President attended the reeeption after the close of Cabinet meeting. Dr. Brink and the Sale of Mexican Tere ritors. Tt is ascertained from authoritative sources that vo mneh of the despatches recently bronght here from Minister Rosecrans by Consul Brink as re. lated to the sale of a portion of the Mexican terri- tory to the United States is without the color of countenance or authority from the Mexican govern- ment. Dr. Brink, it appears, is not and has not been friendly to the Juarez government. On the contrary, he has been engaged in giving what aid and comfort he could to the cnemies of that govern- meut. Onr govornment is informed chat the sale of any portion of Mexican territory would be very distasteful to the people of that country. Nothing would serve so well to Dring the Juarez government into contempt, and to make it unpopular with the people, as an attempt to raise money by selling a portion of the territory. On this ground It would de exceedingly impolitic for Juarez to make any overtures of the kind referred to by Dr. Brink. The State Department and the President, being aware of these facts. gave Dr. Brink no encouragement whatever. He had nothing to show that the Juarez government had authorized him to make any proposals to our government for the purchase of Sonora, or any other part of Mexico, ‘The proposition came from certain factions in Mexico unfriendly to Juarez, with a view, it is believed, of creating trouble with his administration, and Dr, Brink was made their agent. Prestaent Grant is known to be friendly to Juarez and is auxious to see his administration succeed. He 18 not disposed, therefore, todo anything that would embarrass him either at ome or abroad. Dr. Brink's mission, so far as the sale of Mexican territory ts concerned, | was a signal fatlare, Minister Jiotley to Dave Written Fustructions. Mr. Motley is expected to return here in about a week. In the meantine bis instructions are) being prepared at the State Depart. ment, and will be ready for him on his retara. Tt is ascertained from the proper source that the story sent out semt-ofMfcialiy by the Asso- ciated Press that Mr. Motiey was to be sent away without any instructions Is Incorreet. Our new Min- ister fo England will of course have large discretion allowed him, but he will have specific written in- structions by which his oMcial condnet in Great Britain will be guided, Tt ts not the custom of the governinent fo senda minister toa foreign court without instractions, e under ordinary circum: stances. In view of our peculiar relations with Great Britain it is of course more tmportant than nenal that out Minister there should be specially instructed by his government. The precise nature of Mr. Motley’s Instructions will not be made known, but the government oMcials make no secret of the fact that they are based on the views set forth tn Mr. Summer's speech. That seems to be settled npon as the American ultimatum. As to the time of open- ing negotiations, the manner of doing it, &c., Mr. Motley ts to use his own judgment. There 1s to be no particular hurry abont it. The government here seems to have an idea that there is nothing to be lost on our side by delay. The Britieh government, it is thought, will grow mellow towards os on the aulyect of the Alabama claims as it grows old. I is conf- dently expected by the administration that between this and Caristmas there will be @ great reaction in the public sentiment of Great Britain, and that the views of the British Ministry will undergo consid- erable change relative tothe Alabama claims. Mr. Mowey 1s expected to press our claims upon the | British government; but he will seek the most fa- vorabie occasions apon which to act. ‘The Operations of the Eight Hour Law. The subject of the eight hour law in connection with the circular of the Secretary of the Navy to the commandants of navy yards and naval stations, was brought up in Cabinet meeting recently by the Presi- dent. It appears that Senator Wilson ndt only sent the President a copy of his letcer on the ques- tien addressed to Secretary of War Rawlins, but had called upon him personally about the matter, The President, itis stated, expressed a de- sire to have the law construed favorably to the workingmen, if posstble. When he mentioned the matter at the Vabimet meeting both the Secretary of the Navy and the Attorncy General called his at- tention to the fact that Congress, in passing the Elght Hour law, had failed to repeal a previous act providing that the pay of government employés in navy yards and workshops should not exceed that paid by private establishments of the same charac- ter, The President did not seem to nave been aware of the existence of the old law, and when it was pointed out to nim he coincided with the action of Secretary Korie. Jt is not thought that any action Jooking toa rescinding of the order now in force relative to the Hight Hour law will be taken until the meeting of Congress. The Woman Suffrage Question. The strong minded women of Washington are not to be deterred from making efforts tu have their right to voie recognized. Twice alreaay, small groups of them went to registration officers and asked to have their names put down as voters, and twice were they refused. ‘To-day another party, consisting of Miss Lydia 8. Hall, Miss Eliza H. Stan- ton and Mrs. C. M. Christian, went to the Fourth ward registration office and put ina written applica- tion. The chairman of the Board of Registration, Colonel Cooke, received the document, and told the Jadies he would send each of them a written answer, Whereupon they left, accompanied by Professor Wil- cox and Messrs. J. H. Crane and R. L. Dug- dale, The jadies m.thus persistently endeavoring to get registered have no idea that they will accom plish speedy success, but hope by this means to en- courage other females all over the country to go and do likewise, and thus show the public that there are thonsands of women who want to be granted the right to vote, Statement of Indian Agent’ Wright. John W. Wright has replied to the statements re- cently published relative to alleged frauds practised by him as agent upon the Cherokee and other In- dians in ihe maiter of bounty payments, He says, among other things, draits were issued by the gov- ernment in the name of the soldiers, and he could not use a dollar without their endorsement; that those who have been allowed bounty did not com- plain, and that all the present ramors about frauds are the work of agents or members of the “Indiau ring,” H. D. Reese, chairman of the Cherokee del- egation who aided in making out the claims of the Indian soldiers, endorses the trath of Wright's state- ment. ‘The May Dancing Festival. The Marini May Festival Dance came off at the Nationa! theatre last evening and proved a great suceess, This May festival is quite an event every year in Washington, being participated in by ‘the children of the highest families, and patronized by the eréme de ta creme of the capital. Among those who attended last night were Mrs. Grant, her sprightly little daugiter Nellie; Mrs. Paul: ot Philadelphia; General and Mrs, Deut, Gen- erals Porter and Babcock, Chevalier Cerruti, the Italian, Mmister; Ad Interim Thomas, ex-Secretary McCulloch and General Micaler. The crowning of the May Queen formed the most inter- esting part of the entertainment. This took place about nine o’clock, opening with a grand illusion scene. behind which were ranged over one hundred and tifty beautiful little giris, arrayed in the pret- tlest costumes, Miss Katie Burrows was chosen as the May Queen, Mies Anuie Eastman as crown bearer and Miss Lillie Kendall as coronator. Tn piac- ing the crown upon the youthful queen Miss Rendall sald:— With this pay throng of (The kin of inn see Whii and an ne, lear sovereign, may you w’ ath of flowers, rich, boaute thorne to wound thy head. Bat perfume over thy realms will spread. ‘lo (his Queen Burrows replied Thanks, friends, for thia your mark o! love; Lirostd hat I aball never prove hy of the coronet on upon my head ha‘ as with one tender chful care, and let Be thet which hearts together draw. After this ceremony several fashionanpie dances were executed, and the entertainment was kept up lull a late hour. The Dyer*Court Martial. ‘The Dyer Court of Inquiry is still in secret session, set. making up their finding, which it ts exnected wit be Major reached and sent to the Secretary of War. General George H. Thomas, president of the court, will leave here for California on Thursday, accom- panied by Colonel Willard and other members of his stam. Interval! Revevue Sapervisor for t oin. Ira A. Bloowfieid has been appointed Supervisor of Internal Revenue for the districe of illinois, vice John O'ney. Changes in the Patent Ofice. The new Commisstoner of Patents has made several changes of examiners, and retains James 5. Grinvell as chief clerk. ‘There being twenty-one different rooms, each with its snb-cbief, the Commis- sioner 1s maturing a plan to secure more uniformity of working and to dispense with some of the present useless forms tu order, to Jacilitate the procuring of patents. Secretary of Idaho Territory. The President has appointed KE. J. Cv ecretary of Idaho Territory, vice J. K. Howlett, superseded. Changes in the Internal Revenue Bureau, All the prominent offictais of the Internal Revenue Burean who were immediately connected with the Commisioner’s OMce during the administration of Mr. Kollins, with the exception of Deputy Commis- stoner Parnell, have been removed. pointments of assessors and collectors will probably be made in the course of a few days. Personal. Governor Wells, of Virginia, was among the callers atthe Rxcutive Mansion to-day, before the meeting of the Cabtuet, and had a brief interview with the President on political subjects appertaining to that State. He returned to Richmond to-night. Colonel J. A. Martin, Assistant Adjutant General, formerly atarmy headquarters, and more recently ated to Secretary Rawiina, left Washington to-day for the West, where he 1s assigned to duty. NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. Reports from Our Pacific Squadron—Investic gation of the Ineult to the American Fing and Imprisonment of Our Consul at Buenas ventura, Colombia=Naval Orders. Wasutnoron, D, ©., May 4, 1869. Naval oMcial advices from Admiral Turner, com- manding the South Pace squadron, dated Vai- paraiso, April 2, reports the visit of the Tuscarora to Buenaventura to investigate the insult to our con- snlar flag and imprisonment of our Consul, Mr. James M. Eder, The Tuscarora arrived off Buena- ventura, Colombia, in the early part of March and took Immediate measures to ascertain the trath and condition of the case. Mr, Kder had been released from imprisonment and was again m occupation of his olfice, anticipating no further molestation, ‘The diMeulty in which he was imvolved was Uhis:— Having, tn b ber last, some private business to aitend to in Palmyra, about seventy-six roiles from Buenaventura, as he was proceeding there an at tempt was made to assassinate him in the streets by ed who had previously stoien some articles from the Consul; and during the fracas Mr. Bder strack the man a blow causing him to fail and strike his head agaiust the stones, from the effects of which he soon died. Mr. Eder was arrested while sur- rounded by & violent populace and imprisoned, but Was shortly afterwards released and the case was dismissed, On New Year's day, while he was receiv. ing his friends, the consular flag was torn down, dragged through the streets, stamped upon and ul- timately torn to pieces, The mob sustained the out- rage and detied the authorities, ‘The Superior Court reversed the décision of the circuit judge in Palmyra, and Mr. Eder bad to undergo o jury trial, On aocount of 1) health he was not 1 or skill ou his part. Several ap- floor was occu States Minister, to be settled in the customary man- ner. The promment men and officials of rT and of the surrounding country greatly deplored the outrage on the flag, and expressed much sympathy for the Consul. The Tuscarora left Buenaventura on the 4th of March and reached Callao oa the 11th, Lientenant Commander Chester Hattield has been ordered to the Noval Academy on the a October Xt, Assi it Paymaster Geo! . Long been ordered to the Saugus. Tiret Assistant Engi- neer Henry L. Snyder has been detached from the ‘Swatara and placed on waiting orders, OBITUARY. Prince Alexander Serjevitsch Menschikof, Since tue death of Nicholas I. put little or nothing has been heard.of Prince Menschikoff, he having, on the accession of the present Emperor, been retired from public and political life, Yesterday a cable despatch from St. Petersburg brougnt the news of ius death, on the day previous, at the advanced age of eighty years. HIS ANCESTRY AND EARLY CAREER, It is not true, as stated by numerous biographers, that the deceased was the “grandson of a pastry cook.’ His great grandfather was Prince Alexander Danilovitch Menschikofl, a Russian general of marked skili and a statesman of ability under Peter the Great and Catherine I, Soon after the accession of Peter U. hewas disgraced, throagh the influence of his rival Dolgoruki, and banished to Siberia, where he died, @ short time after his wife and daugliter. The remaiming members of his family were recalled by the Empress Anna and were again taken into favor, though none attained to prominence until the great-grandson of the founder of his house, the subject of this sketch, entered the impertal service, It will thus be seem that instead of being of obscure birth Prince Mens- chikotl was really descended from the man whose victories Over the Swedes and conquests In Europe aided mater in advancing Russia to a first posl- tion among civilized nation, At the time of his birth, in 1789, Prince Menschi- kotf’s family had already been restored to favor i possessed considerable influence at the im- perial court. He was educated in a school of ideas intensely pro-Russian and arrived at the age of dis- cretion filled with prejudice against the policy of re- form which many prominent Russians advocated and which tae entire middie class of the empire advocat- It was somewhat singular, under these cireum~ cf he should ever have become a favorite 1., Who was his antipodes on the im- nt question of admitiing into Russia those im ideas and intuences which, checked by = & Nicholas, are now, fo a considerable extent, patrou- ized by the ‘ni reigning emperor. ‘That he rose to prominence under @ liberal master was, perhaps, due more to his robust genius than to family infu- ence. TO POLITICAL LIF eMty-Six years (!805) Prince Mens- of the Emperor, and At the chikom entered the serv! was for sonie time an attac! ‘o the Russian Em- ssy at Vienua In 1811 he was appointed an aid- up on the stat of Alezander I., in this capacity serving diriig the campaigns beginning mm 1812 and ending {si4, Which resuited in the downtall of Na- poleon I. Distinguishing himself on the fleid he won the favor of his master and was eventually promoted to the rank of gene- ral, Immediately atter the peace of Paris had been ratified im! ne became ee, identified with the project of restoring the Greek empire under the emperors of Russia. The tual refusal of tne Czar tv comimil himself and his government tw the independence of Greece cansed the resignation ot iis coumission by the Prince in Is2i, and be, togetuer with Capo d’Istria, and sev- eral othe eured from the court much mortified at the failure of thew plans. Upon the death of Alexander and accession of Nicholas, however, he rec: { and ac once taken mto favor. The ideas of Nicholas assimilated to those of Menschikoff. Both were absoutists; Doth spponel foreiga influ- ence in the empire, and both aimed—the one as master, tye other as servant—at that absorption of all the Turkish provinces and dependencies which cuimimated in the Crimean war and reanited in failure. Menschikoif was sent to the Court of Ab- baz-Mirza, Shah of Persia, as Envoy Extraor- dinary, His mission was to negotiate the le- galization of the claim made by Kussia to a cone siderable part of the Persian territory, which had already been seized by the Czar, The policy which was subsequently pursued in Turkey was Inaugurated here, Prince Menschikon con- ducted the negotiations on the part of Russia with a binntness borderiug on rudeness, Which so offended the Shah that he abruptly terminated them and endeavored to secure the person of the Prince as a hostage. The deceased succeeded in escaping, and on reaching the Russiin lines promptly imaagurated hostilitve: Seizing possession of Anapa (1628) he udvauced inte Europe as Commander-1n-Chief of the Russian army, and laid siege to Varna, a seaport town ou the Black Sea, in European Turkey. He was severely wounded during tls siege, and was comi- pelled to reituquish Ins command. But the war thus commenced with Persia and Turkey was vigorousiy prosecuted by Paskewitch, aiterwards entitled rwanskoi and Diebitsch, titled for hs exploits Zabaikanskol, Whose capture of Varn ud victories at Baikan, Poti, Kars and Akhaltzik completely prostrated Persia and compelled the Sultan of Tur- key to accept the terms of Russia, which were rati- ied at Adrianopie furing the spring of 1829. HIS CARRER AS ADMIRAL AND MINISTER OF MARINE. If Prince Menschikoil’s services had been of portance to Russia taey were rewarded in a princely manner. He was appomted Governor General of Finland, subsequentiy Admiral of the iinssian Navy, and afterwards Minister of Marine. The first ap- Pointinent was made m 1831, as soon as he had thoroughly recovered from the effects of lis wound. Atthis time the Russian navy existed almost en- tireiy on paper. The Prince, with the energy that ever characterized his acts, set about restoring and improving it. In fact, the Baltic fleet, which was afterwards destroyed by the allied fleet during the Crimean war, Was created by him. For twelve years he labored to build up @ formidable navy and to make Russia a great maritime Power, That he did not succeed was due to the disadvantages which Hussia labored under, and not to any Want ofenergy Hils career as Governor of Fin- land, a8 well as of Minister of Marine, was signally s sia With the means given him he prepared all tie seaports under his control for the clash of arms with , Which allsaw to be imevitable, Every where the Balnc was felt the adminis- trative atihties of the Vice Admiral and Cuter of the Native staif of the Empire, by which tle Prince Menrchikotl was officially known, THE CRIMEAN WAT. Meanwhile Russian diplomacy had been preparing for another conflict with Turkey. In 1855 the de- ceased Was sent to Constantinople to insist upon the rig of Russia to interfere in behalf of the Christian subjecis of the Porte, better known as the On of tne Holy Places.” Whether the Envoy acted under tnstractions is not yet Known, but it ts certain that his conduct at Constantinople was most offen- sive to the Porte, causing, for the first time in Turk- ish history, the resignation of a Minister in the person of the laie Puwl vacha, The rupture of peaceful relations which followed is well known. Upon the inauguration of war he promptly assumed the offen- sive, and the victory over the Turkish fleet at Sinope was no doubt due to his sktil in be re | tae Russian navy. He was placed in command of the lar@i and naval forces in the Crimea, and here he met with nothing but disaster. Commanding at the battles of Aima and Inkerman he lost both, and though he succeeded in st ung the loss of the first named battle was a severe blow to the Kussians. In March, 1855, he was superseded by Prince Gortchakort and made commander of Cron- stadt, but ¢ nothing of importance during the re- mainder of . HIS LATER YEARS OUT OF FAVOR. po yh death = Nicholas and a ncn 4 jexander Ii,, at of peace was signed the war closed, prince Mensenikott was then deprived ofthe Governorship of Finland and the Ministry of Marine, retaining only his rank of admiral, He ever after lived in comparative retirement, so far as tak- ing part in the tical affairs of the empire 18 con- cerned. He waa, however, the recognized head of the national or Russian party, whose opposition to all kinds of reform and ances ne yy _ troduction of foreign ideas and cus empire are wellknown. Personally Prince Menschi- kot was blunt ao or ny ee eee ot pleasant companion. He was, however, & man decided anitity. Pig use a I age of another writing of him, his character ex ar Suxture ‘of barbarism and culture so often found associated in the Russian mand, manners and politics.” FIRES YESTERDAY, In Twenty-Elahth Street, About two o'clock yesterday morming a fire was discovered in the rear building No, 211 West Twenty eighth etreet, which is occupied by ©. Martin, as a chair manufactory. It was put out by the insurance rol The dam Was slight. Insured in the Magara Insurance pany for $1,000, In Twenty-Fourth Street. A fire broke out in the second floor ot the two story brick house No. 685 West Twenty-fourth street, owned by Henry Gletstien and occupied by Michael McGovern a8 @ owleer nee shop, The first icy shop. The building fans as a was totally destroyed. None of the occupants were iusured, The damage doae was about $500. In Second Street. A fire occurred about @ quarter past three o'clock yesterday morning in the boot and shoe store No. 198 Second street, oocupled Henry Durnbusoh, The place was damaged $200. Insured for $5,000 1m ‘Various city companies.