The New York Herald Newspaper, April 8, 1873, Page 5

OKELLY The Arrest of the Herald Special Commissioner at Manzanillo. WILL THEY DARE MURDER HIM? Efforts by the Spaniards to Con- ceal His Arrest. DESPATCHES CONCERNING HIM SUPPRESSED. After Five Days the News Leaks Out at Havana. British and American Con- suls Intervening. THE CAPTAIN GENERAL'S POSITION. Equivocation on His Promise Not ‘to Shoot O'Kelly. WAS IT PART OF A COLD-BLOODED PLOT ? The Herald Man Declines to Impart His Herald News to Spaniards. OUTRAGE ON AMERICANS Deserting Sailors Tried as Rebels—Con- sal Young Insulted. AMERICAN HOPES AND FEARS. Secretary Fish, Caleb Cushing, General But- ler and Senator Sumner’s Views. “Have No Fears for His Satety.” SPANISH OFFICIAL VIEWS. Admiral Polo de Barnabe and the Spanish Consul Speak. WHAT THE CUBANS SAY. Ky Wesr, April 7, 1873. Your*vorrespondent at Havana writes to me as follows concerning the arrest of the Hrranp Special Commissioner, Mr. James J. O’ Kelly, at Manzanillo: — THE SPANIARDS AND CONSULAR LIBERTY. Havana, April 5, 1873. The delay in learning of O’Kelly’s arrest will be traced to its cause in what I now set forth. A SUPPRESSED TELEGRAM. Mr. Louten, the British Vice Consul at Manzanillo, writes to Mr. Ramsden, the Brit- ish Vice Consul at Santiago de Cuba, that he telegraphed on the 31st of March, five days ago, the following message to him: — “Telegraph to the British Consul General, Dunlop, that O'Kelly, the New Yors Henatp’s Commissioner, has been arrested here. He asks assistance from you (Ramsden) and from the American Consul. LOUTEN.” TREACHERY SOMEWHERE. Mr. Ramsden adds in his telegram to Con- sul General Dunlop that he néver received this telegram, which shows plainly that the authorities at Manzanillo did not allow its transmission. HERALD DESPATCHES STOPPED. It is very probable that telegrams to me have also been intercepted. THE NEWS IN SPITE OF THE SPANIARDS, Consul General Dunlop, immediately after feceiving the telegram, sent for me and com- municated O’Kelly’s arrest, which was the first intimation I had of the act. A SPANIARD'S WORD OF HoNoR! In giving you an account of my interview with Captain General Ceballos yesterday I omitted to state that I reminded him of his promise in regard to O’Kelly’s only being expelled in case of returning within the Span- ish lines, HOW IT MAY BE QUALIFIED, To this the Captain General replied that he only gave me this assurance in case O'Kelly ‘was not found guilty of being in connivance with the insurgents and that he could prove his neutrality whileamong them. This, how- ever, THE CAPTAIN GENERAL DID NOT STATE in the interview I refer to, when I first ques- tioned him in regard to the fate of O'Kelly upon his return to the Spanish lines. On being reminded of this ‘he said it was very natural to suppose that a military inquiry ‘would take place upon O’ Kelly's return. CONSULAR INTERVENTION. I saw the British and American Consuls last night, and both will use theit good offices with the authorities. I have also telegraphed to Mr. Young, the American Consul at San- tingo de Cuba, but have received no reply. It oppears as though’ telegrams ‘ta me are with- held. The Herald Commissioner Refuses to De- liver His News to Spaniards—A Spanish Bloodhound’s Spite. Key West, April 7, 1873. The following has just been received from your correspondent at Havana :— Havana, April 6, 1873. I have had nothing further direct about O’Kelly. Indirectly we have been informed that, in the preparatory proceedings of the Court, O'Kelly had refused to answer ull ques- tions or declare anything; that the Captain General was consulted by telegraph, and he replied telling the Court to continue its pro- ceedings according to the prescriptions of the law and not consult him any farther. A SPANISH COWARD'S WEAK INVENTION. The following malicious paragraph appears in the Diario to-day in its New York corres- pondence, and at this juncture makes an un- favorable impression: — “I have the moral conviction that the object of O'Kelly’s mission was to carry ad- vices to the insurgents and post them re- garding the filibustering projects concocting in this country. This is nothing more than to continue what Henderson began, and it will be observed that after the interview the latter held with Agramonte, the insurgents have shown more activity and pertinacity in their operations. To leave the island is easy enough; but to reach ,the rebels offers many difficulties. Only on such a pretext as that of Henderson and O'Kelly can verbal counsel and plans of action, which study of the:question in the United States gives rise to, be taken with impunity to the insurgents, in order that their movements may be in con- cert with the plans of the laborantes.”” Outrage on Americans at Santiago de Cuba—Deserting Sailors Arrested in a Boat as Rebels=Refusal to Allow the American Consul Young at the Triale-A Firm and Manly Protest. Kex West, April 7, 1873. The following from your correspondent at Havana illustrates the extremity of O’Kelly’s danger, and the necessity of prompt action in some direction: — ‘THE SPANIARDS AND THE AMERICAN CONSUL. Havana, April 6, 1873, Private advices from Santiago de Cuba re- port a difficulty of the American Consul with the authorities. On the night of the 11th ult. THREE SAILORS DESERTED from the American bark Union, taking one of the ship’s boats and starting off to westward. The master of the vessel reported the desertion to the Consul, who, as is the usual custom, made application to the Captain of the Port for their arrest. When thirty-six hours out the men inthe boat were picked up by the Spanish steamer Cantabro and brought back to Santiago de Cuba, and then delivered over to the authorities for trial, as the captors ar- rived at the gratuitous conclusion that their intention was to get into the insurrection. A COURT MARTIAL BEING ORDERED inthe case, Lieutenant Colonel Reedno, the Fiscal, or prosecutor, commenced to take the declarations of the men, but was interrupted by Consul Young, who made his appearance ond demanded the right to be present during the examination. This wos refused him, erly -INSURGENT NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1873—QUADRUPLE SHEET, CUBA. Commissioners Have Done Their Duty. tt 4“? Cieg whereupon the men refused to answer and Mr. Young PEQTESTED AGAINST ANY FURTHER PROCEEDINGS. This nonplussed the Fiscal, and he folded up his papers, wiped his pen and retired to advise with his superior, the Governor. ‘The wires were set working, and the Captain General ordered the trial to go on, saying the Consul had no right to be present, whereupon the Governor arose, BEGGED MB. YOUNG TO WITHDRAW TEST, not to bother them with making any compli- cations, and also, for obvious reasons, he de- clined to state the charges against the men. He summoned the master, mate and another seaman to appear the following day. The Consul accompanied the master and the others to be present at the examination ; but the same objectians being raised he repeated his protest. ~ A, HIGH-HANDED. ARREST. Mr. Young has in his office as clerk a young man who is the son of the government in- terpreter, and both he and his father aro now under arrest for having, it is charged, ADVISED MR. YOUNG OF WHAT WAS GOING ON. Consul General Torbert has instructed Mr. Young to insist upon being present at the trial of the sailors, and on no account to withdraw his protest. The Key West Cuban Colony Agi- tated=—A Mecting Calling on the Gov. ernment to Intervene. Kex West, April 7, 1873. Leading Cubans here express the gravest anxiety regarding O’Kelly’s safety. The declaration of the Captain General is regarded as dangerously significant. There are two monitors here that ought to be good argu- ments in case the Court of Inquiry has any doubts. . A CUBAN MEETING. There is a meeting of the Patriotic Society to-night to take action in regard to O’Kelly’s arrest, and to ask action .from this govern- ment. VIEWS IN WASHINGTON ON THE ARREST. HIS PRO- Caleb Cushing, Secretary Fish, General Butler, Admiral Polo, the Spanish Min- ister, and Senator Sumner on O’Kelly and Cuba—Cheerfal Views. Wasuinaton, April 7, 1873. The mews of the capture of the city of Man- ganillo by the Cuban insurgents and the report of the arrest of James J. O'Kelly, the special HenaLD commissioner to Cuba, ay the Spanish authorities, are two events which have attracted more than passing netice among prominent persons in this city. The boldness of the firat and the audacity of the second have awakened new interest in the cause of Cuba Libre in Washington, It has many friends here, sincere sympathizers, and, whatever may be said to the contrary, none more zealous individually than the President and Secretary of State. THE INFORMATION RECEIVED HERE LAST NIGHT was to the effect that O'Kelly had been captured with documents pertaining to the movement of the insurgents, and this bit of news, fellowing 80 ciosely the despatches of the day before that Manzanillo had fallen into the hands of the pat- riota, led seme to suppose that O'Kelly was fully apprised of the movement, Then the threate made at the time of his passing beyond the Spanish line, that if found thereafter he weuld be treated as o Pyerto Principe | Sopaie ‘damones: Ger HENDE, ih & at oN Sihadicu Ly ee) EN, 08 inrenrrte! Sy : WITH cesredts, mas} BOURS 2 Guaymarillo o ? ry >») {5 Tunate f ij 4 Map Showing the District Traversed by the Insurgents and Where the Herald Spy, Served to intensify the imterest in the news from Cuba, and to awaken solicitude for the safety of the faithful HERALD commissioner. A VISIT TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT this afterneon for the purpose of ascertaining what step the government would take if the Spanish authorities insisted on detaining O'Kelly, feund Secretary Fish upto his ears in official business, accumulated during bis recent absence. He had just retarnea from New York, and expected the President would arrive to-morrow to heid a Cabi- net meeting, for which the Secretary was endeav- oring to prepare, that all pending matters might be disposed of before the President's departure for the West. He was, in the midst ef the cares of State, as affable and courteous as ever, but begged to be excused from an inter- view for the reasons stated. Besides, he could only give his individual opinton as to what the govern- ment might do in the event application was made for ite interposition. He replied:—‘The depart- ment never anticipates, but ts ALWAYS READY TO ACT PROMPTLY ‘when matters are properly beiore it.” Retiring with the consolation that itis more pleasant to be refused by some than favored by others, the office of CALEB CUSHING ‘wasjnext sought to ascertain what views he enter- tained en the progress ef events in Cuba, In a@ second story room on the sunny side of the build- ing eccupied by the Mexican Claims Commission, Mr. Cushing was found immersed in business of the Commission, having resumed the office temporartly vacated by him during his connection with the Geneva Tribunal. His welcome was most cordial. A chatty iatroductory about the enterprise of the HERALD, its daily mass of intelligence forming, in his opin- ion, the most suecessful newspaper in the world, developed the purpose of the visit to him. In re- sponse to the request that he would GIVE HIS VIEWS on the condition of affairs in Cuba for the benefit of the readers of the HERALD, Mr. Cushing said :— Ithink the condition of affairs in Cuba is very critical.* All the great revolutions tn Spanish America have been the immediate consequences of revolution in Spain, Mexico, New Granada and the other existing republics broke off on the occa- sion of the invasion of Spain by Napoleon. So in the case of Cuba THE DETHRONEMENT OF ISABEL was immediately followed by insurrection in Cuba, Spain has been making enormous efforts in the expenditure of men and money during three or four years in the vain attempt to suppress the in- surrectien, although during the whole period of the government of the regent Serrano, and since then of the government of Amadeus, Spain, greatly as she was disturbed at home by occasional risings of ultra republieans in the south and of Carlists in the north, still had sufficient command of her domestic resources, especially in the matter of seldiers, to keep up the supply of troops with which tq carry on the war in Cuba, while obtaining pecu- niary reseurces for that parpose by means of loans and taxes in the island itself, But it would seem that the republican government is LOSING HOLD OF THE ARMY IN SPAIN, while at the same time the local insurrections, especially on the part of the Carlists, are more threatening than they were in the time of Serrano and Amadeus, Hence it has been observable that since the abdication of Amadeus a relatively small number of soldiers has been sent to Cuba, At the same time it would also appear that the necessity of supplying the place of those killed in battle, or dying ofexposure to the climate, would require uninterrupted aespatch of troops to Cuba. The diminution of the number of Spanish treops there may have had much to do with THE RECENT SUCCESSES OF THE INSURGENTS, while itis easy to conceive that the power of the volunteer troops will have been very much shaken by their participation—in feeling, at least—in the political passion which now convulses Spain, At. any rate, itis manifest that if the recent intelli- gence from Cuba be well founded the insurgents have taken a great seat in the occupation of the port Manzanillo. If they should be unable to hold it, still they will have obtained by means of even the temporary occupation of Manzanillo a great addition to their military resources in the form of arms and powder aud ball, to say nothing of pro- visions, clothing, medicines and other lesser mili- tary supplies, But they may hold it, and if they do, then THEIR INDEPENDENCE I8 ASSURED. ‘The weak point in the political condition of the insurrection has been its not possessing any sea- port, by means of which the leaders could commu- nicate with the rest of the world, and receive money and munitions of war. Indeed one of the serious objections heretofore to recognizing the belligerency ef the insurgents has been the fact ef their BRING SHUT UP INLAND, and having no access to.the sea by means of any fortified position, With such a port as Mazanillo, if they can hold it, they will have the first great element of government, which heretofore they have net possessed, New, ifin these circumstances the same political differences which manifest them- selves in Spain should make their appearance in Cuba we may expect movements ameng the Spaniards there which will powerfully contribute, if not to strengthen the imsurgents directly, at least to do so indirectly, BY DIMINISHING THE WEAK POWER OF SPAIN. Moreover it may be reasonably expected that the act of emancipating the slaves at Porte Rico will tell upon this condition ef the slaves in Quoa. In view of all these circumstances, it is not rash to assume that we may at @ very early day witness interesting and stiring events in Cuba. As to O'Kelly, I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT HIS LIFE IS IN ANY DANGER except from what we may call accidents, that is, some act of vielence on the part of the velunteers. No hasty or rash act is to be expected from the Captain General or other superior military officers from Spain. They would not be likely at any time to perpetrate any act of useless violence on the person of an American, and they would be still less likely to do so at the present time when the utmost degree of PRUDENCE AND DISCRETION ARE INCUMBENT UPON THEM by reason of the condition ef things in Spain. Un- less O'Kelly has undertaken to be the bearer of despatches from the insurgents on the other side of bg aap to their friends on this side he CANNOT BE TREATED AS A SPY, and it is not likely that he would consent to be the bearer of despatches between the insurgents, or that any such thing would be asked or expected of him by Cespedes or Aguilera, If he has done any such imprudent thing as that he may be subjected to detention, as hap- pened whenever during our late civil war persons undertook to carry despatches toand from our line and those of the Confederacy without permis- sion of the military autherities ef the United States, Ido not believe that the superior military authori- tes of Cuba-would perpetrate, or if they could pre- vent it, would suffer to be perpetrated any act en- dangering the life of O’Kelly. If they should under- take to try him by military commission, the most unlikely thing, becatise THE MOST ABSURD THING, would be to act with precipitation, so as to prevent interposition in his behalf on the part ef his friends in the United States. It is to be hoped, therefore, that at worst he may be required to leave the island and@ return to the United States, in which case HE WILL BRING HOME INFORMATION concerning the state of the insurrection of great vaine, and such as, heretefore, we have had very little of, and that little as much colored by Spanish sympathy on the one had or insurgent sympathy on the other as to be of very little practical value. THE LETTERS OF O’KELLY TO THE HERALD have already been very instructive, and if he returns in safety to give @ full and fair account of all that he has seen it will be doing A PRODIGIOUS THING FOR THE CAUSE OF HUMANITY, as well as for the HERALD. Thanking the venerable jurist for his views on the situation mM Cuba, your correspondent bade him good afternoon, GENERAL BUTLER’S VIEWS. It was dusk when the green baize door leading into the office of General Butler swung on is hinges, and your correspondent stood face to face with the Essex statesman. There was no lack, however, of gas. Strikes are net common in Wash- ington. The only thing the people complain ofis the poor quality and high rate charged for gas. The General was engaged at bis favorite amusement, sucking a Partagas cigar, withthe wrong end in his mouth, Business is business with Mr. Butler, and in reply to the question whether he could submit to an interview, hesaid it depend- ed upon what subject was to be discussed. “INDEPENDENT CUBA AND THE PATE OF O’KELLY,” said your correspondent, . “Independent Ouva,” exclaimed the General. “What does Cuba want to be independent for? ‘The fate of O'Kelly; what has tappened to him?” ‘These questions were acceptably answered, “What do you think of the success of the Cuban insurgents in capturing the city of Manzanillo?” asked your correspondent, This was the answer :— “Manzanillo captured? Oh, Lremember reading something about the sacking of a town of that name not long since. Yes, it was in one of the Sunday papers. The same paper that said I had purchased the Stone farm for $300,000, I know the latter ig not true, What do you think about the other matter? It is diMcult, don’t you see, to rely Upon newspaper information.” The General changed his attitude, elevated hid silppered feet on a cane bottom chair, took anotheg pull at his Partagas, scanned the columns of th¢ HERALD, and was ready for an answer, “Why,” replied your correspondent, “the sud cess of the insurgents i# confirmed through Spanish sources, giving additional particulars to the news as first received by the Cuban sym- Pathizers in New York. Besides there can be ne doubt of the arrest of Mr. O'Kelly, the MERALD Commissioner, That ntelligence is confirmed by. the Captain General.” The General retaxed his hola on the paper, deliberately withdrew his cigar, and,, in a friendly manner, expressed great sympathy for the prisoner, DECLARING THAT HB WOULD NOT BE HURT. “You see,” continued Mr, Butler, “£ do not take much stock im Cuban matters. How long the insurrection has been going gn I don’t, know, but among the evidences of the prosperity ofthe island is the fact that the sugar increasea every year, and the exports are new largely in ex cess of the first years of the trouble.” THERE CANNOT BE ANY SERIOUS DISTURBANCE or decimation of the population by war with such signs of prosperity. Yeu need not give yourself any uneasiness about the fate of O'Kelly, Tha Spanish authorities will not be unjust, and I have not the slightest doubt but that Mr, O’Kelly is ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF HIMSELP.” With these words of comfort the interview ended. One of the Judges of the Supreme Ceurt was an- nounced, The legal luminary was ushered {n, and your correspondent bowed out, THE SPANISH MINISTER RETICENT. Your correspondent called this afternoon on Ad- miral Polo, the Spanish Minister, In reply to the question what he thought of Mr. O’Kelly’s arrest by the Spanish authorities in Cuba the Admiral re- plied:— “The authorities in Cuba have not kept me in~ formed of the movements and doings of Mr. O'Kelly. In fact, they have not even mentioned his name to me. I have only seen @ para- graph in the Washington papers reporting hig arrest, Therefore I have no information to give, nor can I express any opinion on the subject; an® were I even disposed to say something in regard to Mr. O’Kelly’s case I should wait until I get the facts.” The Spanish Minister delined to say anything further on Mr. O’Kelly’s arrest, and your corre- spondent next called on SENATOR SUMNER, who proved even more reticent than Admiral Polo. The great Senator looked better to-day than ha has done for some time, although he ts still suffer- ing severely frem nervous attack, At kis invita. tion this afternoon your correspondent entered hia carriage and took a drive with him to the Capitol. Speaking of Mr, O’Kelly on the way, Senater Sum. ner said :— “1 do not like to express any opinion about what. 140 not know. Therefore, alll can say regarding Mr. O’Kelly’s case is that it is A TWO-EDGED SWORD. It is a serious thing fer the Spanish authorities to: arrest a fereigner; butis equally serioas for a foreigner to be found under such circtmstances. For, as was the case in our own war, he is liable to be suspected and ill-treated.’” THE SPANISH CONSUL ON MR. O’KELLY, mit He Thinks the Herald Commissioner ‘Will Not Be Shot, hut May Be Expelled. A HERALD reporter called on the Spanish Consul, Mr. Hipolito de Uriarto, yesterday to ascertain if he had received any additional despatches in regard to the arrest of the HERALD Commissioner to Cuba, Mr. James J. O’Kelly. The Spanish Consul is a large, powerfully built man, with broad shoulders, a fine, manly chest, an epen, handsome face, with @ dark mustache, expressive eyes of the sama color and a very agreeable, polite manner, “Good morning, sir!” he exclaimed, as the re< porter entered his private office. RePorTER—I have catled to see tf you could give me any information in regard to the fate of Mr. O'Kelly ? . The Consvt (briskly)—I really don’t knew any/ thing about it, except what | read inthis morning's HERALD. This matter is entirely out of my prov< ince. I represent the commercial interests of Spain here, but have nething to do with pelitical affairs. I don’t want to be mixed up in this matter. ReroRTER—What will Mr. O’Kelly's fate be? Da you think that he will be shot? The Consvt (in @ tone of decision)—I think not. Ithink that you need have no apprehension on that scere. Ido not think that Mr. O’Kelly will be shot. But you sec! really don’t know anything drantte until you receive more detailed informa- tien. ReroRTER—How came it that Mr. O’Kelly wag arrested ? The ConsvL—You know what @ state of war is? Perhaps he was found by some smali military detachment and they brought him before the near est military chief, Perhaps they found him amon the insurgents—perhaps he was in a very ragge: condition and they probably thought he was ona of thein. It is impossible to say auything definite at present, RerorteR—Do yeu think he will be tried by court-martial? The ConsvL—That depends. If they found papers of the chiefs of the insurrection on him they would probably try him by court martial—they would treat him asaspy. You see, as { understand it, Mr. O'Kelly was not sent to be a letter-carrier for the chiels of the insurgents, but simply to report nt sis. HERALD, That, a8 1 understaad it, was bis ssion. RePORTER —In that case you do not think that the Captain General would interfere with the pro- ceedings of the military tribunal ? The Consut—I really don’t Knew. Yeu see Iam not a military man, and I don’t know much about courtmartials and ali this sort of thing. 1 know that the Captain General has the prerogative of ardoning criminals, bat I really don’t know what fe would do in @ case like this, REPORTER—The Captain General has said that he would shoot O'Kelly as a spy, The Consut—Yes, I read 80 in the HERALD, but 3 don’t know it of my own knowledge. I don’t know that he said that. It’s very hard to say what they will do, They may only take possession ef hia papers and send him out of Cuba, PORTER—Prekibiting his return at the sama time? The Consvt—Undoubtedly. That would seem ta be the most likely result. oo dean ii he be sentenced to imprison< men! The Consut—Yes; that might be done. The court martial might sentence him to three, four or six months’ imprisonment. They might do that but, as I said re, I really could not tell def- initely what the authorities will do. There 1s ona, es which I cannot understand. Yesterday the ERALD had@ despatch that the insurgents had taken Manzanillo. Now, if that ia true, I don’t un« derstand how the Spanish troeps can have arrested him, I don’t understand that. RerorTex—If the authorities take possession of, Mr. O’Kelly’s papers, what will they do with them # The Const! nd them home, probably, for tha farther action of the Spanish government, No, ou need not be afraid that Mr. O'Kelly will lose life. The Captain General is a theroughbred ntleman—a man of honor. He will do what is ‘ust and right. He will allow nobody to intimidate im, and will simpiy endeavor to mete out justice. ReporTek—The authorities have no feeling tost the HERALD Commiagiener ? ue CONSUL—No, 1 think not, I think he has acted with great caution and prudence, and, as far as I have heard, has been treated with great courtesy. Of course, if he has been found Agr ting, with the insurgents, then it would be a ditferent thing. But 1 don’t think Mr. O'Kelly would do eee He has shown himself toe cautious and dis- cree! ReporTER—Do you regard it possible that ha could be shot within the next forty-eight hours? The Consut—Neo, sir; Mr. O'Kelly isin the handa of a regularl: eppenizen tribunal, not in those of w mob, and I don’t think the Captain General would do anything before consulting the home govern- ment. No; if such @ thing of the kind were to be done, it would not be a matter that could be dis- posed of in twenty-lour or forty-eight hours, That you may rely on. REPORTER (rising to depart)—Thanka, ‘The Consvr—I an very sorry I can give you no more definite information, Good-day, / ul The Sentiment of the Cubans of New York. A Heratp reperter, in circulating among the most prominent Cubans of the city, found but one sentiment—thgt the Spaniards would not dare touch the representative of the New Youk HeRaLp, and, indirectly, of the American people, “[ think they will quietly let him go,” observed @ Cuban patriot, one ofthe wealthiest and most prominent in this country. ‘Things have changed in Havana. They expect a new Captain General, who Will be @ republican—@ novel thing, by the CONTINUED ON NINTH PAGE,