The New York Herald Newspaper, November 14, 1873, Page 3

THE SPANISH CRIME, Yiplomatic Correspondence and Cabinet Action. ‘ASTELAR PROMISES ATONEMENT. Naval and Military Preparations of the United States. “FOR MORAL EFFECT.” dur. Entire Foree of War Ships Getting Ready for Sea. yONGRESS EXPECTED TO ACT. . WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 1873. ‘The murder of the passengers and crew of the Virgintus at Santiago de Cuba continues to engross attention in every department of the government, tnd the inquiry comes up on.every side, “What sre we going to do about it #” Noone more deeply eels the ‘wrong committed than the President, and vere he to carry out his natural impulses he would set first.and leave the diplomatic controversy for whe future. The Secretary of State also realizes the enormity of the offence, and has said what it is time that such civilization as coun- enantes the inhuman outrages perpetrated on thé wiand@_of Cuba,should be exterminated from this Continent. ‘In this every member of the Cabinet agrees, but the government ts restrained from en- ‘orcing its views, and upon Congress will devolve he responsibility of conferring more authority han now exists, GRATIFYING NEWS, But there is one thing whicn has been done tm @ quiet manner, and whieh will doubtiess wrprise the country. During the past summer she work of repairing our iron-clads has steadily vrogressed ,until nearly al) that are any way service- wble can be put in sea-gomg condition in a few weeks, The Secretary of the Navy deemed it im- portant nearly @ year ago that these vessels should ye Overbaniled, and such repairs made as were re- wired; and, though there is not at present any Ndication of their being needed for other than sacific purposes, it is considered by officials as a patter reflecting much credit upon Secretary Yoveson that the vessels of the navy at home are wo nearly ready for any emergency. THE NAVAL PREPARATIONS, The United States steamship Kansas, now at trooklyn, to-day received her sailing orders, and he will proceed direct to Santiago de Cuba: whe carries three heavy guns and is con- Mdered one of the best of the third-rate vessels of the navy. The Monongahela, which errs. eleven guns, satied from Newport on jonday last to join the North Atlantic squadron. the Osetpee, carrying eight guns, is now at Newport aking on board torpedoes, and will gail ina few lays. The Powhatan is at Brooklyn, and will be eady for sea at a day’s notice. She carries seven- een guns. The Juniata, of eight guns, can pro- weed to sea to-morrow if necessary. The Worces- er, of fifteen gune, flagship of the North Atlantic tation, is now taking on board provisions and ‘nunitions of war at Norfolk, and will sail or Havana on Saturday. The propeller has yeen changed from two to four blades, smd it is expected her speed will thus we increased to eleven knots per hour. Me Ticonderoga, of eleven guns, is now on her way from the Brazilian squadron to join the fleet m the West Indies. Orders were yesterday sent the Boston Navy Yard to have the Brooklyn, varrying twenty guns, fitted out as soon as possi- ve. The Tennessee, carrying twenty-three guns, tow at New York, it 1s reported can be got ready or sea in three weeks. The Canandaigua, of ten yuns, Dow at Philadelphia, needs but a ew days’ work to fit her for sea. Te Colorado, Franklin and Minnesota could we fitted out at New York in three weeks. They are the largest vessels of the navy. The Yolorado and the Minnesota each carry forty-five fans, the Franklin thirty-nine, Of tie iron-clads be Saugus is now at Key West, in perfect condi- fon, The Manhactan and Mahopac both go into ommission on Monday next. The Ajax, at Pnila- Jelphia, will be ready in ten days, and there are bree other monitors that can be ready to sailin our weeks. WARLIKE MEASURES. To-day despatches were sent to the commandants @ every navy yard to ascertain just what force rould be necessary to fit out every vessel now in @dinary and what was the shortest time in which $coula be done. Large quantities of coal have en ordered to Key West and precautionary “geps taken to have everything in readiness in the went of the government being obliged © act promptly and firmly. All the Wwailable vessels, it is understood, will be dered to rendezvous at Havana, and a general arvetilance of the Cuban coast will be at once be- mn, To this extent the Secretary of the Navy is eady to meet the question of protecting American Aaterests in Cuba, Of course no hostile act is con- tmplated, but the moral effect of a large fleet of Merican war vessels in Cuban waters, it is be- leved, will have a soothing influence over the bar- Grous Spaniards on the island. The Secretary of War has given orders for the mmediate repair of the quarters at Fort Jefferson, the coast of Florida, damaged materially by the ecent storm. The repairs will be promptly made aad the fort strongly garnisoned, All this may be construed as warlike preparation, wat there ia the best authority for saying that seither the President nor Secretary Fish has tre dightest idea that our peaceful relations with spain will be interrupted even for a day, THE OFFICERS ORDERED TO THE ManoPac, The following officers have been detached from ‘ther duties and ordered to the Mahopac, on the /Dth inst. — Mieutenant Charles E. Clark as executive wMcer; Lientenant Charles A. Stone, from the frolie; Lieutenant W. F, Buck, from the New Jampsbire; Lieutenant J. E, Jones, from the Ohio; faster Charles R, Brown, Assistant Paymaster ‘ohn C. Sullivan, from special duty at Boston ; First \ssistant Engineers J, H, Chaamer and ©. J, danyou, fru aye Novy Kanes. segsiras Hguy! "NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER. 14, 1873,—TRIPLE SHEET. assistant George Cowie, Sr., from tne Powhatan, and Second Assistant Engineer F. 0. Burchard, Lieutenant William ©, Wise has been ordered to equipment duty at the Boston Navy Yard; Lieuten- ant Commander George M, Bache to ordnance duty at Washington Navy Yard, Lieutenants Zera L. Tanner and Charles H. Black, having reported their return home, have been placed on waiting orders, NO ADDITIONAL OFFICIAL NEWS RECEIVED. ‘There is no additional official news to-day from Cuba concerning the recent executions. The newspaper accounts giving the detalls of the capture of the Virginius and subsequent proceed- ings, while they serve to gratify anxious seekers after intelligence, do net furnish a sufficient foundation for governmems action, A PUBLIC MASS MBBTING CALLED. Arrangements are in progress for the holding of a public meeting in this city, to give expresmon to the popular sentiment in Yegard to the late events in Cuba. The Latest Phase of the Question— Proniises of Atonement from the Ma- drid Government Accepted—Congress To Be Given the Whole Correspondence for Action. R The government is without suMficient oficial in- formation regarding the recent occurrences on the Island of Cuba to enable it to act definitely, and is, in fact, in possession of no information beyond that which has been conveyed to the public through the press, It has not been satisfactorily ascertained that the Virginius wae within three miles of the shore of Jamaica at the time of her capture, and it is therefore impossible to declare at this time whether the capture was made in British waters. Itis the impression at the State Depart- ment that the chase was im @ direction parallel with the coast up to the time when the Tornado overhauled her. The Spanigh announcement as printedin the Oficial Gazette at Madrid, distinctly asserts that she did not reach that point before the Tornado overhauled her, and adds most positively that sie was “six miles fromithe coast.” Questions also arise regarding the registry of the Virginius, Up to this time the Spanish authorities have raised no point against the popwar allegation that she was an American vessel, It is possible the Spanish authorities ‘may have some information regarding this MOST IMPORTANT FEATURE OF THB MATTER}; but our government stands ready to maintain that she was ap American vessel, and wil do so most earnestly unless proof is brought forward to show that she had forfeited her right’ to its protection by tne terms of a valid sale to parties who nave no claim upon the United States. The Spanish Minister of State nas assured our Minister that the Madrid government would intervene to prevent farther executions, and that the United States need not make any further demand in the premises, as the Spanish government was ready to yield without such demand any reclamation that may be re- quired by the usages of civilization, the laws of nations, or treaty obligations. Our government has accepted these promises. as the utterances of men who made them in good faith and with an honest intention to fulfil tnem to the letter, The interruption of telegraphic communication between Havana and Santiago undeabtedly. preventea THE FORWARDING OF THE ORDERS FROM MADRID, and the Spanish commandant at Santiago will assert that on this account he did not receive the order to stay the executions, The American Vice Consul at Santiago did everything in his power to Prevent the butcheries. Oficial despatches from Consul General Hall give him this credit, and unofficial information has been received sufficiently in detail to show that he exerted every resource at his com- mand to accomplish the destred object. It has been learned officially that when he attempted to com- municate with his superior at Havana by tele- graph the Spanish authorities intervened, and as the government has full control of the tele- graph the intervention was successful in pro. hibiting bim from sending the despatches which he had written. No doubt exists re- garding the authority thus exercised by General Burriel or his associates over the tel- egrapb, as the wires are owned and exclusively controlled as a monopoly by the government, THE WIRES WERE SUBSEQUENTLY CUT OR DISCON- NECTED. No proof exists to show that this was otherwise than accidental, but the prohibition exercised in preventing Vice Consul Schmitt from sending bis despatches, beiore the wires had been cut, to Con- sul General Hall, is construed as an unfriendly act on the part of those who are responsible for it, and ag an evidence of cruel predetermination that the murderous object for which preparations had al- ready been made, should be accomplished without the possibility of intervention from higher author- ity to prevent it. Our government accepts this also as the most reasonable and de- served characterization of this disgrace- ful feature of the ffir. The evident deductien to be made therefrom is that the volun- teers on the island, under the control of the Casino Espafiol, are, in effect, independent of any au- thority except that which is dictated by their own inclinations, Our government will accordingly Proceed at the proper time upon this assumption, THE PROMISES MADE BY THE MADRID GOVERNMENT are to be fulfilled in the time fixed by themselves, and in the event of non-fulfilment the whole mat- ter will be referred to Congress, The Spanish Minister haa a long conference with the Secretary of State to-day, and Sir Edward Thornton was afterwards closeted with the Secre- tary. It is the general opinion here that Congress, acting on the recommendation of the President, will promptly take action on the questions to be presented concerning our affairs with Cuba, The Commotion at the Brooklyn Navy Yard—Vessels Rapidly Fitting Out for Sea=—The Honor of tlie Flag to be Sus- tained—The Available Force, Not since the memorable times of 1862 has the Brooklyn Navy Yard presented such an appearance of bustle, business and belligerency. The sound of the hammer rings all over with an ominous thud; rivets, bolts, bars and barnacies are being disposed of with that cheery alac- rity which betokens business of grave import, In strange and startling contrast to the duiness which prevailed a day or two since—workmen, by the way, were being discharged by the score—is the animated turn affairs have taken, and in- stead of the luxurious lounging which not unfre- quently marks the favorite posts of officers comes the quick martial step of duty. In @ word, the Navy Yard is astir, tull of lite and vigor; for the orders, usually sent by mail, are hurried over the wires to be executed with prompt. ness and despatch, There is mo doubt that the Fecent revelations in reference to drt THE VIRGINIUS AFFAIR CASSIS © RapipUAA keMAANAD AlLORiNGE apart from the question of sympathy with the Ouban insurgents, a strong impression prevatis that the American flag has been dishonored, It would seem, indeed, that the rebellion in Cuba has little or nothing to do with the present contro- versy. Naval officers at the yard yesterday, ais- cussing in groups the present state of affairs, en- tirely overlooked the hostilities at present existing between Spain and her Cuban subjects, claiming that, while they were indifferent as to the Tesult of the rebellion, there could be ‘but one opinton in respect to the recent outrage at Santiago, That a substantial front should be pre- sented in view of the present situation was con- ceded by all. And now that the services of the navy were about to be called into active requisition, many an officer began ‘o realize the importance which other nations attached to their naval forces, _ and inwardly lamented the idiocy of some BLOCKHEADED CONGRESSMEN who, with characteristic ignorance and impudence, have frequently asserted that no navy was re- quired at all, It 1s only in a crisis like the present that the community et large can appreciate the advantage of having a navy competent to repre- sent the country in any part of the globe. Just now it is a scramble to get a few vessels ready, while there ought to be a magnificent feet at the very beck of the Navy Department. So it is, how- ever; notbing is being spared to push forward the preparations. It is understood that a formal de- Mand will be made upon the Spanish authorities at Santiago, the result of which time alone can tell, Meanwhile orders have been issued from the Navy Ppeparwment to fit out, without delay, the follow- ie VESSBLS OF WAR. Franklin, frigate, 39 guns, 3,173 tons, new Measurement; Colorado, 45 fons, 8,032 tone; Minnegota, 45 guns, 3,032 tons; Tennessee, 23 guns, 2,135 tons; Brooklyn (Boston), 20 guns, 2,000 tous; Worcester, 15 guns, 2,000 tons; Monongahela, 1L ns, 960 tong; Juniata, 8 guns, 820 tons; Ossipee, guns, 820 tons; Swatara, 8 gens. 000 tons; Kansas, 3 guns, 410 tons; the Manhattan (iron- an) Enuacelpals. The Ossipee has already left for Key West, and the naas sails this morning. The Powhatan sailed for Phila- delphia to convoy the Manhattan for the scene of action. She will alsu take in tow the tron-clad Mahopac, The port to which they ‘will proceed is not known, as the Powhatan sailed under secret orders, The Chief of the Bureau of Construction was at the Navy Yard pesiercey; and le.t last night for Washington with a full report to the Secretary of the Navy in regard to the condition of the vessels at the yard, Chief En- gineer Wood, of the Engineerin; te artment, was: also busily engaged yesterday inspecting several vessels ordered to sea. In regard to THE NEW SLOOPS-OF-W4R, the Swatara (at New York) and the Vandalia (at Boston), it is understood they will shorily be in readiness, The latter will soon receive her en- gines and boilers, and 1t is expected that within thirty days the two vessels will be prepared for duty. The tron-clad Roanoake is also ordered out for service and does not require much time for preparation. The Colorado is almost ready, re- quiring only to be sparred, But perhaps the busiest portion of the Navy Yard is the dock alongside , which is the famous sloop-of-war Juniata—a' name now almost a household word in connection with the recent Arctic search for the missing crew of the Polaris. It is barely three weeks since she returned from Greenland, alter four months’ duty which no other vessel of her dimensions in the American or any other service has ever attempted to perform, and it was gen- erally expected that she would be laid up for repairs generally, her officers mean- while to enjoy the recreation to which they were so justly entitled. But the emergency arose and the order went forth. Those on leave were recalled, and scores of workmen were yesterday busily engaged in preparing the vessel for sea. Commander Braine was on board all day forwarding the preparations, and he ex- pe to sail shortly. In fact, all the officers on his vessel expressed their great willingness to participate in the pomiag. “festivities,” and rather welcomed the event with earnest anticipations, A large force was employed on the Juniata calking the decks and some repairs ea over tne ship, She will have all the coal and stores aboar: to-morrow night, and will doubtless proceed with- out delay, AVAILABLE VESSELS, There are many otner uvailable vessela whose services will doubtless be broughtinto speedy re- qguisition in case necessity should demand them, bag them are the Worcester, at the Norfolk Navy Yard .which, however, cannot be got ready immediately as she is about to get a new proveler Vhe Shawmut, which belongs to the North Atlantic Squadron; the Canandaigua at Philadelphia, The Richmond, it seems, has been sent to the Pacific, and the folly of withdrawing er from the squadron will inthe present emergency be the better appre- ciated. on there ig the Wyoming, now at Aspinwall, which oan be easily te! to join the squadron, which, it is understood, will ren- dezvous somewhere in the vicinity of Havana prior to any demands or operations that may be made, The steamer Tigress, it is said, will also be sent to swell the number. THE MEDITERRANEAN SQUADRON. It in easy matter to telegraph to the Mediter- Tanean squadron in case its presence should be needed in Cuban waters. ‘he vessels there in- clude the splendid frigate Wabash, the Congre: the Shenandoah, the Wachusetts and others, an their commanders will, doubtless, have some really active duty by way of variety. THE EAST INDIA SQUADRON. Among the vessels in Indian waters are the Hart- ford, Lackawanna, Iroquois, Monocacy, Saco, An- tic, Ashuelet and others. If necessary they could be here in forty days by the Suez Canal, the tele- graphic communication to Singapore obviating Many difticuities préviously existing. THE IRON-CLADS. The Dictator is at present lying in ordinary at New London. She carries two fifteen inch guns and would be in readiness in a very short time. ‘Then there are the Ajax, Aigoma, Canonicus, Cats- kul, Cohoes, Jason, Lehigh, Montauk, Na- hant, Nantucket, Passaic, ‘Wyandotte, moni- tors each carrying two fiiteen-inch guns. It may be here mentioned, too, tnat the steamer Ticonderoga is on her way home and could easily be communicated by despatch to Bar- bados, where she will, doubtless, put in fora day or two, The paddle wheel steamer Frolic, carrying eight guns, has also been ordered t ‘est. The only iron-clad now at that 1S, jommander Banham. She carries two ifteen-inch guns and is in every way prepared for duty. It is intended that a demonstration should be made in view of the urgent state of affairs, and, 80 far as the Navy Department is concerned, noth- ing has been spared to meet the wishes of the American people at large in enforcing respect for the national flag. What Admir: Rowan Says. The writer found Admiral Rowan in his office, and, upon informing him that he had called to in- quire what orders, if any, had been received by bim looking to the outfit of “extra”? war vessels for service in Cuban waters, was informed that “no orders whatever had come to hand from Wash- ington.” Said the Admiral :—“The HERALD will be apprized of the nature of orders at Washington be- fore they could reach us.” The reporter answered :—“But, Admiral, what I desire to know is whether you have increased the working force of the Navy Yard, and also whether you anticipate any immediate orders to do so?” “[ have just been talking about a reduction of the force. As to my anticipating orders upon the subject { cannot say. I can state, however, that there is alarge force of patriots who are anxious and ready to be employed by the government, and Lonly wish it were in my power to give them work at once, The officers of the navy have all along urged upon Congress the propriety of placing ships in proper repair as soon as they return from @ cruise, vefore laying them up in ordinary; so that when an emergency does arise we can com- mand the service of the veasels in a very few days. Congress has not coincided with the navy in this expression of sentiment, and economy has been the actuating purpose o/ the national legisiature.”” “Then you do not foresee the probability of an immediate order from the ba epartment to in- crease the working force of station?’ “Ah! [cannot teil, It is not for me to foresee in oa matter, but it is possible that 1 may have to put on A THOUSAND ADDITIONAL MEN TO-MORROW. Me course I cannot tell what orders 1 may re- ceive, Thanking the naval commander for his courtesy the reporter withdrew, One officer whom the reporter met remarked that if he had his way in this matter he would go up to the Navy Yard gate, get a squad of marines and march them down to the dock where the Spanish iron-clad Arapiles (thirty guns) was. He would take an inventory of her stores and applt- ances and place the ofMicers and crew under arrest until such time as our government had decided recisely What course was best to be pursued in ne premises. It was not well, in his ju ent, to allow that Spanish vessel to get out of our clutches until we knew whether we were to go to war with 8) Tn W. W. Wood, in or not. The Chief Engincer of the Navy, M visited the yard yesterday and had a conference with the Admiral, the nature of which was not ascertained, Aamiral Porter gave expilcit orders at this sta- tion during his visit here on Wednesday, Preparations at Philadciphia Yard=—The Monitor M Condition, History Destination— Last of Officers—The Ganboat Ajax. Navy YARD, PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 13, 1873. As was announced this morning, in the commu- nication of your Washington correspondent, the monitor Manhattan has been ordefed to sea, that in case of danger she may be in both condition and attitude for immediate service, The Manhattan, however, is not laying off AAIARG. Of Wed Dae RanerAlly YnderuiQads, but is at this moment wharfed here at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, where she is undergoing very thorough repair. I have spent the greater part of the day in examining the vessel and in visiting the different supply stores from which she is to obtain all the requisites for her cruise. The scene is one of greatenergy and activity and the parties in the varied departments of the yard are bringing all their energies to bear for her rapid and perfect equipment. Since the war she has been very ma- terlally changed in her make-up, tron beams hav- ing been substituted for those formerly of wood. As may be presumed, when the statement is made that this work, instead of being performed by gov- ernment workmen, was done by outsidecontractors, she has never been exactly what she ought to be, and at present is suffering from a loak in her bow. The fault, however, is very slight, the difficulty easily remedied, and she may really be said to be IN CONDITION 10 STEAM OFF ata moment's notice. Internally and externally she is being extensively overhauled, and the rooms of the officers and crew, which, in ships of this kind, are located forward instead of aft, are being cleaned, furnished and put in ship shape. The decks are being cleared of all their unnecessary encumbrances, while coal, provisions, ammuni- tion, shot and shellare duplicated, parts of ma- ba sheet og Gre aiso being rapidly stowed away, The Manhattan is of he Moulton class, having a capacity of 550tons, Her decks are of suficien elevation to enable her to carry her own coal, an hence she can dispense with the feeder which usually accompanies all vessels of this kind. This elevation relieves her of much of the awkward and homely appearance of ordinary monitors, and ren- dera ber proportionately more seaworthy, HER TURRET is made of overlaid sectional plates of tron which united present a solidity of twelve inches in thick- ness, je turret is of the revolving ernie ana for purposes of offence and defence she is armed with two immense guns of fliteen inches bore. She has already on board 175 tons of coal, and by Monday next she will be completely appointed and ready to start out on her voyage southward. THE MANHATTAN’S HISTORY. The craft has always been regarded as the most unfortunate, or as the sailors term it, the most un- lucky one that ever went afloat. She was con- structed by Secor & Co., of New York, in the year 1864, and immediately after her completion she was ordered om a trial trip. No sooner had she ut to sea than @ leak was discovered, and she wag rought in tothe wharf of this Navy Yard and Dut on the stocks. After she had submitted to this hasty repair she was towed to Pensacola, and haa been there but two days when she caught fire, The conflagration began in the engineer’s store- room, and for a moment the crew were panic- stricken. By great energy and presence of mind upon the part of tne offfcers, however, the hatches were closed, the fire fought and finally subdued, and, though considerable destruction was wrought, the monitor herself was not materially mjured. A day or two alter this she proceeded to Monile, and in the ort fight there did very magnificent ser- vice. On her turret are two heavy scars, one of a peculiar shape, caused by a glancing ball, and the Other, deep and round, caused by a ball which struck her {ull and fair, THE GUNBOAT AJAX, is also undergoing repair, but she is in a condition which renders it impossible for her to turn out be- fore the expiration of three months. Her decks are in bad condition, and her turret for the pres- ent has been removed. Both vessels will go to Norfolk, the Manhattan at once and the Ajax as 800n as possible. They have been ordered there at this early hour so that in ease their services are needed they can be awayfrom this port where movements are olten materially prevented by the ice, and thence be summoned wherever required, The officers who will command the Manhattan are as follows :— Commander—Arthur R. Yates. ive Oplcer—Ricbard P. Leary. Tteutenanis—isaac Hazlett and 8. W. Terry. Masters—N, E. Mason and N. E. Niles. Assistant Paymaster—G. A. Dearing. Assistant n—E. Z. Derr. Engineere—Firet Assistant, Henry Spyder; Sec- ond Assistant, H. E, Rhoades, Aciivity at the Torpedo Station at New- port. ‘ NEWPORT, Nov. 13, 1873. Orders have been received at the United States torpedo station at this place to equip the Ossipee on her arrival here as rapidly as possibie with torpedoes, &c., 80 that she can proceed tmmedl- ately upon business connected with the late Span- ish horror, per order of the Secretary ol the Navy. The officials at the station have been looking for her to-day, and a large number of torpedoes been boxed up and await her arrival, and unusual activity is reported among the employ’s at the station. * THE NATIONAL AFFRONT. How the Metropolis Viewed the Situation Yesterday—What America: and Cue bans Are Doing—A Lady Contributes Her Diamond Jewels—Voluntecring— The Public Meetings—Our Available Na- val Force—Interviews With Prominent Men. The excitement which the Santiago de Cuba mas- sacre has aroused in the public mind was in no way abated in this city yesterday, and the people were in all directions extremely anxious to glean ever so small @ scrap or hint of news from Washington that would indicate in some degree the provable course of the gov- ernment in the matter. There was also extreme anxiety for farther details of news from Cuba, as almost every one who expresses an opinion on the subject inclines to the belie that the remainder of the captives have been already executed. Among Cubans who have facilities for knowing something in regard to the facts, it is @ very general belief that the actual crew of the Virginius could not have mustered over twenty-six or twenty-seven men, whereas thirty-six of the crew are reported as having been shot at the time Captain Fry was killed, They account for thia difference in figures by the probability, amounting almost to a certainty, that some of the members of the expeditionary party announced themselves as belonging to the ship’s crew in order to escape detection of their real personalities, and that the Spaniards took them at their word and treated them as they designed to treat the bond jide members of the ship's company. Pending intormation as to whether the remnant of the party has been executed, there is the most intense anxiety displayed on the part of the Cubans here to learn the names of all those who have been killed, as when these are Known it will be easy to determine who have survived. The gathering at the headquarters of “Los Ami- gos de Cuba,” No. 60 Exchange place, was larger yes- terday than on any day since the atrocity was re- ported, aud there is not the slightest doubt of the lact that they are ORGANIZING AN EXPEDITION, the largest and most complete that nas ever yet been fitted Out in aid of the rebellion. Money is being subscribed liberally and volunteers by the hundred come in to offer their services. Yester- day, im consequence of the large numver ol men who presented themselves, it was suggested tnat @ placard should be posted at the doors announc- ing that no volunteers for Cuba were needed. Those who desire to take part in the expedition should know that the association cannot enlist men in this manner—openly—as it is inst the laws of the United States, and the bylaws of the society of “Amigos” require that their action in behalf of Cuba shall not be in violation of the laws. There are ways, however, in which volunteers may present themselves so as tobe accepted; but their own judgment must suggest to them their methods of procedure. No particulars could be obtained in regard to the per- sonnet or organization of this new expedition; but it will be @ very extensive affair, and, as the Cubans in New York have already suffered through ey tees 4 movements secret, they mean to 18 metit of that experience this time. Among the active spirits who wanted to volunteer yesterday was Mr. B. F. G. R. X,. Judson, who donned @ played out hermaphrodite uniform in order to present himself in his most warlike guise. Asa Cuban remarked to the reporter yesterday, ‘it is a splendid time to make war when it is hard to make money, for the dull times make muscle plentiful and reckiess.”” ... «A OUBAN LADY, residing in New York, yesterday made the most graceiul contribution that has yet been sent in to Swell the fund for the freedom of her country. She was called upon by Mr. Antonio Zambrana, with a request t she would place her name on the sub- scription and his appeal was pressed urgently. Alter @ briel deliberation she said :—“I am not ina position to give any more money, but I can part palo A Lig = oe theme cae ta and most got ‘ake them and tarn th into cash to buy rifes and bullets.”” ver As she satd this she placed before him a maroon velvet covered case, containing @ complete set of exquisite diamond jeweiry, consisting of bracelets, ear-drops and brooch. Mr. Zambrana felt loth to accept 80 peculiar a gilt, ag well as to deprive a lady of such attractive hae 2) but she insisted upon his acceptance of it, demanding, as the only condition, that her name should’ be with- held from the public, The set was exhibited yesterday at the reoms of the “Amigos,” where he reporter also examined the ornaments, They are ol very handsome and massive design and con- tain about 100 stones of fine quality, the largest babe aly | probably six carata, The association has not yet devermined what course will be adopted in nee to them, but they will first be taken to Ball & Black’s or Tiffany's for appraisal and a cer- tifleate of their genuineness, wih this guarantee DS beh gitered fox @ public raMe or drawing of lote, Their value is roughly estimated at something like $4,000. THE AMERICAN MASS MEBTING, bi petamery for which have been progressing dur- Ing the it few days, is now definitely announced to be held at Steinway Hati on Wednesday evening next. Efforts have been made to secure Cooper Union Hall, out it has been let for the whole of the prpaens month, and the showman who has engaged t refused to abandon it for a single night even. Captain George W. brown, of No. 62 Beaver street, a gentleman who hasbeen extremely active in the Cuoan cause, and who has organized no lesa than six expeditions, burning the last vessel, the Fannie, rather than permit her to fall into Spanish hands, 18 most active in this movement, He has already secured the oratorical services of General Banks and there is every reason to believe that Judge Pierrepont will speak also. In addition to these, Congressman 8. 8. Cox, Henry Ward Beecher, Gerrit Smith and Ex-Mayor A, Oakey Hall will in all probability be among the speakers, This demonstration ia intented to represent the pular American sentiment on the question at issue, without regard to politics or any minor con- siderations, General M. T. McMahon on the Posi- tions of the United States, Cuba and Spain. Among the American friends of the Cuban cause few are better tried than General M. T. McMahon, His fame and popularity have been a great help to the cause, and his views on the latest Spanish butcheries will be found of interest at the present moment. A HERALD reporter called yesterday afternogn on the General at the Tax Ofice, aud the following conversation ensued :— The HERALD representative inquired, ‘‘What, do you think, will be the consequences of the capture of the Virginius and the crue! massacre of so many defenceless prisoners?” General McMaHoN—There can be no doubt of certain facts, The seizure of the vessel under the American flag and the summary exeeution of those on board, including the captain andcrew. The execution of the crew of the Virginius as pirates cannot be defended, becanse the sailor is not re- sponsible in any shape or manner for the business in which the vessel is engaged. Our government must demand reparation, and no reparation that Spain is in condition to make can or ought to be satistactory to our people. THE INSULT TO OUR FLAG IS PREMEDITATED on the part of the Spanish authorities in Cuba, and our government makes a great mistake in not at once recognizing Cuban belligerency, a3 Secretary Fish, three years ago, threatened to do in an official despatch in case of the exer- cise, in any instance, of the right to board or search vessels sailing under the American flag. This right, secured to Spain while engaged in war, could not be exercised by her, as Secretary Fish properly stated, without obliging the United States to exact reparation, if no condi- tion of war existed, or to acknowledge that Spain was justified, because the condition of war did exist, This right has been exercised in the most offensive and deiiberate manner, and has been followed by other and more brutal outrages, The United States government certainly loses prestige in not executing at once the threat entertained in Becretary Fish’s despatch of 1869. ‘his should be the first step, or rather the second. The first should have been the despatch of an adequate naval force to the waters of the Gulf. ReEroRTER—Is not the government attempting to do that now ? General McMaHon—The government should have done it at once, Many will remember that some years ago, upon reports of the boarding and searching of certain of our merchantmen in the Gulf of Mexico by british war vessels, without waiting jor official despatches and before ex- changing a single line of diplomatic correspond- ence, the whole available naval force of the United States, including vessels chartered for, the oc- casion, was despatched to those waters, Then tle diplomatic correspondence commenced, and, I think, Was materially shortened by the presence of our navy in the Guill. ReEPORTER—Do you think, General, that this latest Spanish outrage will involve the United States in a war with in? General McMAHON—Not at all, Un the contrary. it will solve fur Spain a problem of great difficulty, which none of her statesmen, monarchical or re- publican, have shown themselves competent to deal with. On more than three different occa- sions the decrees of the government at Madrid, issued cbietiy at the urgent instance of the United States, have been CONTEMPTUOUSLY DISREGARDED BY THE HaVANA AUTHORITIES. Those instances were, first, the Jaw for the aboli- tion steiner, wi was ug! the Casino Espai ol and the volunteers. Second, the decree directing the immediate and unconditional restoration of ali empargoed estates. This was followed on its* receipt in Havana by an order from the local authorities the immediate and unconditional salo all such estates, and the last most conclusive and terrible instance of all is that connected witn the recent butcheries. When the Virginius was seized the pie im Madrid sent peremptory orders lirecting that nothing should be done with the vessel or passengers Without further orders from the home government, and expressed its great renret that this despatch did not reach Sorte de Cuba in time to save the lives of Ryan and those who died with him. Two or tliree days afterwards the other butchery took place of the captain, crew and several passengers of the Virginius, includ- ing several American citizens and British subjects, The United States is bound by interna- tional comity to believe that the Madrid govern- ment acted good faith. Believing so, it must accept the conclusion that the island of Cuba and no part of it is longer governed by Spain, and Spain can have no just cause of offence if the nited States, without further diplomatic corre- spondence on the subject, should proceed to DEAL DIRECTLY WITH CUBA and the Cubans for the vindication of the national honor and the protection of American citizens. REPORTER—This would involve the United States not ina war with Spain, but in a war with the Casino Espafiol. I suppose that is your meaning, General? General McMaHON—No; it would not involve 4 war at all. It would involve simply the recognition of the Cuban Republic as against the irresponsible power represented by the casinos and the volun- teers; or, ifthat be astep beyond thestatesmanship ot to-day, then the mere recognition of the belliger- ency of the imsurgents, the eonsequent opening of our ports and the sending of an adequate naval force to Cuban waters. True, we must eventually secure and Lage these men; but Spain can neither punish them nor deliver them tous. We cannot treat with those whom they represent, who are mere outlaws, acknowledging neither the au- thorities in Spain nor any civilized rule of con- uct. OUR SOLE HOPR TO PUNISH THESE BUTCHERS is through the only organized government on the island—that of President Cespedes and the Cuban Congress. Here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of a gentieman, who conversed with General McMahon for a ‘ew minutes and then withdrew. The General resumed :— The Cuban League will meet this afternoon simply to consult. It will do nothing that would tend to embarrass the government. Some of our members think it important that a monster meet- ing should be held at once; others say, with truth, that the whole country is a mass meeting on this subject just now, and for my own part, tain information communicated to me since you have been sitting here, I have reason to hope and believe that the administration has at last awak- ened, and tbat its action will be prompt, energetic and satistactory, notwithstanding the points they have already lost. Rerorrer—What is, then, the object of the Cuban League ? ey McMaHon—The object of the Cuban Leagué of the United States is to direct public opinion and influence if possible the action of the government in the direction of recog- nition of the belligerent status, But we are, of course, ready to oot by, every Proper means with the iety of the Amigos de Cuba—an organization formed by the Cubans themselves—and other Cuban representa- tives here towards securing the independence, not the annexation, of Cuba. e Cuban League is Not, and never has been in favor of the annexation of Cuba, We simply desire to secure to Oubans what they claim—the right to govern themselves, and also, as a policy wholly American, to destro: ail European dominion on American soil when it can be done without violence to our international obligations, General MacMahon here remarked that he was sorry to bring the conversation to a sudden close, as it wus lacking a few minutes of three, the hour appointed for the meeting of the Executive Com- mittee of the Cuban jue at the Astor House, else he would have explatned-in detail the nature of Spanish oppression in Cuba, about which there eee but a very superficial knowledge in this Views of the Co 1 General of Spain, In order to obtain some detaiis of the provable procedure adopted by the court at Santiago before which the Virginius was tried,a HERALD reporter called yesterday on Don Hippolito Uriarte, Consul General of Spain at this port, at hig offices on Broadway. The Consull, who is an extremely courteous gentleman, was quite busy, but, though he prefaced the conversation by saying that he knew nothing whatever of the case beyond what had been published 1m the newspapers, he con- sented to answer any questions in regard to the matter so far as he understood them. ; In reply to a generat question as to the peculiar form of Spanish law under which the prisoners taken from the Virginius had been so hastily tried and executed, he said there was A GENERAL LAW in operation among most nations which are not guided by English Jaw, under which persons who DSS AOR) Justice Mie Grad while abeCDe, pad Mh ‘om cer- | ° 8 ee found guilty sentence 1s decreed against them under the iorm known to the French as tn con- tumaciam, to the Spaniards as en redelda. Many of the French Communists and even a prominent American had been found guilty and condemned in this manner. In such cases persons so condemned are lable, whenever found within the jurisdiction, to have the sentence eniorced against them. He was not positively informed of the fact, but he had no doubt that sentences in contwmactam had been decreed against some of the persons taken on board the Virginius, and that they were subjected to the penalty so decreed, With regard to otners they had, doubtiess, been tried before a court martial, which, as is well known, acts in all countries, wherever organized, with great rigor and despatch, This was, of course, ail based upon assumption, however, and he was unadvir of aby of the details. He had seen Admiral Polo, THE SPANISH MINISTER, @ day or two since, and the Minister stated tBat he also was without any particulars whatever, Save such as the newspapers contained, In reply to @ suggestion that the affair had created @ great deal of public excitement, the | Consul remarked:—“I think such excitement ia very unnecessary, and can do no good. In & case of this kind it Is well to know all the circumstances before taking any action. As ] remarked to a gen- tleman yesterday, Spain is not a bird and Cuba is not a balloon, that they can fly away or escape an- Swering (or their acts, They are anchored theras One on one side of the ocean and the other ou another, and if they are wanted they will be there. They can be found at any time,” This substantially teruunated the conversation. The Cuban Leaguc—Meeting of the Exe eoutive Committee and Arrangements for a Mass Meeting. The Exceutive Committee of the Cuban League of the United States met yesterday siternoon at three o’clock at the Astor House, with Mr. Charles Watrous, the Vice-President of the .League, in the chair. Colonel Lockwood acted as secretary. General McMahon opened proceedings by saying that the question which the committee was called upon to decide was whether it was expedient to hold @ mass meeting at once to express the general sentiment of indignation at the butcheries of defenceless prisoners and the insult to our fag in Cuba, or whether it would be well to defer it, in order not to embarrass the administration, which haa during the last two days Glsplayed con- siderable firmness and energy, or Waether tho mass meeting would rather serve as @ uppert and encouragement to the administration, and should, therefore, be held. Major Bundy thereupon proposed that a mass meeting should be lieid this week, if possibie, under the auspices of the Cuban League, Colonel Juan M. Macias, in behall of the Amigos de Cuba, stated that that society would be un- doubtedly glad to’ co-operate with the league In the matter. General Kilburn Knox thereupon made the Motion that a committee of five be appomted b; the chair to arrange that a mass meeting be hel at the earliest possible time, next Saturday might il possible. This motion was carried and Vice President Watrous appomted the following gentle- men to compose the comunttee :—Generals Kilburn Knox and C. K. Graham, Colonel Juan M, Macias, Major J. M. Bundy and Mr. Douglas Taylor, Major Bundy proposed that the chairman be added to the committee which was also agreed to. | The meeting then adjourned until to-day at. three o’clock in the afternoon. The Cooper Institute hall being engaged for every day this week the pro- posed mass meeting will probably be held at Tam- maby Hall. The Protective Society. This society, made up of cigarmakers of this vity, of all nationalities, but among which the Cubans bpp didetartends held a meeting at their rooms, 189 jowery, last evening and unanimously resolved ta dissolve the organization and donate the tunds on baud, amounting to about $200, to the Cuban cause. ° THE PUBLIC PRESS AND THE CUBAN BUTCHSRY. Not since the execution of Lopez and Crittenden has there been such & unanimous outburst of in- dignation as that expressed by the press of the country upon the late monstrous atrocity com- mitted by the Spanish authorities upon the unfor- tunate Cuban patriots captured on board the Vir- ginius. Passing from the metropolitan press (which has but one voice in denunciation of the butchery and in demanding from the administra- tion somie prompt and decisive measures mete to the occasion), we will briefly reproduce the opin- ions of the American public as given through the columns of their local papers. The Chicago Tribune (anti-administration) remarks that “this controversy in Cuba has been going on some five years, and the insurgents are as strong now as they ever have been. The difficulty of suppressing the rebellion is apparently insurmountable. Spain has shown no ability to put down the insurrection; she has entirely tailed to maintain a blockade, and thereby invites commerce with the rebels. If the war is to go on the Cubans should be recognized as belliger- ents.” The Chicago Jnter-Ocean (administration) asserts that ‘the Virginius affair 1s to be deplored, not only on account of its brutality, but for the reason that it may interrupt friendly relations, important to the well-being of Spain and its rebel- Itous = possessions =near our” borders. The business of the State Department at Wash- ington is merely to take care that interna- tional obligations are maintained, and, if they have been violated, to see that their assailed supremacy is properly vindicated.” The Albany Journal (administration organ) afrms that, independent of all questions of internationa: law, the summary execution of the patriots was nothing less than brutal, cold-blooded and diaboli- cal murder. Whatever else comes of the affair, we, trust and believe that our government will exer- cise its whole influence and all its proper power to stop the horrible butchery which has aced Spanish warfare in Cuba.” The Washington Star (independent) complains of the want of union, activity and energy among the friends of free Cuba ‘in this country. “Lacking,” it says, “anity and any definite plan of opera. tions in the United States, their own efforts to enlist the aid of the government, even to the ex- tent of the recognition of the belligerent rights of the patriots, have been feeble and spasuiodic.’? ‘The Star says “the Cubans want some one at the head of affairs in the United States who under? stands the American character and who will ma- ture @ plan of operations upon which ali can unite and work with a will.” The Philadelphia Press (republican) declares that “nothing can be found in the annals of modern warfare surpassing in atrocity the series of butcheries perpetrated upom the crew of the Virginius by the Span- ish authorities in Cuba. In the inter- ests of outraged humanity, if not to avenge the death of murderea Americans, some- thing should be done and that promptly.” The bedorane bod Repudlican (administration organy has an abiding !aith that “when the message of the President to Congress shall be made public the. std will be satisfied that the administration” as not been recreant to its important trust.’ The Chicago Times (democratic) avers that our Cuban relations have been the most contemptible of ail our dealings with foreign Powers. ‘American citizens,” saya the imprisoned by the without sufficient cause, and have been forcea’ to endure the treatment of felons upon mere suspicion, and which treatment has been intensi- fied solely because the subjects of it were Ameri- can citizens. We demanded the emancipation of the Cuban slaves, and the demand was met with derision. We have asked that the horrors of the contest be tempered with some mercy on the side of the Spanish soldiery, and the request has been met with fresh excesses, We have nothing in our foreign relations that contributes to ur ity. It its all scandalous and utterly disgracetal to the American people.” The St. Louis Republican (liberal republican) is indig- nant at the course of the administration in regard to our relations with Spain, ‘In vain,” says the editor, ‘has the press, without distinction of party, demanded that the government should Maintain its dignity and defend fts citizens from Spanish insolence ‘and oppression; in vain hava this insolence and oppression been sharply criticised) in Congress oy distinguished friends of the administration. The President b done nothing, the Secretary of State has don noth! ‘Spain has been allowed to do just wha she pleased! Spain cares nothing for words. Prompt and stern action alone will reach and ins fluence her.” The Cincinnati &nqutrer (democraticy, af'rms that “the capture of the Virginlus wag at east an acknowledgment of the existence of Of astate of war between Spain and Cuba. owe the Cubans something, and now Ja the time ta repay it.’ The Boston Advertiser (republican) deciares that “no such cold-blooded m: re hag been perpetrated in modern times in I country, and the whole people will require that the government shall require instant and complete in. vestigation and explanation of the whole afair. The act is nob merely in vielation of international courtesy, but it is a violation of the laws of war.’! e ton Post [ete organ) asserts conventen: tite for popularity ae Maat, for fetes and appetite rations and gifts and petti at Court, hav. overbalanced ine'demandd of national honor antt concessions and humiliations on our = a ae Spanish in Cuba to this last act ession. n Providence Journal (administration and‘ the mouthpiece of a United States Senator) ¢: presses itself in the following decided manner :— ‘The pot ir mind will follow the ular heart . eiding that such unnecessary and » ns can only be the work of @ wholly unwort! ie confi opie. Ty powerless to act rial a! ignite: manner. While, of course, the ation musd CONTINUED ON SEVENTH PAGE.