The New York Herald Newspaper, November 22, 1873, Page 3

NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1873.—TRIPLE SHEET. CUBA. CONTINUED FROM “ =: PAGE, * dined in company with a select party, including Governor Ward and senator Frelinghuysen. Abont 4 quarter to nine o'clock he was escorted to the Industrial Exhibition, where had gathered the largest assemblage yet witnessed in the building. vrobably not less ‘than 10,000 persons, one-half eing of the gentler sex. The pepearsnce of the war-stained veteran, distinguished by his gene- ral's shoulder straps and double-breasted frock coat, was the signal for cheerin’, and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed, After being surged through the main part of the building, the General was es- corted to-the directors’ room, where he had to go through the REGULATION HANDSHAKING to an immense crowd of persons, He passed the meght at Mr. Halsey’s. To-cay he will make a uiet visit to the Rink and see what ts to be seen, The Genoral was extremely generous in his com- plrments -about Newark and its attractions, but extremely reticent regarding his views of matters Bow absorbing the attention of the entire country. HOBOKEN FOR WAR. aera aoe nare Despite the numerous army of decayed youths, milk-and-water patriots and broken down pollti- clans for which Hoboken is famous, there is, never- theless, a fair amount of blood and muscle in that city, which only awaits the tocsin blast to be roused to energetic action against the degenerated phi janxes of Castile. All the military men and hundreds * of others are spoiling fora gat in the shambles of the no longer ‘Faithful Isie.” Captain Aldoretta, one of the police ollicers says he can raise a com- pany in a few hours, and Chief Donavan, 0: the lice, thinks that the name of Hoboken volun- jeers would be legion. in the event of a crisis, There are some, of course, who, with that obsti- nate dogmatism of hinited gulture, take sides with Spain, and glory as much in her present decrepi- tude ns in some of her past norrors; but the num- ber of such bright statesmen is, happily, small, THE LATEST FROM WASHINGTON. The Cabinct Session—Cabinet Members Very Reticent—Supposition That Fish Told Them To Be SHient—Hoping Still That Spain Will Yicld. WASHINGTON, Novy. 21, 1873, The session of the Cabinet to-day lasted over four hours. In addition to the ‘considera- tion of the reports of the members, the Virginius ‘engaged some time, Though all of the members have been approached to-night they emphatically decline to give iniormation or even talk upon the subject. This 4s considered as significant, It is stated that Sec- retary Fish suggested that the members should be reticent at least for the present. As conversations Tepeated and printed might be misconstrued, nothing would be gained by forcing public opinion in advance of the diplomatic controversy. Mr. Fish has no doubt but the visit of Soler, the Spanish Minister of the .olonies, to Cuba, will enable him to report fully to his government the information it has asked time to obtain. He still hopes the just demands of our government may be complied with ‘without prejudice to the Spanish Republic, and sees no reason, from the tenor of Minister Sickles’ despatches, to abandon the idea of attaining a just conclusion. It will take some time before the Spanish Ministry can determine whether our com- Plaint is properly founded, and hasty action on the part of the United States would not vindicate our claim. These, it is reported, were the views of the President last night, and he has heard of nothing to-day to change them. While he feelingly and earnestly sympathizes with the embarrassmepts which surround the ad- Ministration at Madrid, and appreciates its Gelicate position, he will proceed with deliberation and caution and will not abate one jot or tittle from ‘the just demands made for reparation for the out- rage against our national dignity, However much the government may regret to complicate the affairs of the Castelar government, it wili not fail to respond 10 any reasonable require- ment of public opinion as it is now exhibited in this country. Its duty in these trying circumstances has been impressed upon the Madrid Cabinet in the most emphatic manner. It the Spanish government contends that the action of her representatives Was rigit the issue will be for Congress to settle, The nationality of the Virginius is still a matter of investigation; but, so iar, there is the best au- thority for saying that nothing has been found to affect her legal right to American protection, The Jeading points raised against her are thai she is Teally owned in whole who are not citizens of the United States; that she has not been in an American port for three years, and that she was Mot numbered as required by law for some 18 months aiter'taking out her register at New York. These points are regarded as set at rest by the assertions of experts in the navigation laws and regulations; that as long as she remains regis- tered at her home port of New York as the prop- erty of John F. Patterson no legal ownership tn her by foreigners or citizens couid be recognized if set up in their behalf; also, that under the Registry Jaws a vessel can stay away irom an American port as long as she pleases, and can use her certi- cate of registry as long as she is absent irom this country, and, finally, that if it was the Intention of Congress to require every American vessel to be numbered at or before the time of taking out her first certificate of registry the law on the subject is fatally defective in failing to sufiiciently express that as the law stands. It authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to estab- lish and provide a system of numbering vessels, and requires @ vessel so numbered to have her mumbers permanentiy marked on her main beam, forbidding the removal of the mark on pain of forieiture of nationality, but it does not say that every vessel shall ve mumbered, nor when, and the Ireasury reg- ulations distinctly recognize and provide for cases Where numbers have not been assigned to vessels by authorizing the owners or masters whe desire to have numbers to apply for them through the Custom House, The whoie trouble is said by acom- petent Treasury official to arise trom mistaking certain statistical and descriptive provisions of law for mandatory requirements connected with matic correspondence is conducted on the princi- ple that the Virginius was prima sacie an‘Ameri- can vessel, and that her capture on the high weas by Spain, when Spain does not recog- nize that a belligerent condition exists, was a violation of international law. If Spain had recognized a belligerent condition as existing between herself and the Cuban insurgents a dif- ferent phase would now be placed upon the matter, and if the United States had accorded @ recogni- tion of belligerency to the insurgents in response to the demands made upon it during the past four years, Spain mignt have overnauled the Virginius atany time outside of American waters, without giving cause for reclamation. But the case as it Stands 18 entirely different, and Spain, without appealing to competent authority, or giving infor- mation of any kind regarding the matter to the United States, or submitting the question to the courts for legal adjudication, took the law in her own hands, allowed a mere brigadier general to act in the premises, and did these things tn @ barbar- ous and inhuman manner, This, it is said, in- volves all the sont in our formal demand, as pub- lished in the HERALD’s special from Madrid of yes- terday. The sovereignty of the United States is maintained, and Spain must acknowledge the vor- rectness of our demand or war will ensue, THE MORMONS FOR WAR. + SALT LAKE, Utah, Nov. 21, 1873, An immense meeting was held at the Clty Hall to-night in regard to the Cuban atrocity. Speech ‘were made by the principal citizens, Mormons and Gentiles, and intense feeling was manifested against the Spanish oMcials in Cuba, The unani- mous expression of the meeting was for a speedy Vindication of the American flag. THE WAR FEELING IN SAN FRAN- CISCO, splvsleesieis SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 21, 1873, ‘The news from Spain creates intense excitement here, Its reported that 200 veterans of the late ‘war have signed the roll of volunteers to go to Cuba in the ¢vent of war, . act or part by Cubans | jin Jamaica before putting to BURRIEL’S DEFENCE. The Spanish Story of the. Virginius Massacre. ALFARO’S OFFER FOR HIS LIFE, | The Correspondence Between General Durric! and the American Vice Consul. We are indebted to Mr. Ferrer de Couto, editor of £t Cronista, the Spanish organ in this elty, for advance proofs of the following letters from San- tiago de Cuba, which were tnspired, if not written, by General Burriel nimself, as El Cronista inti- mates in the introduction, The accompanying correspondence between General Burriel and the American Vice Consul Schmitt, as well aa the British Vice Consul and naval commander, pre- sents some additional facts of the highest impor- tance, The letter of Pedro de Alfaro offering to re- veal the plans of the insurgents in order to save his life contradicts the story that he offered $1,000,000 if he were exempted from the doom of” the other prisoners. TOE SPANISH ACCOUNT OF THE CAPTURE. —— {From Ei Cronista of to-day.) The extraordinary accounts which are now being given in the island concerning the affair at Santiago de Cuba have brought to us a corre- spondence of the greatest interest, with docu- ments so original and importamt that we insert it in our present number with difficulty. Of its au- thoritative origin we can speak with the greatest solemnity; and, although we do not mention it, our readers will be able to divine it by the charac- ter of truth which it manifests:— SANTIAGO DE Cuna, Nov, 4, 1873, My Very Dean Str—You, who, from time to time, with a constancy worthy of all eulogy, have tol- lowed the course of the insurrection in this island; Ee who, with the patriotism of a true hearted jpaniard, have sustained ina foreign land and everywhere those unquestionable rights which assist us in this struggle; you, who are always dis- osed, even at the cost of whatever sacrifice, to efend our glorious banner, have learned through the periodicals the capture of the filibuster steamer, of the pirate steamer, called the Vir- ginus, and have referred to it in £2 Cronista, which yon do worthily conduct, giving notice ot the movements of our enemies, for the arrangement of the important expedition which has been frustrated; and although you have re- ceived an acconnt of the capture in general terms, I desire to have the pleasure of making known the details, so as to make the matter understood clearly, as they give much evidence of the great importance of the expedition, and, though far from me the desire to give them with exaggeration, you, in your good judgment, will verify how our enemies, the same as the priscners, have been given to know what a terrible blow they have suffered from its falling into our hands, You will appreciate these details without doubt, will arrange and prepare in such manner a8 you think best, if you desire to publish them. Commencing with signalizing the cowardly fight of our enemies, who, with an indescribable panic, secing that the power of the steamer could not preserve them from the pursuit of our brave ma- Tines, threw their arms to the bottom of the sea, as a speedy surrender, in place ol doing with them ag they had boasted—namely, conquer or die. But we kuow that whatever is heroic docs not find a place in the hearts of our enemies. Bernabe Va- Tona, or Bembeta, who from the moment of the capture presented himself as the figurehead of the expedition, notwithstanding his well known serenity and bravery, Was not slow in expressing, a8 well before the Commander of the Tornado as before the officers of the same, with sagacious dis- simulation, that he sought clemency, exerting himselfin making seen that he did not desire to be a traitor to the unjust cause ne had embraced; but he did not omit means to elude the blow of the law, which he knew very well had fallen on his head, basing his arguments chiefly on a de- sire to send a telegram to Castelar, in which, he satd, he would ask nothing for himself, But the submarine cabie was not working and the land line was'suffering constant inversaptionty andit was not permitted that the speedy am proper anministration of justice should thus be de- layed. He gave also the names of the brother of Cespedes and of a son of Quesada, and gave the commander of the Tornado to understand that the prize was of more impurtance than ould sare at first view ot the personnel which composer tne expedition. Nevertheless, in forming a list of the prisoners and crew, &c., names were feigned and nothing appeared ‘to attract attention thereto until day permitted an examination of the hystognomies, which, although dirty, were not n harmony with their clothes, Soon was made known the individuals who, as @ second cowardly act, and with @ view of procuring their safety, purchased quickly, for $10, $20 and 330, shi antaloons and blouses, grimy and dirty, untl here were no more, irom the firemen of the Vit+ ginius, and, habited im this manner, they were thed one to another and placed in the hold of the Tornado amid such disagreeable lumber. Not so with Varona, Cespedes and Quesada, who were treated by tne Commander o/ the Tornado with all manner of consideration in the cabin, only being under tne constant vigilance of one officer anda sentinel in sight. The hours passed and Bembeta continued to im- pe every occgsion to place in relief the hard low which the fhsurrection had sufferea, and with the already mentioned dissimulation continuing to speak of persons whom he in no manner desired to discover or compromise; but always tending to the end by seeking clemency. He said much trath concerning the disap- pointment that had resulted to the voyage of the vessel. Notwithstanding the care taken sea, and in many other things, though insisting that his veracity should not be doubted, he discovered the intentions and purposes of the enemy. As they arrived in the bay they were boarded by General Burriel, the Commanding General of the department, who called Bembeta into his pres- ence, and in answering the few questions which were directed to him he spoke in the same man- ner he tad done to the commander of the Tornado, aud repeating that he could not become a traitor. What sacrifice 18 that which Cespedes as well as Quesada would not make to save the lives—the first of his bother and the second of his son. Always the same tendency, little noble, al- though disguised with a pretended heroism and a false constancy. The prisoners, in number 102, who came figuring as passengers, but were in truth insurgents, were placed at the disposition of the civil and military pest of this place, judged according to the law and transferred to prison, leaving on poard the crew to be judged by the marine, as is the custom in such cases. Four military fiscals were appointed to try those on shore, and soon, through the intelligence of the Judges, were made known the names of the mercenary Ryan, recognized by his known type, already knewn from the chief that it was he, though he gave the name of Smith; Oscar Varona, Augustin Varona, a certain Boitel, Henry Castellanos, sal- vador Pineda, Loret de Mola, these on land; and aboard Alfaro, Arce y Bosa (Juan Nepomuceno), and others, in great pari {rom Principe, but pot ; = Bembera Gonumace tO maintain & sereulty of spirit which he did not really possess and an un- conquerable decision not to abjare his profession of faith, But, waiting the coming of the forces, he solicited an interview with the commander o/ the ‘Tornado, in which he sought the road to obtain pardon, going contrary te his own efforts; tor, without complaining for himself, he iamented the failure of the expedition, in which consisted, no doubt, all his hopes of triumph, and, on the other hand, confessing that the insurrection had suf- fered a mortal blow, involving persons of position, under different points of view, and altogether a greater biow than could be re- ceived among the labvorantes of New York, with the last effort which to-day they can hope lor. At the time the brother of Cespedes sought an au- dience, saying that he desired to make important reveiations to the Commanding General, aud although this gentleman was persuaded that the only object was to test his well-known astutencss, for the love secs he conceded it, and Cespedes was admitted to his presence, For what? Like a vile. reptile dragging himself along, saying the same as Varona, that the insurrection died with the present prize, that bis brother was secking to save himself, that he never joined cleariy in the insurrection, and that he had nine little ‘ones who were to remain in misery, But more yet. Then Bembeta,- growing weaker from the trial as the extreme moment approached, seeking to continue his gentiemaniy rode, bat feeble in the presence of the scaffold, which already known. who they are. pain seemed horrible to him, inquired if he was to be executed on the garrote, as the idea of such @ form of death was terrible to him, He called to his fiscal, and, with superbuman effort to show himself robust in his faith, Le said that although he was resigned to death and would die without faltering mm his fidelity, he could not forget that he was only 27 ears of age, and fre way for a conference with hyan. Convenient fraud, preconcerted before- hand! Ryan could do nothing more than repeat vain promises, stooping at any means, no matter how low, as our enemi re always ready to do. At his side was Jesus dei Sol, heretolore nob! freed and pardoned his many evil Kee = who ha ie to march to the Peninsula, ald to take up the torch rather than the sword to convert into ashes the privileged soil of Spain, Well, then, Ryan repeatoa that if thelr lives were spared the insurrection would terminate in a sbert time— ready to sacrifice the ciuse if they could save themselves, Excuse me or saying that the Gon- oral did not give ear to thease specious deception for he understood whe quettion and tho people, an 80 was on bis guard, Eno of this, ‘The right Was in ono haid and tle law in the other. Our DIOYOrIA) CUINALLY Bad opt Renexpeity shonld naye @ just limit. We place it where reason and ex- perience dictate to us, Concerning the personality of Varona, it is well known that In Jamaica he rode ana walked thr the streets in the elegant uniform of a general— a uniform that, with the arms and ammunition, ought to go to tue bottom of the sea, The steamer Virginius, that piratical bark—that bark which brought to our shore a squadron o! incendiaries— which brought arms to those who are always ready to flee, carried the American banuer. I need not comment on this incident, ° Joseph Fry, wuo was captain of the Virginius, cag finally declared that he knew that the cargo which had been contided to bim consisted of arins, ammunition and material of war; that he knew the class of perreagens that he brought to our shore, but be sought a good business and was largely rewarded; that he knew the dangers, but believed the probabilities of success greater than those of tatiure. The tribunals of justice as well as the or- dinary gouneli war of the marine were moved by the greatest activity, the persons of Varona, Cespedea, Sol and Kyan nothing more than identifi- cation was necessary, a3 their meitiplied derelicuons on previous occasions were already known, they were last night placed in the Capilla, and at seven o’ciock this morning they suilered the extreine pena.ty, in strict compilance with law. They suffered their flyers punishment with a certain serenity, exemplifying in no one more force of heart than in Ryan. The tribunuls continue in tl delicate mission and are determined to.mete out a severe lesson to all those Who tnsist on & War so unjustt- Pablo, boning aie anion ea ne io their auds, in @ foreten or ed in a character of rot nate eae mi ‘4 ov he of this occasion to offer you my sincere stoem. , TRE TRIAL OF THE PRISONERS. e Jesus del SANTIAGO DE CuBA, Nov. 9, 1873. My Dear AND R&sPEcreD Sin—With the same object for which I had the pleasure to address you my letter dated on the 4th inst., and in virtue of the importance which from day to day the capture of the steamer Virginius is making ciear, 1 am going to explain even more the details which I furnished you and to add several others that are being placed in evidence. The great importance of the prize, which our enemies allow us to perceive, according to the events that are happening among themselves, is now beyond doubt, from the revelations and say- ings of the prisoners, and at the same time they are corroborating news already had here, although obscure, with respect to the enemy’s camp, It results that in the so called Chamber existing in the island, and also among the chieis of the forces, there is antagonism, rivalry and disunion, in such terms that they proceed in complete dis- concert and even to estrangement. Each one also has reason to complain.in his respective place, a3 fiye years of constant suffering, as, they ao not doubt of the stemlity of their efforts. This, acknowledged by them, they communt- cated to the Cuban committee in tnat place (New York), and the committee, comprehending the gravity of all, and seeing so many secrifices about to be lost, have determined upon the nomination of anew President, Ministers of the Interior and Exterior, Secretaries, Generals, &c., these honors faliing upon the individuals whose names you already have, and on some others whom I will note. They have also had to make unheard-of efforts to collect funds for this expedition, as also to use all astuteness and sagacity to gather the number of men that compose it, according to the data which you have. f The proofs that these supposed persons came with such places and positions, and even the de- sire of others to retire by the same steamer, are that, notwithstanding the announcements of the disembarkation on the north coast, it was efiected on ihe south, at the time when the forces in the field, making in short time constant marches and voun- termarches, simulating attacks aud same, and callng seriously the attention to allpurts bup that from whence came to theia the reimforce- ments, the last result being that or Souronentng the Sierra Maestra, Gamouty, and the beginmng ofthe mountai spurs. that Js in. that direction, without any danger, to watt for the new Messias; the reason on account of which, and Browns thetr stratagems, the coast, as well on land as by sea, as perfectly guarded, and they had no choice but to wore a8 had alr¢ady been dono, or tall Sar tt ‘fhis people, then, who alive the triple ho: of resetving ald, of bel ‘aagtained to Continue the stragele, to saul ie the wish to 1 being tire. t f atest cieeen Gay mainnt tess re of n Be hoped Worcit ie vo. be” uolieved wit auch, roae son—must discourage thea Walch has alr happened to many enemies which we have in Ja- 01 whom we aire: know here from good - hat they are terribly disconcerted by the al In addition to the ample declaration A which he reve or He crime, they nay tone already on three occasions he had disembarked material of War in thisisland, See also copies of the letters found on him, and wach are enclosed, and you will form an exact knowledge of the condition oi this man, @revolutionist by occupation, and consum- Mate pirate, disposed to all crime in exchange lor positive lucre. I told you that the four convicts first executed were treated with ail kinds of consideration. Bem- beta made his wiil, ‘eaving a belt of ounces, which he delivered to the communder of the Tornado, so that the money mignt be given to Nis mother; also & watch, chain, jewelry, &c. From this it is deduced, having found $140 and an empty safe, whith was in the AG se that, if they were hasty in throwing away the arms, they were not less quick In dividing the funds, believing that even with them they could find salvation or some new orgie, to which they had so much incli- nation. {he same views have been followed by those who, though enveloped in coarse garments and concealing their names, 1t was known who they were, and they were given cican clothes, utensils ol cleanliness, and some distinction was even made in their food; and the cynicism of Alfaro came to the extreme ol saying, addressing the officer of tne guard on board the Tornado, that the treatment was iniquitous, as they were all decent persons, 1 omit the answer that he re- ceived, Very Opportunely, and to which it did not Shpea convenient for him te reply. f the prisouers ou shore, whose names I have already given you, and some other boys with beards, of families who passed in Puerto Principe for being decent, some have already confessed their names; but as if the redness of shame could mount to their cheeks they continue begriming their hands and faces with the dirt of the jail. The tribunals continued their mission without raising the hand, The Marine © urt Martial met at six o’clock on the morning of the 6th, and did not finish the sentence until seven on the morning o/ the 7th. Such was the rectitude that presided, giving as @ result the sentencing to death of 37 of the crew, 12 to different punistunents, greater or lesser, and 13 acquitted, by proving their complete innocence, ‘This proves the rectitude and the exact compliance of the prosecutor with his duty. Without aelay the 57 were transferred to the jail and placed in the hands of the chaplain. Captain Fry was wor- thy of himself, and_ constantly preserved his serenity Wout Gréad. i send you a copy of his Exposition ¢fore the Court. ee ifaro played @ bold card at the beginning, say- ing that he was an American, but reat bein asked for the place of his nativity replied that it was Havana. And in the hands of the chaplain he changed completely, blaming the conduct ot Bem- peta, as is demonstrated in the copy which [ send you, of the exposition which he addressed to the Commandante General when be saw for certain that the law fell upon his head, and in which exposition he offered hig services and influences to preserve Cuba still to Spain, ~~ pe dicaigs ‘There isno perfidy of which they did not make use, but itis now late to reproduce these results which jor much time has obtamed among them, ‘The law was complied with at five o'clock in the evening of the same’ 7th, and in so solemn & moment even the voice of some was heard to pro- nounce a cheer Jor {ree Cuba, & shout that was Jost amid the detonations of the discharges. ‘A notable incident has taken place—a victory for our holy religion, Twenty individuals, Prot- estants, have been converted in the hands of the chapiato t ir Catholic Church. Fall of the most fer- vent iaith, and init they received the sacrament of baptism. They contessed, received the sacrament, and with the greatest rejoicing, aud asked the Lord to save their souls, He will have received them already in heaven, There was one of them who said that he had no instruction in religion, and that, Knowing tt was Decessary, he embraced with entire hope that which our worthy ecclesiastics explained to them. It is perceived that in 80 small a number of men there were all kinds, Among the 37, in addition to the three identified, as aiready explained, there were also Day, Truxillo, Carrion, Arci, Duefas, Deloyo, Ferran, Larramendi and Garcia, Of. the investigations about those who were already on pore it hag also resulted, in addition to the #ix that I have already expressed, that there were the fotlowing:—Guillermo Valls, Juste Con- suegra, Francisco Borras, Polu and Herminio Que- sada, all of whom (12), in compliance with the law, Were placed in the hands of the ‘haplain at ten o'clock at night on the 7th. The pen refuses to describe the attitude of this brditant youth before the crucifix, for it appeared more than anything else like @ bacchanal of heartless men, without knowledge of any class and unconscious that very soon they would Lave to render an account of their acts. They cared litte for the exhortations of the respectable clergymen who tried to have them die well, and if they contessed it was with such little faith at ft «is doubtful if they profited by it, With the same shamelessness they marohed to the place of execution, So peeiin although not in @lond voice, demonstrated that they preserved in those solemn moments the odium which they were taught toward us, and, With 9 chogr for freo Cuba. saab Was hardly beard, and a3 is cs the sentence was complied with, I also remitted you copies Of the cynical documents which th sent to the superior authority of the departuicu' belore gomg out to their execution, Other copies will let you see the questions which with a certain foreign representative. The Virginius wiil go out afloat between to-day and to-morrow, and soon she will @ Second Tornado, if this were An attempt has been made to circulate the re- port that said ship had her papers clear and in This 18 faise; tor she had a roll, or, better said, a simple list, With supposititious names ior the most part. See, now, what documenis every ship should have Which goes according to rule, and in which the most maignifieant incident even in the a all that the vmpresiended, ‘The day aller w-morrow the Bandera Espanola said authority bas had be ready necessary. to jorm. change of course should be noted. steamer Virgimius lacked will be will publish an article making Known the want of have tound in their mvestigations. In case it be wi the ages of those who were shot, I tell you that all were wyer 18 years of age, which is that marked by Spanish Jaws, and that tue youngest, Herminto Quesada, testified and signed that he had com- pleted that age on the 4th of October last A rare coincidence, the marine prosecutor, Don José Maria Autran, first class lieutenant of the navy and commander Of the gunboat Isla de Cuba, is a Cuban anda faitafol and loyal Spaniard, as well as very Many other omicers of the army who serve in divereut parts, Another, the house of Major Arana—prosecutor of those who Were tried on shore—was set on fire in the night, Wherein the 12 were piaced in the chaplain’s hands; but ic was soon extinzulsied, and there was no tnore damage than the inght and general alarm of the town, With pride and fuil of satisfaction I can assure you that lbave not seen during my life, m similar Contingencies, more cordiality, good sense, more respect and more silence than Was observed inhabitants of this town, Even the . jards, Wao, with arms in their hands, 10 | ask in silence the administration of is so hecessary, are possessed of that noble ment—chtid of our love of nationality—only ki 10 great souls, 9t secing the necessity of spilling blood which, although our enemies Will aeny, is Spanish blood. lam certainly snre that, disposed, such as they are, to push their eiforts, moral and material, and vo render @ just tribute to our country, defending its integrity even to losing the last drop, of their blood, they abound in wishes, emanating irom chiv- alrousness; that this lesson, 80 severe as it is just, given to our enemies, WUl serve so that the feids about this city shal! not be seen newly stained with blood, and so that we may enter ito an cra of peace, prosperity and greaupess, lrepeat my- sell yours, sincereiy, &¢., &e, ayeeew, THE DEATH DOOMED SPEAK, Alfaro’s Letter to General Burriel Offering His Secrets for His Life. To His Excellency Sefior Brigadier Don Juan N. BURRIEL, Commanding General of Santiago ae Cuba:— Your EXcELLENcy—In the name of humanity and respect to civilization, horrified by the terrible and sanguinary scenes of a@ {ratricidal war, and comprehending the inuttlity of continuin?y for a longer time & conflict in which has been sacrificed the most generous blood that has taken part in it, I have determined to open my Yoice, not only to desist completely in assisting the cause of the Cuban insurrection, but to work for the restoration of the tranquiliity of this soil under the dominion of Spain, employing all my influence with the principal personages of the 1n- surrection to that end, He who subscribes is the private secretary of General Quesada, wie is the actual agent of the Cubans abroad, and wno is compromised to exercise ai! his tafiuence with that cliet to accomplish this end, Morevver, in tis character as such, he bas in lis hand secrets of some itmportance which he will reveal wienever Your Excellency wiil give him the opportunity, ‘To vbis purpose | entreat that Your Hxcellency will concede lite to the passengers and crew of the Vir- guntus, among w.iomisinysell. tne few moinents L ave ab my disposition prevent my detailing the revelations which refer to suture operations which have already been accomplished, aud some nego- tiations with the government of the United States and subornation ol American employés, a siinpie audience of halfan hour will satisiy Your Excel- lency. PEDRO F. ALFARO, SANTIAGO DE CuBA, Nov. 7, 1873. Other Offers of Submission, To His Excellency Seilor Commanding General Dow J, Ne BURKIEL :— Your EXxcELLENcy—The undersigned have the honor to make known to Your Excellency that they are disposed to contribute, in every way in their power, to the accomplishmont of the above, for which they have the honor to await your oem a peseon of Santiago de Cuba, God r xcellency many years. ee Ay '‘AUGUSLIN BE VARO GUILLERMO S, VALI 3085 BORTEL, ARTURO D. DE MOLA, JUSTO CONSUEGRA, JOSE OLERO, SALVADOK PINEDO. NOVEMBER 7, 1873. Captain Fry's Appeq) to the Council of War for the Lives of His Crew. With the permission of the Council I desire to say a few words in favor of the crew of the Virginius, to the end of mitigating the punishment which has been infteted upon them, The first pilot hac just escaped from shipwreck, and needed the advance of salary which I gave him to purchase clothes and time to doso. Isaid nothing to lim of blockade running; but, on the contrary, as I had the anthorization of the owners and had prepared the papers of the bark, notify- ing all that the vessel would be occupied in the passeffer traffic from the islands to Puerto Limones, in Costa Rica, or carrying merchandise to Cuba, as I believe the steamer couiddo, From the time that the arms were taken on board I do not believe he had an opportunity to part from the people to see the Consul. The Consul in Puerto Principe sent for me, but I did not receive his message until I had started, having been com- pelled to Jeave port by order of the | authorities. 1 had a guard on board to prevent the desertion of passengers. Some of them protested, and Varona responded to mani- festations of this Class with a pistol. It was con- sidered a matter of risk among mariners to torce @ blockade, for which they ars paid large salaries. For years it has been notorious that a great num- ber of vessels were engaged in it during the Ameri- can war, and, notwithstanding many prizes were taken, Not a single lie was sacriticed, On the contrary, the greater part of the prisoners were liberated after a short impris- onment, Of the law in Cuba and the proclamation reierring to the introduction of arms into Guba [ had not heard until the night of my conviction. if, with superior opportunities, I was ignorant of a case decided by other than interna- tional Jaw, how complete! ignorant should ,be these poor people, was = continually in company of persons who ought to have nown it, yet the fact was never once alluded to. In a word, 1 believe that they were ignorant, and that toe worid will be griev- ously surprised to know that their lives are sacri- ficed. The counsel well know that I am not plead- ing for my life; I have neither home nor country— a victim of war and persecution—I being suut out from the road to prosperity until I am unable to provide bread jor my wife and seven children, who know what it is to suffer from the vicissitudes of my life. ay, life is one ol suffering, and it is not jor myself that I implore. The ,machinist Ken EE came against his will. Spaniards, the world is not so fall of persons that prefer hofor to life! The poor Bosa—a poor gen- tieman, With @ heart as tender and compassionate ag.that of a Womap, who thought more of otiers tain of himself—pardon him! ‘the poor fellow 1s my servant, hired to wait upon me in port, and is not inscribed on the roll. le desired to go ashore in Jeremie, but missed the opportunity. He is nearly an idiot; he is cath Cubaniilo, and is of Venezuelan origin, He was a tavorite in the ship and shouid not be made to suffer, Another unfor- tunate man was taken on board to save him from death through tever and hunger. I had sent him to the hospital from the ship and he was after- wards permitted to cot on board for his health. Spaniards, as [believe i the only one who will die in the embrace of our holy retigion, consider the souls of these poor people. Give them time a and RT to seek the mercy of Hod. bus only can you comply — with ‘our duty, and my bdiood ought to ye gsuficient. These poor men iad = no knowledge of their crime. Pardon me if I tell you that Ido not believe that their deaths will ten the benefit of Cuba. According to our method of viewing matters, I should have had the interven- tion of my government, whereby would have been saved many ktves without having compromised the dignity of in. Sefiores, I pray God that the members of the Counctl of Judgment perform their duty regretiully, and that they will remember us in their prayers to God, and will ask their wives and children to beseeca for us also. Captain JOSEPH FRY. Written on board the Tornado November 7, 1873, after having been verified by the Counoil of War. Letter to Edward C. Genet. Mr. Epwanp C. Gener, No, 48 Pine street, New York:— My Dgar Nep—] am here inthe same position as when I arrived, having done little more than clean the vessel and reduce things to order, A vessel more shamefully treated ney¢ the waters, I found itlikea dirty, hid OT a maritime documents which the marine authoritics ed tO raise any calumny about opted on y tavern and a sort of refuge for the patriots of Cuban per- suasion, Tue interior of the hold was overrun with’ rats and cockroaches; on the forecastle the men ras drinking, 3 cabin filled with individuals think but eating and drinking extraordinarily, com- mencing to b/eaktast with soup at hall-past eight o’clock in the morning, and living in a species of luxury quite disproportioned to the value of board. Of course I know nothing of the movements of the vessel us yet. 1am mduced to believe that I shall be of some service to these Cubans, God knows they hi need of friends, and many of them, A thin, easy a8 the liberation’ of this un- happy istand, so rich in value, can be accomplished and in the meantime T, like others, am surprised that we do not ;roceed to work and doit. For my part lam a the impression that the most pre- clous moment has been lost, wnen th is conante pe rematenee. nS Wee ar Ned, endeavor to enter into confiden simpson. Let bim know that | am hereonnie good odor with the Cubans. See if you can cis- cover the art o! constructing torpedoes, and learn, in the strictest confidence, if he desires to unite with us—you and i—for the purpose of making money, to which end [can obtain the most ample means, and it will be very easy to bring about the most extraordinary results, hile Simpson is sick guard the secret among those directly interested, and tell him to guard mine, Send me word if you can find iu New York the explanations and details to which Irefer, [speak of the torpedo question, Ir you will Mx your attention on this matter with your well known intelligence 1t will be well exectited and recompensed, For another thing, I | desire to bring about an intervention in this Matter and to accomplish @ great thing as the Mberator of Cuba. Kemember me affectionately to diliotson and whatever other friends you meet. Remember me, also, Kindly to your mother, and believe ime your friend and companion de Ses, littie, Letters by Vice Consul Schmitt to Gen-= . eral Burriel. ConsULATE OF THE UNITED STATES, SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Nov. 2, 1873. To Mis Excellency Sefior Brigadier Don Juan N, Burnie St—I have the honor to very respectfully inform your Execllency that an oficial despatch, sent by this Consulate of the Uaited States of America, at nine exactly of thig day, to the office of the West India and Panama Telegraph Company, ad- dressed to the Consul of the United States in Kingston, Jamaica, about information ot the nationality of the steamer Virginius, which Tam in duty bound to transmit to the Consul-Gen- eral in Havana and to the Department of State in Washington. Lhave been iniormed that the afore. said telegram caunot be sent on to its address, having been objected to and detained by Your Ex- cellency’s orders, und being obtiged to inform my superiors of the event, I wish very respectfully to request Your Excellency to allow me to allow me to know the cause of the detention and of its not sbemg transmitted. I have tne honor to be your very obedient servant, E. G. SCHMITT, Vice Consul of the United States, CONSULATE OF THE UNITED SrateEs, November 3, 1873, } To His Excellency Seflor Brigadier Commandant General, &¢., DON JUAN N. BURRIEL :— Str—Very respectfully Iinform Your Excellency that I have knowledge of the steamer Virginius, which has been brouzht to this port at five and a hali in the ajternoon ot the tst inst., conducted by the Spanish war steamer Tornado, as @ ship eap- tured on thé high seas, having aboard many passengers besides the captain and crew, cleared in Kingston, Jamaica, and, 25 I have heard, said steamer navigated under the American flag. I then, as representative of the government of the United States in this city and port of Santiago de Cuba, to fix the fact o! her nationality went yester- day morning at nine o’clock punctually to the office oi the company of the submarine tele- graph to transmit a telegram to the Consul of the United States in Jamaica asking for the nationality of the steamer Virginius and if despatched under American papers, which tele- gram Was objected to and detained by Yoer Rx- cellency, a8 1 have had the nonor to communicate to Your Exceliency in a communication of yester- day, the 2d inst., to which i am surprised at not having received a reply relative to the business which, under such urgent circumstances, would be ofgreat value to the numerous American crtizsns interested, which reply 1 am aguxiously waiting for. I wished also to request Your Kxcellency (not having received any communication from the Spanish authorities, and particniarly from, Your Exceliency, about the event), considering that I should ‘be — noti- fled and = also permitted to see the American citizens detained in the jail of this city, ana also the captain and crew of the aloresaid stitp. Very respectiully Lask Your Excellency to permit that I be admitted to the jatt and on board the ships, where they are detained as prisoners, to enable me to fil! my duties as Consul of the Cuited States, I have the honor to be your obedient servant, E. G. SCHMITT, Vice Consul of the United States- CONSULATE OF THE UNITED Sree SANTIAGO DE CusA, Nov. 3, 1873. To Ris Excellency Sehor Brigadier and. Oommand- respectfully to inform Your Ex- ant General Don Juan N. BURRIEL Siz—t have ver: ip till this hour, sic and a half in the evening of this,3d day of November, |] have cellency that a) not had the honor to receive any reply fr Your Excetilency my official cominun:cations of the 24 inst. and of tnis morning in reference O @ telegram directed to the “Consuk’ of the United Stares in Kingston, Jamaica, detained by Your Excellency and pot trausmitted, and also for not having received any communication trom any of the Spanish authorities, particuiarly from Your Excellency, about the event of the steamer Virginius, which was known by the last news pub- lished in the papers and of public knowledge in the neighboring isiand of Jamaica, as a. national steamer under the American flag of the Uujted ptates: of America, and with all her papers and clegrances legally authenticated and sealed with the coat of arms of the aforesaid United States, and of my request to be permitsea to see and cominuntcate with the American citi- zens, the captain, crew and passengers of the be- foresaid steamer, as Well those in jail as; thoge on board the ships in port, Raving to fuidl my consu- lar duties as representative of te American gov- ernment and in conformity with the treaty be- tween Spain and the United States in the year 1795. And as I have not had in any way my desire complied with by Your Excellency and other authorities in consideration,of mv reit- erated re ju this matter, ana not having admitted aby of my desires, nor have I been able to know what could be done about the rights of the American citizens, as well as the captain of the ship and his crew, in contormity with the before cited treaty between Spain and America, article 7%, most respect- | fally protest agamst Your Excellency, | Authorities and the Spanish government, as 1 do in the name, and as representative, solemnly pro- test against the Spanish government, ail and very person or persons, for their performances and irregularities, processes and sentences, that may occur to any or various persons or individuals interested, detained and prisouers, for all costs and damages, as weil personal, as if longing to one or various of the American citizens on board the American steamer Virginius ; the same aiso to all interests and values of the same before said ship that may be reelaimed by their owners or apy person inierested, ali of which ts going to be transmitted literally to the Consu! General in Havana aud to the Department of State in Washington. I have the honor to be, sir, your very humble and respectiul servant. | FE. G. SUHMITT, Vice Consul of the United States. Letter trom General Barriel American Consul. HEADQUARTERS OF THE EASTERN DEPARTMENT OF TRE ISLE OF CUBA: Thave received two communications of yours, one of this date and the other of yesterday, the first inquiring if 1t is true that a telegram directed by you to the Consut of the United States at King- ston, Jamaica, asking information concerning the nationality of the steamer Virginius, cap- tured on the high seas as a pirate by the Spanish men-ol-war Tornado, was detained by my order, In my desire to respond duly to the exquisite zeal you have de- monstrated in this matter, I should have answered your communication at once; but, as I received it at a time when I had devoted myscif ex- clustvely to matters of serious moment durin, days of festivity, im ‘which all the ‘Sinploy 8, like all the world, apply thei- selves “to meditation upon the divine inysteries and tothe commemoration of All Souls’ day, as prescribed by our holy religion, and were not en- aged in their usual secular avocations, it has not ren possible until the carly hours of the morni to comply with your requests, as was my desire 105, ‘To answer you, I have to mahifest to you, al- though it is painiul for me to do #0, that I gave the order to whieh you refer for the detention of your telegram to the chief of the telegraph station, in virtue of the faculties which are conceded to me by the government -m the establisiment of this service iu the island. Respecting the first of those two communications, which was received yester- day and in which you express sul th I had not replied thereto, and that you had not been called to the prison or notified of the capture of the ptratical vessel which, as you had heard, was navigated under American colors, and expressing further your interest in reierence toa number of citizens of head country, referring, without doubt, to those who are called pi ers, , the Re oe ore pleasure is answering that cannot celve strangeness you attribute to tne fact that you had not received my reply, as not many hours have passed between the receipt of the one and the other communication. as for the circum. stances which vented an earlier response, I have already indicated them. rd to your pa es at not having recetved notification, I re- gret much that it should have caused you the un- easiness which you manifest, for, although the Virginius navigated with the American colors—# phrage not very intel! to me—supposing, how- ever, that you intende: that she navi- to x ton which fated under the the aineri 4 n joa fadecimeaee ‘ wie any even in some of ite isiands—permit mo to reply that for my part lam unable +) decide upon Tis to the WOT, 4. "be Lact of novitgaWon which you desire, in the Orsi, the | bes | piace, ail me world knows—for it 1s pnbiie and notorious as well in Europe asin America— that the steamer Virginius was destined, by her successive and ly hamerous owners, to assist the insurrection in this island, convering Be- cretly and piratically for it arms, supplies and men; accustomed to sail under ail colors; making use of the, distinctive insigna of divers ges , ae presuming to use Poet baer) of Russia, Japan or accor it suited the conveniences or we, pirates, rin " they made more general use of the respectable banner of the United States, inflicting with it, in my conception and in that of ail honorable men of all civilized Sonmirien grave offence upon the noble nation which you represent, and Whose liberality the satd vessel so much abused. Besides which, she and ner.crew being subject to the action of a tribunal, only competent to under- stand the convenience, justice aud necessity of giving participation to a foreign Consulate in ite proceedings, my authority was not, nor ja it, to judge of the opportunity and necessity to do what you desired. Badly, also, could | supply your wish to go 80 precipitately to. the jail where are found in solitary confinement the prisoners, much less with the knowledge that you wished te do tt, de- monstrating an officiousness so marked, When yow had not received from any of them any reclama- tion, as might Nave been Verified at onde through me, if their conscience had permitted them even to. suppose * that they were ) and worthy of the protection of that Vice Consulate, moved on this oceasion, without doubt by unknown and suspictous ends, These ends, 1 can suppose, to be only those of coming out to the deience of your countrymen, if you saw them unjustly abused or threatened in their Jives or goods, and in those ends, noble and honorable, your conduct would be elevated, But neither on the occasion to which you refer in your. communication, nor im any other, have you a’ well founded motive of complaint nor alarm any foreign: subjects, principally of North America, that has rendered due respect to the Spanish laws, the tranguiliity of the country and the preservation of public peace, conditions which every honorable Man ought to fill 1n order to live and reside on the earth; for the fereigner, permit me algo) to observe, that even when amone the crew of the Vjrginius there may be one or more American citi- zens, the sole fact of being found in comany with the most notable chiefs of the insurrection which desolates this isle, would be sufficient, tf it were not known that some of them also beiongea to those, so as to lose, according to international law, all kind of protection on the part of the countries from whence they pro- ceed; because in this case those conntries also if they persisted tn defending criminals of such @ class, would receive the reponstbility, at least morally, For the rest you may address yourself to whoever you wish, all the protests that may be de- sired, according to the announcement made in your third conimuntcation being on my part incomplete security that they are and will be without founda- tion, for the event to which you refer in your three communications, And they are sv much without foundation, as Mr. Ryan, with regard to whom you personally spoke to me, askin; me ‘permission to testify to his will in !s character of American citizen, as you said. This was incorrect, the same prisoner having de- clared himself, country and is liavle to be the cause of angry controversy between friends who ought to respect each other. God guard you many ears. J. N. BURRIEL. To the Consul of the United States, Cuba, Noy. 4, 1873. FEELING IN SOUTH CAROLINA. A Public Meeting When the News Are rived—Resolutions of the Legislature— Senator Paterson’s Views—A Second Meeting and Warlike Resolutions. Conumera, Nov. 21, 1878. ‘The reception of the news contained in the HERALD Madrid special of the 20th has caused the greatest excitement both in Richmond and in Columbia, the State capital. In Columbia, as soon as the news of the insolent conduct of the Spanish Ministry was recetved, A PUBLIC MEETING ‘was held, at which all the State officials and mem- bers of the State Legislature were present. United States Senator Robertson, from this State, and Congressman Elliott made speeches, and both de- clared in favor of an immediate annexation of Cuba. A COLORED CONGRESSMAN’S SPEECH. Congressman Elliott, who is a colored man, sald he was ready to record his name in aid of the liberation of Cuba, He delivered an expression in. which the words of the people of the country woule do much when as a Representative it became necessary for him to speak his sentiments in Con- gress, He should do it without hesitation. He believed that the same feeling that had been manilested here to-night would be manifested on the floor of Congress; | that the fecling would be unanimous, without dis- tinction of party, to vindicate the honor of America, and that i/it became necessary to declare war it would be deciared without hesitation, So fares his vote was concerned it would be cast in accord- ance therewith. The platiorm of the party de- manded it, because the United States government had passed laws guaranteeing protection abroad as wellas at home. If international law allowed | Spaniards to seize @ vessel sailing under the American flag and carry its cittzens into one of its ports and there murder them it was tine it was annihilated. Several nembers of the State rovernment spoke in the same sirain. Governor Meses did not make # Speech, but it is well known that he tully en- Gorses tne sentiments expressed by the Legimatare in the resolutions adopted the other day. LEGISUATORE, at its session to-day adopted resolutions instract- ing South Carolina’s Senators and Representatives | in Congress to urge the Cabinet to resent the in- | sult to the American flag, The resolution was ev- ole by bota republican and democratic imem- ers. SENATOR PATERSON ON THE SITUATION. The HrkALp correspondent interviewed United States Senator John J, Patterson on the Cuban question to-day. fhe Senator says he bas for years been hoping that Cuba would be free and ‘annexed to the United States, and he thinks the opportunity has arrived to bring it about. The annexation of tie isiand, or the establishment of free commercial intercouse, will be oft vast benciit to the South, and particularly to Soutn Carolina and Charleston, and he believes that the present P complications will result in one or the other. iittle war, he thinks, would be whole- some for the reconciliation of the North and the south, and would relieve the financial embarrassmeuts by causing an expansion of tle currency, increasing the price of commodities and giving employment to the Jarge number of laborers who are now thrown ont of work. He thinks the administration cannot afford to lose the opportunity of relieving itself from the responsibility of the financial crisis, and must declare war against Spain, or at any rate suspend the neutrality laws. In Charleston the excitement is no less intense than here, and the people are clamoring ior the government to push the work of arming Forts Suinter and Moultrie, in the harbor, which are now dismantled and nuiltted for any de fence in case of an invasion by Spanish war ves- sels. THE FEELING IN GEORGIA. AvgusTA, Nov. 21, 1873. Governor Smith, of this State, upon being asked to give his views about the Cuban difiicuities, de- clined doing soon the ground that the complica- tions with Spain are not sufficiently developed to authorize the expression of his opinion, Alexander H. Stephens, the new Member of Con+ gress from this district, who 13 eR route to the nationat capital to taxe his seat after an aosence of fourteen years in the United States Vongress, upon being interviewed, says he is for tne acquisi- tion of Cuba immediately. He considers the Vir~ ginius butchery the greatest and bloodiest massa- cre of modern tim There is nothing analogous to it im American history, except the seizure of the Ki Dorado during the administration of President Pierce, at which time he desired that the United States should take possession of Cuba, He 1s of the opinfén that the present crippled government of Spain will offer every apology for the indignity and imsult offered to our fag, and will place herself in the position of the lame man whose dogs worricd his neighbor’s sheep, She will simply say, “i'm unable to restram my volunteers, and you must deal with them as, you piease.’? Mr. Stephens is in tavor of the government im- Mediately suspending the neutrality jaws; and ha thinks if this is done go large and powerlul @ force of American: soldiers would: land upon the iJ in a few duys that all Spanish bo age would be at once ‘overcome and ie peaceitl &o~ le Gesiratie a be taken au@ of Cuba would is sion, he saia that such & movement on Cuba woul now furnish common ‘Seates to stand upon, and q the United fie al party duferences,. bat 4 heal and break up all sectional animosities orth’ and Sonth. Mr. Stephens will leave for Washing> ton ina few days VOLUNTEERING AT LITTLE ROCK, Littie Rocx, Ark., Nov. 21, 1873, Captain Stringer, late of thé volunteers, asks we Governor to issue commission for enlisting Cabam volunteers. ACOIDENTAL DROWNING. Lo Wwortnsran, Masa., Nov. 21, 1879. A boy named Thomas ¥ 10 we, was drowned while sizing on ice ‘pond iQ