The New York Herald Newspaper, November 29, 1873, Page 3

“Anteresting, Mail Details from Havana. ‘Another \Acconnt of the Butchery _ at Santiago. OPINIONS OF STATESMEN. NEWS FROM CUBA. ROSTIT c Span Soiaces Over Burricl’s Fifty three Massncres—Ridicaious Arguments im Proof of the Justice of the Deeds—In. controvertible Evidence of Willful Mer- der! s” eof the Government,. Which Exhibit Nothing New—Particu- lars of the Insurgents’ Attack on Man- ee Havana, Nov 22, 1873. ‘The “preferred question,” as the Diarto styles the question now agitating all minds, brought about by the illegal capture on ‘the high seas of the American steamer Virginius and the precip- itate and barbarous execution of a large number (63) of the persons fouad on board of her, still ex- cites the attention of the Havana press, and is the subject of general convefsation. The rumors which daily fy about with reference ’ to @ breaking up of iriendly relations between + Spain and the United States are each wilder than the other, and very general anxiety is shown Te- garding the intentions and actions of both govern- + ments. 4S SPANISH NAVAL OFFICER'S IDEAS. From a conversation held with an old Spanish + Maval officer, now retired, it appears that the gen- eral belief of a certain clave of Spaniards 1s that the United States will engage in no warfare from fear of an uprising of the Southern and Western States; for, remarked this naval wiseacre—and he . Feflects the opinion of a great mass of Spaniards, who, judging others by their own feelings, cannot elieve that old fends can be extinguishad or laid aside—‘‘everything is prepared, and only an op- portunity is wanted by the South for a pronun- clamento.” Besides, did he-argue, the Spanish au- » thorities had the same right toexecute the Vir- . ginius’ prisoners as the United States had to exe- ute the Modoc chiefs. Such absurd parallels are even held forth by the press, showing how igno- vant these people are of what transpires in the outside world, thongh not because they are any etter informed of the innermost workings Of their own oficials. SPANISH FEAR OF WAR. ‘The amount of arguing among these people goes ‘to show that they really stand in awe of a declara- tion of war, but, true to their character, boast of their courage and favorable circumstances to meet the event. i SPANISH NEWSPAPER OPINIONS. ‘The Diario gives out that the HERALD’s para- gtaph about the financial troubles of the govern- Iment of the United States gives the key as to the Kind of transactions there will be. ll feel certain that there is no money in the States to fit outa Mavy and meet other expenses consequent in case ofawar. Nevertheless they are arming their forts ‘and are active in general—in their own way, of course—in taking steps of precaution. * Ia Legatiaaa (republican), which heretofore has » een very moderate in its opinion and has not pandered to the taste of the strong organization hich arrogates to itself the power of governing 4m this island, states ite firm conviction that the {prize was a good and legitimate one, and that all ‘She right and justice are on the side of the Spanish government, and consequently does not expect ‘@here will be any great difficulties arising there from; for should any reclamations be made, out- side of right and justice, the government of Spain “vill know how to sustain her honor and right, and 1m the question of national dignity in face of the foreigner, it is every citizen’s duty to hasten with ‘she sacrifice of lives, even, in defence of his country’s The Legatidad also trosts that it will bea ceeney perv eerie ond pansous, atid mays more unite LY in’ New York's and Wasttue ton'by news of the coreare and shooting oF ane ot and other “pirates” of the Vi that a! American ‘with the most H arnals come fille to Spain and Spaniards, and the dhink the conquest of Guba hy the United States an conquest 01 yy the Un! san . gasy Matter, and an affair of a few days. The Voz not opine that the question will leave the of diplo: , but cautions the American gov- iment bo tees the belief that it would have an task otherwise. ENT’S BLUNDER. 4 NEW YORK CORRESPOND! “well-informed"’ New York correspondent of Vor de and Diario, in writing on. this lollowing paragraph, which is to be translated intact, and I — consider her s second Ala- caused are less tham tirdse Lats ont 2a ‘ashington were Bi aSpatre om gored ast gover Tesponsible sor her piracies, . ae correspondent apparent! t the Alabama and Reateatge poy! a fair fight consequent upon a challenge, it the latter Was the victor, with honor to mmander, officers and crew, and also to the whose flag she bore. 1 REVIEW OF THE NEW YORK PRESS. a reviews the American press the HERALD, Sun and but papers generally inclined in insurgents, and’ consequently ‘to the remarks of the ing yaad ae Sete enn g erytuing goe! rove, ie United States ‘wate not tation in the matter, and the HeRaLp, that the the jus requires the immediate by the United states government of iba. In speaking of the par- passed nhrough the whole says — wished to see the competent kind, and fulfil. courts i " 5 He il he fh i hi by ressure of any re by ordinary i i impose: buried in the of the United have any interest in any- of natural, legitimate and ? Further, the Diarto as- need much trouble to prove ites Perit, Lillian and other HE 5 3 : 3 the American flag have caused the ‘Aiabare caused the ENT. jabama, in the facts of id shows such great 7m wondered at when tne learned statement of its correspondent oe @ndithe Alabama, the nae iret f such precedents as the Surrat &c, Great stress is iaid upon in the United States would put deeper in debt, and, conse- favors the preservation of IONG-WINDED SELF-LAUDATION. ‘The Diarto states in s ro ite long-winded editorial of Sinus tated ir natura’ ir prises, : edi all executions subsequent to those of Bem- ta, Ryan, Cespedes and im refey- the Vir- n, but was ‘or of Santiago de C who stopped the , Was au unpardonable dis- States government. nis = Excellency Captain General not communicate orders received irom Spain in time to save the lives of the unfortunate victims. True enough the first four were slain beiore he knew of the capture had even disembarked from the ithim, But if energy and a desire to spare the lives of the crew shot on the afternoon of the 7tlfand of the 12 executed on the morning of the 8th bad been manifest, the order from 3 couid have been undoubtedly trans- mitted, save by unforseen accidents. That tele Ly communications were open from Havana 2anillo cannot be questioned. We received the news of attack on Manzanillo by the insur- ey the day after its occurrence. A steamer ym Manzanillo to Santiago de Cuba woula scarcely employ above ed hours, and several Spanish steamers were in that port, If there had been a will, surely @ way could have been found to Sol. HONORS T0 THE COLONIAL MINISTER. The 8 ih mai! steamer Antonio Lopez ar- rived on Thut evening with His Excellency the Colonial ister. and suite on board, The streets were still hung@with the flags and banners which had been thrown out in celebration of the Virginius . next morning (yesterday) at nine o’clock, and at the usual place of landing, His Excellency disembarked and was received with ail the honors due to a Captain General, which is the corresponding rank he is entitled to, and committees from the Casino Espafol (the Common Connell), who lodge him at the palace, and other corporations awaited him upon the wharf and volunteer forces lied the way from the wharf to the palace. His Excellency Santiago Soler y Pla, the inister of Ulitramar, is @ young man, of medium height, full body, large black whiskers and eyes, which give @ serious and even stolid expression. He may well be Co} ered a very handsome man. Soler was born iD celona, where he studied law, He is considered very talented and even well versed In politics, as from very early youth he has played ® conspicuous hy among the republicans of | Spain. For the first time } “VIVA LA REPUBLICA” | ‘was heard in the streets of Havana, Minister Soler being the prompter, for ovherwise the peopie would have been too timid, or rather too much afraid to utter the cry, Before retiring into the palace he turned to the people and called for the ‘“vivas” io the Republic of Spain, Cuba Espafiola and the city of Havana, which were replied to by a numerous throng with enthusiasm. The volunteers, who lined the streets, apparently felt chagiined at the Minster not “vivaing” them. The Superior Politi cal Secretary has pablished for general intelh- gence the oraer from Spain communicating the in- tended departure of His Excellency the Minister ana the purposes and object of his visit. MANIFESTATION OF PURPOSES. The following purposes have been manifested :— | The firm resolution which the government of the Republic has to establish order and peace in the peninsula is still more strongly held regarding those provinces which, far trom the mother coun- ! try, need pes care and attention in preference ‘The Island of Cuba, disturbed by a senscless rebel- lion which pretends to threaten the integrity of the country, and which finds in the conditions of the country and its climate the means to prolong itself, now needs that the action of the government respecting it should be vigorous and decisive, in order to conclude at once, and at any cost, a strug- gle whose continuance deprives it of tne benefit of peace, prevents the development of its wealth, and is a constant obstacle to the initiation of reforms which humanity and _ civilization jomtly demand. Further, its grave, economic situation, damaged credit and increased distrust, the Treasury having been obliged to use all its re- ceipts to put a stop to that situation, makes it in. dispensavie to submit the Exchequer to a well- ordered pian, which shall obiain tor the govern- ment the resources necessary for its pacification and, at the same time, the means by which these extra charges shall redound to the benefit and Brosperay of the isl . Not the less strongly joes the problem of slavery demand a quick solu- tion, ,The government hopes that this grave | Leaepons so intertwined with the social and econ- | omic order of the island, shall be resolved with the concurrence and ald of all, and that it cannot be doubted but that the public conscience awaits with increasing impatience the day tor its. abolition. A SIGNIFICANT HINT. The foregoing is very well put, but the oligarchy of the island manage and even if the Min- ister’s and governinent’s intentions were the best, ‘we all know what it means to come to this island. THE INSURGENTS’ ATTACK ON MANZANILLO. Yout correspondent has received the followin; rivate letter from Manzanillo, dated the 1%tl t., rom an impartial witness of the affair:—On the night of the 11 K, he comman ie icente Garcia, as stated by the Layee and who report him dead—and Modesto Diaz, attacked this town. The particulars of the attack are a3 foilows:—~At the hour mentioned the east Pi a i out 2B quarter of an hour were followed on the west- ern side by abont the same number, evidently the Se ogee signal agreed upon by the insurgents the attack. A .neavy fire was immediate! commenced by the insurgents, which was answere: all along the line of the or small tower block houses, which surround the city. The insur- nts, however, paid no attention to this reply m the Spanish jorces, bus passed by them, and within an hour after the attack had commenced penetrated into the town ard divided into three columns of about 700 men each, As soon as they got well into the town small parties were formed, whose object .was to force, by their fire, the Span- ish forces and volunteers towards the centre of the town, the public square, which was effected alter an honr’s steady tiring, and at midnight they remained complete masters of the situation, save, of course, the Plaza de Arm 8, oF public square, to which they had nally forced all the troops and volunteers. At four o’clock in the morning, alter four hours had been devoted to a thorough search for provisions, arms and ammunition, of which they obtained an immense quantity, the call fora retreat was sounded. THE VALUE OF THE BOOTY carried off in this attack ts calculated at over $200,000, and it is supposed the amount of money also obtained by the insurgents was about $40,000. The follo are the names of a number of the Pe tablishments that were sacked :— “El Navio,”’ bel cage & Don Eusebio Camino, the house of Messrs. Vasquez & Brothers, that of Messrs. Riera & Brother, the store “El Rey," be- longing to Torres & Roca; “La Equidad,”’ of Favel & Solis; the house of Antonio Comit and others. All these were establishments of wealthy owners, A number of second and third rate stores were also sacked, Upon THE RETREAT of the insurgents the forts Gerona and Zaragoza and three war vessels anchored in the port fired their cannons apon the enemy, but uselessly, as the insurgents retreated under cover of the town YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, N very freely to everything that neinod themaneines carri ‘The ty ra admit Me ot Seera has been one of severest off, that the i] the breakt out the tmeur- rection, The Cuboas rushing’ up 10 wishin 40 paces of the cannon’s mouth.” AN EYE WITNESS OF THE MAS- SACRE. Story of a Passe: w from Santiago de Cuba—The Roliing of the Drums at the Execution—The Survivors Confined in “El Carcel Nacional.” At seven o'clock yesterday morning the steamer City of Merida, bringing letters from Havana under date of 224 imst., and Nassau, N. P., 25th, arrived off Staten Island. A Hs#RALD re- porter boarded the vessel in the bay and entered the cabin in search of passengers from Santiago de Caba who might be able to give any details re- specting the recent massacre at that city of the Virginius “expeditionists.”» The search was not in vain, and soon a dignified Spaniard was found sipping his coffee, and after a little hesitution con- sented to make the following statement:— FURTHER TIDINGS FROM SANTIAGO DB CUBA. “My name is Francisco Koig, and J am an old resident of Santiago de Cuba, which place I left on the 16th inst, There were three executions, at which 4, 37 and 12 men were shot, making a total of 68 executed. There were, when I Jeft Santiago, 112 prisoners in the city prison of Santiago de Cuba, situate in Marine street. I did not hear any of the victims say anything before their execution, as the noise made by the drums of the military drowned any talking they might have indulged in. Four soidiers, 1 think, were told off to shoot eact man at the slaughver house, and they were posted at about 19 yards from the condemned men. Two s.ipe-of-war were in the harbor when I left, one Engush and one American. I know Brigadier General Burriel personally, and know him to be @ very patriotic Spaniard. I heard about the conver- sations of some of the men who were to be shot, but did not know who they were when executed, “The excitement about the executions wae fast dying out when I leit Santiago.” Ae the reporter was leaving Mr. Roig, he said, “The names of the men not executed have been published in the Santiago papers, and { am sorry J have NOt & copy Of one to give you.” WHAT MAJOR ULRICH HAS TO SAY. Another passenger of the City of Merida, from Havana, was Major Ulrich, of this city, who hay been traveiling in Cuba since the commencement of this month, having visited Havana, Matanzas, Cientuegos, Trinidad and Batabano. Tne following is the statement made by tais gentieman to tue HERALD reporter :— “While at Havana I saw our Consul General, Mr. | Hall, and in speaking of the Virginiue affair he seemed to feel the matter very deeply, and stig- matized the killing of the men on board the Vir- ginius as @ butchery. Spain ie utterly powerless to carry outitslaws in Caba@ The Captain Gen- erals Jor years past have been in the nabit of baa A objectionable edicts sent out irom adrid. The whole country is “ran” by the | Spanish clubs, of which Zulneta, the wealthy slaveholder, is, 1 am told, the President at Ha- vana.’ REPORTER—What do you think of the annexation idea, Major Ulrich * Major ULRicH—Well, t’at is a puzzling question. Ifthe United States wanted to make any use of Cuba we should have to clear off all the Spaniards in the place, in the same wav as we should have to do if we annexed Mexico. Gpba isa glorious land, and in my whole travels Ihave never seen any- thing more beaatiful than the Valley of the Yumuri at Matanzas, where the soi! has yielded sugar crops for a century and a half without becoming im- poverished, The present wariare is rapidly ruining the island, and I am told on what I believe to be reliable authority that upwards of 176,000 men have already perished in the struggle. In Havana the Spantards are consoling themselves with the belie! that the United States will not go to war under any pretext. American citizens there tee}, however, that unless Uncle Sam buckles on his armor and shows his teeth. our flag will be even less respected than it is at the present moment by these worthless and treacherous “Done.” NEW YORK ON THE WAR CRISIS. Gicanings of Public Sentiment—Wait- ing, but in Earnest—The Cuban Headquarters—Reply to Quesada and Del Castillo—Germans Co-Operating With Cubans. A very anxious state of feeling pervaded the public mind yesterday in consequence of the infor- mation contained in the morning papers, and con- firmed by the despatches to the afternoon dailies, setting forth the critical position of negotiations in reference to the Spanish-American complica- tions. Everywhere the desire to learn the latest lota of intejligence was made manifest, and at no time since the imbroglio was inaugu- rated has the situation been deemed 80 seriously portentous. The accounts were stim- ulated, too, by the information that the govern- ment had issued further orders, directing that operations now being conducted in the various navy yards be pressed forward with all possible despatch. Among mercantile, commercial and financial circles there was no other public topic discussed, and if must be conceded that the atti- tude of the government in dispiaying such energy for the emergency was warmly endorsed, The only thing that people expressed their ixiety about was that the government appeared in- clined, if anything, to be rather LENIENT TOWARD CASTELAR and his Ministry. People look upon this Virginius complication a8 an affair in which the grossest af- front was offered to the nation and the most un- justifiable violence to its citizens as well as to other persons who were under the protection of the flag. In this view of the case, therefore, they think that if concessions are to be made here, they should be made by Spain by a@ display of promptitude in affording redress that would be more nearly compatible with the indecent haste displayed in the condemnation of the vessel and the infliction of punishment on her crew. The people look at this question in the concrete and think that a government really intending to make reparation should show as much commend- able alacrity in doing justice as was shown in vio- lating justice. It is remarkable likewise what a very positive anal of the status and capa- bilities of Spain as a republic the public have made since this question arose. It is conceded almost everywhere that republicanism is an impractica- bility among the people of the Iberian Peninsula, itself, choosing for that purpose a road which winds by the lower part-oi tne city. The insurgents left behind them 4 dead in the streets, and carried of about 30 wounded, according wo reitable re- pore. ‘The Spanish forces, volunteers and regu- jars, lost 9 killed and 20 wounded. FACTS AND OPINIONS ABOUT THE CASE, A letter from Havana says the people there would refuse to allow any order from Madrid to deliver up the Virginius or make other reparation for her setzure and the execution of her crew to be carried out. Preparations for defence are being actively pushed forward, Guns are being mounted at all suitable points. Advertisements appear in the different papers for an unlimited number of jaborers to work on the arsenals. The volunteers have orders to drill two or three times & week, The Voz de Cuba says, in regard to the report from Washington that Castelar has telegraphed the Captain General to execute no more of the Vir- ginius prisoners: it cannot be true, since the sentences have been im) y @ tribunal of Justice in accordance with our laws. The Executive of the Spanish Republic has not sufficient power en x an Ter eens é the ineral of the island, in order tDextingulsh the rebellion, has power to im- b naed the Feseyp A gel — Coe taken in acts he ason e government, an asks:—“‘How, the! uid the Executive ot the bs Republic dare to govern in contravention the law, and to override justice, exposing his authority to contempt, merely to please certain foreign pirates.” An extract from @ private letter from Manza- nillo, November 14, says:—‘On the 13th a body of pion troops, numbering about 900, entered this city by way of the Bayamo road, thus taking away all the re Rarrigoning the small towns in the and exposing them nly to the inroads of the Cubans. The A barricades is still going on, and those already made are being strengthened. Last night an alarm was caused by firing bemg heard at the camp, three miles dis- tant, and the fort fred one gun asa signal, Every _ able to ba 4 Vg? Ato Suen ue and fy on the square. ie o re re) ed to bi 8,000 000 men {a have from near here and another attack is momentarily expected. But Kittle time for sleep is given and the troops and citizens are nearly tired out by continued alarms, Holated woth day and. nigit. To-day. the Spanish both day force referred to a8 having arrived, left agen, for what i8 not known, as the orders wero Dot discibwed, and all-tne.voluntee the jeaving, Were ordered out this aftermoon w the town during the night, Twelve to 14 have been arrested without the except that they were and teres and on wi the town ae rea where to and, 1D and that the present effort to establish it there i8 @ pure delusion that as a government it is a sham and irresponsible, and that there is no rea- son why we should submit to the caprice, exaction or cozzening of a government claiming indulgence through kinship with our system, when its only resemblance isin the name, without even reasonable hope of any turther realization o1 the similarity. THE COMMUNICATIONS PASSING between the Department of State at Washington and the Spanish Cabinet at Madrid yesterday were very volunfinous, and & HERALD reporter learned that the government held one of the transatlantic telegraphic cables without intermission from ten o’clock yesterday morning until nearly tour o'clock in the afternoon in the transmission and receipt of cipher despatches. The public mind 18 now resting quietly under the conviction that there will be no solution of the question but by the arbitrament of force, and ac- gordings view the matter with ail due gravity. The cry for revenge which went up from the Dation when the, news of the outrage was first communicated nds to a large extent died out, partly by lapse of time, and next in consequence Of the tact that the public see that the government at Washington has resolved to act with delibera- tion, ignoring entirely the clamor of the people. They are waiting now to see whether the adminis- tration which has displayed so much nerve in dealing with the American people will exhibit the same resolution in pressing and enforcing the demands of those same people for justice from a foreign wer. The people have inade up their minds that they are to have satisfaction for the affront and wrongs done them; and should there be any failure on the part of their representatives in securing that reparation, either through the Medium of reason and right or of force and jus- tice, the people will undoubtedly make a tremend- ous issue of it in the next series of contests at the polls, THE AMIGOS DE CUBA ‘were, as usual, in session at their rooms yesterday, and along private session of the Executive Com- mittee was held. Acommunication was received by the society from the represettatives and officers of the Ger- man mass meeting held on the 2ist ot November at Germania Hall. The letter was accompanted by the resolutions adopted at that meeting and the names of the committee of 21 appointed to co- rate with the Society of Amijos in reference to the cause of Cuban liberation. The letter closed With the request that the society would notify the Committee of Co-operation, as to a time and place suitable for @ joint conference. The letter was signe William Radde as President and 8, Bromberg and Henry Herts as Vice Presidents. ¢ following letter in REPLY TO QUESADA AND DEL CASTILLO was prepared by the committee yesterday :—~ New Yorx. e 28, 1873, } op ae Amraos px Cuma, &@ Exchange place, Tor Senn ve THe HRRALD fel terran Rave Messra, Manuel Ques- on ve ed the communt- vs Wenat, and cation, pul from the execotive powers of C1 80 ac- aes eee Bie atteaay eat heer nc YY been r wy tion of Jenecanied, Tt £ somewhat si 5 refore, Peonadentiat agency’ hus forgotten that” there ‘Was such @ documént in existence at ‘time of writing their letter. The standing of the persons who ze 81 the head of our society, and which should inspire confidence of members ‘as well ag of strangers, accomplished this to such an extent as to enable them collect again many thousands of dollars, which we ap- lied to the assistance of our brethren who are fighting liberty and the independence of our country. Havin, at the saine time the satistaction of working’ in accor with other American societies who have opened to us fraternal arms, we feel that these gentle. their position as “confidential agents,” appreciate with ws the value of accessions to the stre of the cause, and not endeavor, as they have done (perhaps uninten- Honally), to embairam the Reneral movement in ben: G the ion of the island, at a tine when the Am: re maniiesting a0 much imterest in the o Jeets a1 rts ot the Society of Amijos de Cuba, We are with great consideration your humble servants, General J. J. Villegas, President; Hilario Cisneros, Franciseo Arteaga, Secretar.es; Vicento Mestre, Vicento Bueno, Juan Viaz. In addition to this the society deem it ex- pecs to state that Sefior Don Miguel de Aldam the Treasurer, and that the sentiments of it above communication are concurred In by Genera; Francisco V. Aguilera. STATESMEN ON THE SPANISH QUESTION. Views of Luke P. Poland, of. Vermont— We Will Treat the Question Firmly, | bat Dispassionately. | A HERALD reporter conversed yesterday with the Hon. Luke P. Poland, member of Congress irom | Vermont, about the Caban imbrogiio, Mr. Poland | was at the Grand Centrai Hotel, being on mis way to Washington, Mr, Poland gave bis views with | Iie usual deliberation. | Revorrer—What do you think of the Cuban im- broglio, Judge ? Mr. PoLanp—My views on this subject are | Lhave been so busy with my own affairs lately that Ihave had no time to give this matter the close study which it would seem to require. RevorteR—What do you think of the demands Made upon Spain by our government ¢ Mr. PoLawp—Weil, I am not sumciently informed in regard to the jegal status of tne vessel to know what are the precise duties which shoula devolve upon the Unijed States, I suppose it was under- stood that the vessel wae going with arms to ald the insurgents in Gaba, and whether she was still entitied to our protection is more than I know. She was sailing under the United States flag, and, pra Jacie, What GAVE HER A NATIONAL CHARACTER, Bat I don’t know whether sie was legally regis- tered. Ihave seen in the newspapers stavemenis that she had regular registry as an American ves- wel, but I don’t know whether this was a tact. REPORTER—Wbat do you think Of the attitude of our government, Judge ? Mr, PoLanD—I have no doubt that our govern- ment will give proper protection to all our vessels. Moreover, Ido not know what the Cuban law in regard to euch cases is, Kverybody agrees that thé men were treated with very great innumanity. To tell you the truth, I regard both parties down there as barbarians, and 1 doubt whether there is Much to choose between them, RuronTER—Have you hopes of a peaceful solution of the question? Mr, PoLanp—I can’t believe that the Spanish goverment, which seems scarcely able to keep its head out of water, will refuse to accede to any reasonable demands of the United States. They must be aware that ina contest of main force Spain would have no chance at all, The Spanish government bas too much on its hands already. In regard to the past trouble with the authorities in Cuba, I must gay this—a great deal has been done by Cuban patriots and HOLDERS OF CUBAN BONDS to involve us in diMculties with Spain. That Dr. Houard—or Howard as they called him to make a Yankee out of him—for instance, had’no more Tight to the protection of the United States than I have “to that of Spain. For the last four or five gears they have inundated the country with these Cuban bonds, and gentiemen whose pockets are OVEMBER 29, 1873.—TKIPLE SHEET. searcely suiliciently matured to merit publicity. | kind is—I think it describes the Spaniards In Cuba exactly.” General Butler laugh while he told this story. ughed very much Ex-Governor Seymour's Views—A Calm and Dignified Review of the Whole Qucstion—Reprisals Rather than War. Ex-Governor Seymour gave his views to the re- porter in his parlor in the St, Nicholas Hotel. e kindly old gentleman looks as fresh and strong as ever, and speaks with the same irankness and sin- eerity. The reception he extended vo the reporter was extremely courteous, Governor SEYMOUR (pacing the room, and speak- ing very deliberatelyf—The capture of the Vir- ginius was a clear violation of our national rights, and there is no doubt that the American people are greatly shocked at the mase#acre Of the crew. It is mot easy to say to what lengths the people wil) go in rightang this wrong. Most men are in favor of war 80 long as they believe that there will be no war—and in saying this I think I express the opinion of the people in my district—but so soon as the danger of war becomes imminent men Jook more thoughtfully to the re- sults, There is no doubt that there is a general feeling that the attitude of the government should have prevented such an occurrence. ‘the Cuban authorities would pever have committed such an Outrage if they had felt that it would lead to any action of our government. WHICH MIGHT OVERTHROW THEM. For some, reason, however, our foreign policy has failed to Impress other nations with the belief that we are prompt to resent any insults to our flag. It is believed that if the Virginius had been a ves- se) sailing under the English fag, under like cir- cumstances, the treatment of her crew would have been a very different one. There is a general feel- ing that this matter shonid be brought to such an | Issue that hereafter American rights, American ciuzens and American property shall be fuly pro- | tected by the fag of the country. | Rerorrer—Do you think the people wish for war? Governor SEYMoUR—I do not think that our peo- ple wish tor war. For many reasons they would deplore it. However, this question has un- | doubredly assumed a very grave aspect, and it is | not clearly seen how the matter could be adjusted, | i coetss know nothing of the character of the | diploma correspondence between the two Cabinets). The position of our own government, a8 weil as that of Spain, is tol. of embarrassment: On the one hand, the United Staves have su fered insults and wrongs which they cannot over- look, and it is very clear, on the other hand, that the Spanish Ministry may not ve. able to make the concessions which it may deem just. The man who is at the head of the Spanish Ministry, Castelar, is one of the foremost men of our time, He is struggling to establish A FREE AND LIBERAL GOVERNMENT upon the soil of Spain. He is a@ warm iriend and admirer of our institutions. It is a hard thing for | us to press upon him for concessions which may overthrow his power, defeat the great aim and purpose of his life, nay, which may imperil that hfe in the event of one of those wild revolutionary changes which Spain is unhappily liabie to suffer. This jact undoubtedly qualifies, Ina great degree, the feeling of the American people, and makes them desirous of some peaceful ana honorable solution of the whole difficulty, I confess 1 do not gee how this 18 te be brought about, but I know nothing avout the state of the nego- tations petween the two governments, and { can only express my hope that American honor will be fally vindicated without the evils of a civil war and without the sad epectacie of a prominent power like republican America striking down the new formed Republic of Spain, that is struggling lor existence against so many difficulties and so many hostile influences. Under ordinary circumstances we might get out of our dilemma by submitting the question to some form of arbitration, but the seiz~ ure of the Virginius and the massacre of her crew were acts go Clearly wrong that it seems difficult TO ADMIT A SHADOW OF RIGHT in the conduct of the Cuban authorities, which ‘would be impiied by a submission of the question to a third ak S REPORTER—Do you approve of the demands made upon Spain as published in the HeRaLp ? Governor SEYMOUR—Well, | certainly approve of the demand for the surrender of the vessel and tor an assurance that the conduct of the butchers should be carefully looked into, and that the: should be promptiy punished if found guilty. If Spain refuses to accede to our demands I shall still not cry for war. I shold rather be im favor of reprisals, because then you might eubmit the question to arbitration, Yes, I would prefer such reprisals to @ war which would probably be attended with distress to our workingmen and great injary to the business of the country. You see, this would be merely a Baval war, and therefore quite diferent from the last war. It would not give employment to land fall of these bonds would, of course, like to aid the insurgents, REPorTER— What will Congress ao? Mr. PoLanp—I really have no idea what Congress willdo. Ihave no doubt the President in his Mes- sage will give us all the information in his posses- sion, I am in favor of treating the subject firmly, resolutely, but dispassionately. There are some who will, of course, immedia! ory, “War! war!” but I am not in favor of any such hasty action, Spain will undoubtedly accede to our demands, - The Spanish government knows } that, if we had a war, all we should have to do would be to send a force down to take Cuba, and that wouid be the end of it. Besides, we would have an immense advantage in this—we should have the war right at our door, while they would bave to carry it on from across the ocean. in hag no naval force that it can spare now, and it is a doudtiul question every few days whether the government itself will stand. REPOR’ -And if Spain should refuse to accede to our just demands? Mr. PoLanp—Then the result may be war; but I repeat that I have all confidence in Mr. Fish and the President, and believe that they WILL ONLY MAKE SUCH JUST DEMANDS a8 Spain will be morally compelled to accede to (with a frank smile). You might imagine that a very strong Power might seek war with @ very weak nation on unreasonable pretexts, but it is not very likely that a very small Power would seek war with a Mat great Power on unreason- able pretexts ng still). I must confess I am a little jealous of those gentlemen who flaunt their views when they ae Siven but little atten- tion to the facts of the case. REPORTER—What do you think of the demands of our government a8 stated in the HERALD’s special despatches from Madrid ? ir. POLAND—Well, I think the demand for the surrender oj the Virginius is reasonable, because she violated only our laws, if she violated any, and we ought to have had a chance to punish all those that violated them. The demand for the surrender of the surviving members of the crew would stand upon the same ground. REPORTER—And as to the demand for the punish- ment of the butchers? Mr. POLAND—Zhat depends on whether they acted in conformity with their own laws. If this was the case we could not ask the Spanish govern- ment to punish them. If these poor victims were put to death, however, in violation of their own laws, we surely have tne right to ask for THE PUNISHMENT OF THE BUYCHERS. REPORTER—And as to the demand for indemnity to the families of the victims? Mr. PoLanp—Well, if they had in Cuba an in- bu law authorizing such an execution then we should have no right to make this demand. This question stands practically on the same ground as the demand for the punishment of the butchers. REPORTER—I suppose a good aeal will depend on bred sg of the Committee on Foreign Rela- Mr. POLAND—Of coarse the President’s Message on this subject will be referred to this committee. Laughing.) We shouid haye a lively time of it if anks Was at the head of the committee. He was always a fast friend of the Cuban patriots. RerorTer—And the effect of war on ogr lan- guishing industries ? Mr. LAND—Ob, the government would, of course, purchase @ great many things, and it is quite likely that busimess would improve in conse- quence. (Laughing.) By the bye, I noticed that @ Western representative said a war would ‘“ben- efit the republican party.’ Well, | shall not vote for war on any such grounds. With this the interview ended. Views of General Ben Butler—A Good Story About the Dog That Bites Man- kind General Butler was at the Fifth Avenue Rotel yesterday, and told a HERALD reporter such a good story about @ certain dog—no Spanish dog, of course—that it is well worth relating, General Butler and the reporter were talking about the Cuban imbroglio when the story crossed his mind, “My views on the Cuban question,” the General said, closing his one historic eye and opening the other very wide, “have already been published in the HERALD; but I might tell youa story avout a dog, which has some bearing on this question, There are are two neighbors in this story of mine, and one of them has a cross dog that bites man- kind. This dog also bités the other neighbor's children. ‘Now, if the latter gentleman were ey, disposed, he would say, ‘You must shut up this dog and pay my doctor’s bill.’ If ne were not Bingiy disp: he would shoot the dog on the spol “Now, if the Na Kd the dog would say: ‘I will forces EXCEPT TO A VERY LIMITED DEGREE. It is not for me to give an opinion as to tne course of the government and to sit in judgment on an administration to which I am politically opposed, but I hope and trust that they are animated by a desire to vindicate the national honor, and. on the other hand, to weigh duly the grave results which must follow upon a state of warfare with a foreign nation and the possible complications that may TOW Out Of it. This terminated the interview. THE LONDON PRESS AND CUBA. “{f the Boundaries of International Law Should Be Found to Have Be: Tri gressed in the Brutal Massacres Now in Progress the United States Will Have a Legitimate Right to Interfere.” {From the London Times, Nov. 14.] For more than @ generation the ambitious spirits of the American Union have cast longing glances upon the Island Of Cuba, the fairest and now almost the sole remaining gem in the once rich diadem of Spanish empire in the Western Conti- nent. While the slave power still sarvived in the Southern States snd was omnipotent in the affairs of the Union the annexation of Cuba was constantly put forward, even by politicians of respectable position, as a legitimate enterprise. Spain was at peace with the United States, and the government of Queen Isabella, ill-regulated as it,was, both in its domestic and ite colonial’ policy, was careful to abstain from offending American susceptibilities. Yet “the Order of the Lone Star’? was supported by many men whose names are conspicuous in the history of the United States. The filibustering enterprises of Lopez in 1850 and 1851 were disavowed by the gov- ernment of President Fillmore, though many Americans took part in them and several were captured and put to death by the Cuban authori- ties. In 1851 the agitation grew so keen and so dangerous that France and England proposed to the government of the United States a tripartite treaty securing the indepen- dence of the island, but the party then in power in Washington, judging that the fruit was ripe, refused to enter into any such arrangement. The irait was not ripe, however; the grand scheme of Walker, the filtbustering general, whose designs were happily brougnt to a close by the determination of a British officer, broke down, and when the slave power played its last card under Mr. Buchanan’s Presidency the “question of Cuba” was still unsettied. In 1868 Mr. Buchanan, without even pretending to consult either the Spanish government or the population of the island, sent a message to Congress proposing to annex Cuba, offering pay- ment, indeed, but Cr ae | the forcible expro- priation of the Spaniards. This high-handed pro- ceeding excited equal indignation at Havana and at Madrid, and, the public opinion of the Union being now much divided»; the great Momestic issues arising, the Presi- dent’s proposal to use force for the annexation of the colony fell through. After the civil war the relations of the United States towards Cuba underwent, of course, a complete change. Previowly annexation had been advocated by the friends of slavery, posting. the new fleids that are ever needed for the development of that peculiar form of industry. Since che war the extinction of the's!ave system which still exists in Cuba has been the pretext, if not the real object, of the movement. which has made so much stir in the United States, Soon after the outbreak of the present Cuban in- surrection a Zevelumouety committee was estab- lished in New York, which Mas not only undertaken to supply the insurgents with arms and munitions of war, but has endeavored to stir up public opinion in the United States in favor of annexation, or at least intervention. . The capwure of the Virginias and the wholesale execution of her crew will more rapidly ripen the projects of the Cubgn Junta at New York than any intrigue or agitation itis in their power to initiate. President Grant has already shown that he leans towards intervention in Cuba, and, indeed, with the exception of our own Wellingtun, it may be said that all distinguishod soldiers, when they turn Statesmen, ‘et enlarge the bonds of the Em- ire they rule, President Grant’s avowed ten- lencies this direction have endange popularity with his own y, and hitherto have given him no compensating influence with any other section of the community. The violence of ihe Ci or, rather, the Spanish pi in y, ‘ely enough to views the assistance of an es the Sp ish in he island, in spite Spanis! jn the 8) sonatas (rors Mad have b ted in are sentence the: 165 us have al, but we in the present mood of the i American citizenship would nh hol to hope that the law of nations will have 7 scrupslousig observed by ther tibunal at Santi if the boundaries of international law should found to have been transgressed in Ly brutal mas~ “ sacres now in progr the Unite have a legitimate right to interiere. u government of President Grant will thi to insist upon that right may be open to 4 But in any case we think the Amel have given us no reason to doubt that Rely act when circumstances compel them to act; Perately and justly. sf “The Cabinet of General Grant Wilt Have the Sympathy of Europe in Determination that the Long Line of Outrages Perpetrated By the Spanish Volunteers in Cuba Shall Come to am End.” {From the Daily News, Nov. 14.] ‘The affair of the Virginins has brought the relas tions of Spain and the United states to a very serious point, Cuba has long been a source of un- easiness between them; it now threatens to be the occasion of an open rupture. The Spanish volun- teers in the island have chosen to put themselves in the worst possible position in such a con@ict. Their own sanguinary conduct, if the haif that: is reported of them is true, has already destroyed: all grounds of public sympathy with the govern= ment which protects them. So long as the slave- holders of the South coveted Cuba, not merely as the key of the Gulf, or @ luxurious resort for invalids, but as @ nursery fos slavery, the whole civilized world sympathized with Spain in holding on to its splendid possession. But for some six years past Cuba herself has been in insurrection against the Spanish slavehoiders, and Spain, in holding the island by main force, is fighting not merely to rpetuate her own rule, but slavery along with it. The execution of the prisoners captured on board a blockade runner— some of them American citizens—and the exulta- tion of the Havana press over this summary ven- geance have fey n likelihood and color to the stories of wholesale executions which have long made the civilized world uncomiortable. The Americans have a right to be —mdignant, especially now that the government at Madrid has shown its mability to maintain its control over 1 dependency. Thé Cabinet of General Grant will have the sympathy of Kurope in its determination that the long line o1 outrages perpetrated by the Spanisn volunteers in Cuba shall come to an end. So popular a step as forcible interference in Cuba may well tempt General Grant's Cabinet, now that the Cubaa authorities have given @ plausible o@ casion for it. s “In Such Tempests of National Anger a Deed of Blood Like This May Welt Cause Nice Points of International Law Get Swept Away.” {From the London Telegraph, Nov. 14.) It is not surprising to hear from New York and Pennsylvania that the feelings of the Americans are intensely roused, People there who do not want to have Cuba, and detest tue practice of Sli- busterism, must be deeply irritated to see sach a expedition; but if every person on board that troublesome little craft nad been fusilladed there would have been an outcry of just wrath against the Spaniards. We, can hardiy wonder, then, that the United States government has armed and despatched powerful vessels of war, and. that a fleet large enough to blow Morro Castle from its foundations will soon’ be near the place where these sanguinary deeds have been’ committed. There is already matter encugty 6m things stand, for energetic action; butit the fari- ous Cubans massacre any more of their prisoners, General Grant will find it a dificult task to mode~ rate the feelings of tue Americans, annexation~ ists and non-annexationists alike. Indeed, im such tempests of national anger as a deed of blood like this may well cause nice ints of international law get swept away. It is not likely that the American iron-clads will be con- tent with inquiring how far off the Virginius was’ from the coast of Jamaica, or to what degree her, privateering objects were proved. They are much! more likely to demand the judges of the court mar-, tial as their prisoners, to be puton trial at New two till the goveynwent 1s changed and a heavy sum of money paid to the slaughtered Americans. But if they do ft Puch, as this, why should they do so tle’ hat will be the perilous problem, discussed by a hundred passionate journals and speakers, who wiil point out that Cuba is only nominally Spanish ifit derides the message of emer sent from the Madrid government and fights its enemies with @ murderer's weapons. Ii the Washington government be ever so measured in its dealings with the Cubans it is clear that the rebellion on one side and the annexation party on the other have now a chance of which they Will not. be slow to avail themselves. “To the Powerful Enemy Who Was Ap- parently Only Waiting for Interven= tion They Have Furnished Nota Pre= text, but a Justification.” (From the Daily News, Noy. 15.} It is, indeed, dificult to say with exactness whether the terrible manner in which the officers and crew of the Virginius have been dealt with complicates or simplifies the relations between the United States and Cuba. A great majority of the citizens of the former coun- try will probably think that Row at last the whole business is made clear and simple. They will regard it, whatever their natural horror at the cruely of the deed, as one of those provi- dential calamities which men are fond of considering as specially sent to stir up lagging human energy. If a cruel and capricious man is always torturing his children, maltreating his servants, and rendering himself hateiul to all around, while the one powerful neighbor who could easily chastise him holds becauge of ascruple as to his right.of interference, a good many spectators will think there is @ certain advantage gained when, in a freak of half msane passion, the tyrant assails one of the strong man’s: own household. We are not surprised to hear that the war feeling is waxing stronger and general. A-considerable proportion of the can public will experience @ Certain sense of in the conviction that now at. last the A MP hig of General Grant must act. We should do justice to that government. It has refrained for ah 3 ‘ and under all the pressure of a strong popular citement, from anything like an undue in ence in the colonial affairs of Spain. No cat be more widely favored among the American than that of Cuba. Many Americans, dou) wanted Cuba for themselves. Many others felt sincere desire to see the island freed from ish rule. Some were driven into detestation of Spain sheer disgust at the brutal cruelties by which — by the representatives of Spanish authority were vainly trying to put down the rebellion, >» 2 To the powerful enemy who was Rigen waiting for a pretext for intervention th furnisned not a pretext, but a jus “Spanish fury” has made itself a see ve he but the Cuban fury is as blundering ag is cruel, “The Vast Majority of Batchers Come from Old Spain, or Are Allied to the Old Spanish Party.” i {From the London Daily Telegraph, Nov. 16.) The massacre at Santiago ‘of Captain Fry and the crew, with many passengers, of the blockade runner Virginius, is only one of @ series of erocious carnivals in which Voluntarios have® indulged, not gainst Los Jnsurrectos but against all. in the remotest degree couid be * of sympathizing with Cuban independence, executions at Santiago are neither more nor horrible than the slaughter of the students, Havana, who were shot by the score for an 0! 80 venial that it bag have been amply met haved een cqaaied og Peeiedt not sui other places throughout the colony. we merely @ question of stamping out a n Euro} might be horrified, but nave less cause to be astonished. Of those who, as Sir Arthur Helps has completely exterminated the Indians little scruple in crushing the life out i nous bl man. ;In all the Cuban gimanacs, to’ date of the great slave rising 30 years | are appended the significant’ 4) temente V castigada.”? bellion was ‘castigated’ with geance. Hundreds—we might aln risk of exaggeration, say th id and women became the vi vengeance, and were system broken on the wheel, a fogged to death. (From 1 usually absent; bat pecreat ope of Wesperate: iat masters. It is a war white men, and Creoles to state that ‘Weighs not against sulares. The vast Massacre of their countrymen committed: in contempt of the Stars and Stripes. There were not many in England who. coula approve of the Deerhound’s recent™ York for murder, and to hoid a rich sugar port or’ the families’ of Los Pa: i « Peres