The New York Herald Newspaper, December 10, 1873, Page 3

“ lasses ot people are enrolled in the volunteers; HAVANA. Pen Sketch of an Exciting Time in the “Ever-Faithful Isle.” pe Laeae How the Volunteers Received the American Demands, “NEVER GIVE HER UP, NEVER!” a Dilemma of Captain Gen- eral Jovellar. Threats Uttered Against the Herald Correspon- dent—Sketch of the Cuban Laborantes—The Sore Point in the American Demands— Interesting Extracts from the Ha- vana Papers—Sentiments of the Country Casinos. Havana, Dec. 4, 1873, You have already had by telegraph the news of the excitement produced by the despatch from astelar to the Captain General, ordering the sur- render of the Virginius. Time and the telegraph, more or less, confined me to a mere outline of the extraordinary manifestations made on that occa- sion. So, to do justice to the subject, I must return to It for a little while. An unnatural calm rested on the city during the greater part of last week, trom the 24th of November to the 26th. Strangers from America Janding here in the interval were forelbly struck by the utter absence of any appar- ent concern in the grave crisis that threatened Cuba dtia absorbed the attention of 40,000,000 of people a few days’ sail removed from us. Here was ‘the population most immediately interested in the issue 01 peace or war, and it was natural to look to 4 for the exhibition of SOME DEGREE OF EMOTION under the circumstances. But there was none to be acen, frue, there were plenty of uniformed men to be met in the streets; but this has been the case ever since the breaking out of the Cuban ingurrection, five years ago. The muzziing of the press and telegraph was mainly responsible for Producing this alluring and treacherous calm. To ajl intents and purposes Havana took as little in- terest as Timbuctoo in the turmoil that was agi- tating the chief cities ot America, and all concern- mg the very tragedy for which this city was mainly accountable; for here resides the chief power of the island, the Casino, alaw unto itself ai times, and as arbitrary and high-handed an in- stitution as the old Star Chamber of England or the Inquisition of Spain, A time, however, came, and that was last Friday night, when the news could neo longer be kept stil. As well pretend by shutting their eyes that there was no hurricane in the air, while trees, fences and chimney tops were rattling about their ears, as to ignore the stern summons of America for retribution to her in- @uited fag. it burst through CRNSORSHIPS OF TELEGRAPH AND PRESS, and it went whispering around till it made itself painfully audible within the walls of the Casino and the palace, It was the talk of the city on Satur- @ay and it was the main material of discussion in the meetings of the volunteers on Saturday night. Feelifig’ against America ran very high; it was all Warfthroughont the night and throughout the next day. The volunteers were prepared to lay Gown their hives, fortunes and sacred what-d'ye-call-it for the insuited flag of Spain and in defence of the Justice of her position on this question. THR SPIRIT OF CASTE i the Spaniard is very strong, so is his propensity to exaggerate the ancient glories of Spain to the entire overlooking of her present pitiable asser- tion of power. I always think I ece in the six ters oi seats in the Tacon Theatre the six divisions of society on this island. The Captain General to the Spanish eye (pardon the digression) is or was the impersonation of the sovereignty at Madrid. On the tier where he sits in the theatre all that pre- sumes to be the créme sit also. Your eye in the or- chestra stalls starts in an upward sweep from @ pale alabaster face in the first ter, as ex- quisitely aristocratic as any devotee of Fifth venue could desire, and, passing over the intermediate shades of cream, coffee and copper, finally rests upon the jet black up near the roof—that is, the sixth tier. The ob- ject of this hurried digression is to state that for all practical purposes, in a political sense, the five tiers of society above the level of the Captain General’s box amount to less than a row of pins. ‘The first tier rules the island; the sixth and last tier ranks in political weight with the cattle. But Thave le{t out the auditorium. That is given up tothe male sex and takes in all stripes of society decently dressed. Your Cuban and Spaniard min- wie peacefully on this neutral ground. Now all + but it is the first tier that composes the famous, or Infamous, Council, as you may be disposed to call it, which controls the Captain General and dic- tates a policy for Cuba to the mother country. THE FIRST TIER ‘1s now essentially Spanish—office-holding, tobacco- growing, sugar-planting, slave-owning Spanish. All the grand, flerce gasconade of Sunday night ‘was started by the people of the first tier. In- feviors invariably imitate thelr betters, and what wonder if the caballeros had even the very waiters ‘at the tables of the Casino strutting in the im- aginary garments of the dead and done tor hidalgos who, in the ages long gone by, delighted © fight and tall off their horses and smother in their superincumbent armor vather than the mildest insinuation should be made against the virtuous habits of their Yoeyal masters or mistresses. ‘The Louvre and THE CASINO ESPANOL are the chief points of rendezvous for the aristo- ‘cratic volunteers, The young fellows remind one much of boys ont for @ holiday in new suits of clothes. Some of the older hands, who are accus- tomed to the thing, pass along with aveteran carelessness of their gay uniforms; but the fresh ones never cease admiring themselves and won- dering whether there are any officers on earth as martial and beautiful to the cye as they are. Sun- day night the throng was unusually great. The streets of this city are narrow—not more than 20 or 25 feet wide—and the sidewalks only two Jeet; consequently, until you get outside the old ‘Walls of the town, you feel as if you were in a series of long alleyways, The Casino is a fine building, in ®@place where all the rest are exteriorly mean, however magnificent inside. Outside the walls you will meet a crowd not much unlike in dreas and general appearance what you might expect to See Of a summer alternoon at Central Park Garden, You can hardly bring yourself to think that these POLITE AND HUMANE PEOPLE, exchanging among themselves all tha gracious amenities of civilized society, and peers, as they will quickly tell you, to the cream of European valor and chivalry, could countenance and rejoice over the slaughter of Santiago. ‘THE EXCITEMENT OVER THE AMERICAN DEMANDS. Most people had heard on Sunday night of the demands of America, and nothing cise was talked ofin the places where men most do congregate. 14 was at the Casino Espafiol and the Louvre, how- ever, that ail the tall talking was done, “surren- Ger the Virginius! No, we will die fret.” The volunteers were In groups. No mass meetings are allowed, and, in passing from one to the other, “Oastelar,” “Washington,” “Viva Kepatia “viva ta integridad national! “Viva la Marina 1) &e,, ‘were expressions that indicated the text of the debate, Spaniards are NOT A DRINKING PEOPLE at home, but the Catalonians, Andalusians and Biseayans that emigrate wo these islands fall slightly into the practice of gin and water. Ameri- cans, as in everything else, go with energy into ‘tho business, and the consequence ia they dic of Bike vermin at the advent of the rellow Jeyey J don’t see what Americans ean Want with an island Ifke thig, unless they alter their habits of hving. ‘The Spaniards, with a trifle of gin and water, can be as demonetrative in point of eloquence as any of our Fourth of July orators, They trotted ont on this occasion every achieve- meat from Cordova to Saragossa, and at the memory of each they felt more valorous and puissant than before. Oh! would they not at up the Yankees ere surrendering the Virginius! One inan’s warlike utterances stimulated the cour- age of his neighbor, and the generalffeeling towards midnight was asublime confidence in THE MIGHT OF THE VOLUNTEERS and in the strength of their purpose. The terms of the United tates regarding the abolition of slavery were particularly galling. It was the last straw Iaid on the patient camel's back. It touched the pocket, ana if you probe the Spanish character downwards you will fad the gold doubloon at the bottom of much of that ethereal honor and chivalry which pretends to be so sensitive to the least shadow of blemish, They would fight rather than surrender the cap- tive vessel, and fight ina manner of extravagant self-sacrifice, The Spaniards of the Casino lifted their hands and cried, “If our honor (not their pockets) is to be assailed and the great trust com- mitted to us by Spain threatened with danger, we shall joyfully accept war; we shall fight and die to the last dollar; we shall dispute every inch with the invader, and, when our resources are gone and that (Heaven forbid!) the enemy should prevail, we will kindle the torch of confagration, and, with the herote memories Of Spain in our hearts, and to make ourselves feel worthy of being her sons, we shall fall fighting beneath the ruins of our homes; and should the enemy finally conquer, he wili find Cuba a waste of ram and blood.” Now, who would think that all this HBROIO UTTERANCE, worthy of the great days of Rome or Greece, meant dollars and cents? The Spaniard cares for Cuba in the ratio of the profits he makes out of her soil and produccions. To use @rather vulgar expres- sion, the honor of Spain, as far as its keeping by the volunteers is concerned, is all “pure poppycock.” After the tremendous display of Spartan resolu- tion on Sunday night, what wonder ifthe force of imagination interpreted a despatch (which ap- peared next day) that America had packed down from her demands to the influence of the volunveers. This produced immense rejoicing among the forks who believed 1t, and they were Many. But Monday night came the most stunning news of all, namely, that the Captain General had orders from Spain to deliver up the Virginius. Now the thing became tangible which had hitherto been vague, POOR JOVELLAR, the Captain General—a high-toned gentleman, with the conservative traditions of a dozen centuries hanging about him—deserved sympathy if ever man did, In olden times for a Captain General to command was to find instant obedience. Bold Would be the man or set of men who dare question the behests of the representative of Spanish ma- Jesty. But we have falien on other days, As the shadow to the substance so might I compare Cap- tain Genera! Jovellar to any other Captain General who went before him previous to the withdrawal of the troope to Spain. Poor Jovellar was in a wretched and painfal fix. He felt his weakness more keenly than -ever did one of your liberal republicans after the re-election of Grant. He did not dare to come boldly out as executive officer and perform the orders of Castelar's government, He kept the despatch in his pocket, for a while cantiously (eel- ing his way around him to the tempef of the volunteers, into his confidence, and ultimately triumph of all) he CAPTURED AN EDITOR, a blood and thunder editer whose terrific biunder- buss ise Voz de Ouvba, which is perpetually aimed at America and at the breast of the goddess of liberty. This famous editor belongs to.the class of minds that are only to be seduced from their virtuous allegiance to duty by the smiles of the titied great. I believe he is the same person Who was won over from a position of raw head and bloody ones ferocity towards the French invasion of Mexico by a smile of recognition from the imperial ips of Maximilian. Then he was an editor in Mexico, Well, Jovellar smiled upon the journalist, who up to that moment had counselled open resistance to the mandates of the Castelar ephemera at Madrid, and the journalist—to use an expressive Americanism—wilted. JOVELLAR’S DIPLOMACY. Poor Jovellar, in @ tone of trepidation, but with most admirable diplomacy, came out in an address to tne people. He did not tell them (sly rogue) that such and such were his orders and that he was bound to obey them. That would not do, for the hotheads among the volunteers would cry out we will save him what seems an unpleasant and un- patriotic duty to perform by taking the govern- ment, executive and all, ourselves. He appealed to what ts always a safe sentiment with the Spaniards, the memory of the past, the greatness of other days, the dignity of their character, &c. The night before Jovellar’s address came out (Monday night) the excitement in regard to the Vir- ginius reached Its climax. The Casino Espaiiol was excited to frenzy. There were meet- ings in the palace at which Castelar was denounced in withering terms. There were impromptu gather- ings on the sidewalks and in the drinking places, and he wonld indeed have been @ rash man who dared to utter a word of protest against the pre- vailing sentiment of the hour. “NEVER GIVE HER UP,” was the burden of the song, but earnest as tne scene might have been to @ participant, to the dis- interested looker-on it Was as funny as a burlesque of Macbeth by Fox, There was no mistaking the seriousness of what they did and said and yet to one of another nationality, Whose sympathies were not enlisted, but whose Knowledge of both sides of the question and of both parties to the contro- versy enabled him to judge more dispassionately than the gealots of either side, there was an in- tensely comic phase in the tragedy of the scene, War with Amertca by the first Power of Europe would be a grave affair, even for the first Power; but when the volunteers of Havana, on their own hook, entirely independ- ent of Spain, declared themselves not only willing but well able to lick the Great Republic, then the thing lost its gravity and became simply ludicrous. They are a very handsome set of soldiers to look at; they dress with uncommonly good effect; but they have never heard of Sherman's or Stonewail Jackson’s men. Tuesday night the excitement continued, for now the whole city had heard of the American ultimatum, but still the resolve to hold on to the Virgintus was apparently as fixed as ever. THE ARMY AND NAVY OFFICERS declared they would send in their resignations en maszee if the vessel was surrendered. Enthusiasts declared that not @ Spaniard could be found on the whole isiand of Cuba to put a hand to the Vir- ginius to take herinto Yankee possession. The marines were said to be unreliable for such a pur- pose. If the Americans wanted her they should have to come for her and take the consequences of passing Morro Castle and the Cabafia with their thousand bristling guns, In the meantime the news had gone abroad in the interior, and all THE COUNTRY CASINOS of Spaniards from Cienfuegos te Cardenas sent in communications to headquarters, promising their lives and all they possessed to sustain the contem- plated resistance, Jovellar was all this time acting with extreme tact. The volunteers con- fided in him, because they believed he had no sympathy for the republican government of Spain; but Jovellar kept wisely silent, content to bide his time until the passion of the hour spent itself, GOSSIP IN THE CHURCHES. In the churches on Sunday the only gossip—and they gossip in the churches as they doin the mar- ket place or the store—referred to the all-impor- tant issue, and in one case an alcalde made n address, denouncing the Americans and calling on the young men to hold themselves in readiness for war. The saliors and marines Were also favor- able to the prospect. The oMcers, who are all monarchists, freely expressed themselves to the effect that but for the degraded form of govern- Ment established at Madrid this trouble would Rover Daye hanneneg, Business ten, going along (greatest He took tne officer and that finally | “fully belonged. DEUEMBER 10, 1873.—TRIPLE SHEET. NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, soberly for years undisturbed by the conflict of par- Wes, caught the general infection, and said it was impossible to make the sacrifice demanded—that it involved a worse fate than war, for it would ever after expose them to unchecked and unlimited invasion by “bands of pirates” from the United States, PEARING TROUBLE, the Captain General quietly provided for the pro- tection of the American Consulate by having guard placed within the gates of the oullding where the office is situated, during the night, But the business of the city went along as usual, the ladies went a-shopping the queer old volantes, with their barbarous pretension to aristocratic style, rolled through the streets, bearing their dark eyed Creole beauties to the opera; the languid store- keepers leaned on their elbows and counted the paving stones on the street for the hundred and first time, tne sailors from the fleet made themselves jolly over their Jemonade and orchata, the everlasting volunteer scuds along with lis thoughts more concerned.in his dinner than his duty to his country, and all the paraphernalia of city life remained undis- turbed; but through it all, like the shuttle in the loom, went weaving in and out the thoughts of war. DESPERATE FORTUNES suggest desperate measures, and Tuesday night the cry went forth, “We will burn the Virginius rather than let her fall into the hands of the Yankees,” A rumor went abroad that an attempt Was made to fire her, and that a guard of marines had been sent on board to protect her from incen- diary efforts, THE HERALD CORRESPONDENT THREATENED. Wednesday made another memorable diurnal Page of the week’s excitement. In the morning your resident correspondent was passing an aimacer, or store, walking quickly in the direction of the American Consulate, when a fellow cried out alter him, ‘Ya te arregleremos la cuenta’ (we will settle your account), Your cor- respondent, who is as cool as he is brave, quickly replied, ‘Me parece que nada debebo”’ (I veileve I owe you nothing), andcon- tinued his course with his usual sang Jroid, The truth is the lower class of Spaniards have had the idea given them that the Henavp isa kind of in- dependent government within the United States, more powerlul than the States themselves; that 1t is responsible for ail the woes of Spain at home and abroad and is just now engaged fitting out a fleet to come down and recapture the Virginius, No wonder the gentleman who is its recognized and well known representative in this city finds himself an object of attentions more perilous than pleasant. About noon rumors came in from different quarters that THE FINAL DETERMINATION not to surrender the Virginins was reached, that even the staid and long-headed Captain General himself bad accepted the ruling of the volunteers and would do their bidding. Later in the day an- other version got afloat that the Virginius should be handed over to the custody of a neutral Power and that Power to appoint a board of arbitration to decide to whom she right- Thus the week passed from Satur- day the 29th, rumors following each other thick and fast. At one time Spanish honor was to ve vindicated by war; at another the honor was to be conveniently shelved, and the easiest way taken out of the whole trouble. As yet we do not see the Way clear to the end ef the business. Who ts to give up the Virginius if no man here can be found who will have the courage to come forward and handle a rope to haul her out? Now it ia reported the American fleet will be over from Key West in 24 hours, In the meantime the skies are serenely blue overhead, the winds blow with a deucious ireshness, the harbor is well tilied with shipping, and when the moon sails up at nignt the livély music of the gnitar and the piano may be heard in many a quiet street. A CURIOUS CLASS—THE CUBAN LARORANTES. The attitude of the Cuban laborantes at this moment is worthy of attention. They are the slyest set of fellows that ever lived. The Spaniards don’t know what to make of them, though they distrust them every day they rise. The laborantes are, Of course, natives who live andlove and do business right in the heart of the Span- ish colony. They are coaspirators in the eyes of the Spaniards, who look upon them pretty much as the English aid many years agoupon the Irish. They distrusted them, but they could not well get along without them. They had to live in their midst, but a!ways with a strong suspicion of their loyalty. Some of the laborantes hold positions in the army, and they have much property in Havana and throughout the island, To hold to what they possess they must put on an extraordinary show of love for Spain, and this drives them to their wits’ ends on many occasions. The laborantes are called a selfish, cowardly set of beggars by some people, and it is aMrmed that many of the tribe prefer walking sround the city of New York with their hands in their pockets asking everybody to go to Cuba and fight for them. They have no stomach for fight themselves, and sensible fellows prefer an easy life to » rough one. EXCUSE FOR THE LABORANTES. I deem this criticism o1 the laborantes unjust and unreasonable. As well ask the Polish nobles, who are friendly for interest’s sake to Russia, that their estates may not be confiscated and they them- selves sent to Siberia, to talk treason just to show they are true Poles, As well ask te Irish, Wno are traitors to England in their hearts, but who hold comfortable estates and live on the fat butter and bacon of the land, to talk Fenianism just to show they are true born Irishmen and not airaid of be- ing sent to jail. ‘These laborantes are amusing dogs anyhow. What did a party of them have the sublime g@heek to do the other day but to print 5,000 circulars calling on all true Spaniards to resist the American demand to save the honor of Spain and fight to the death, I saw one of them with a face as coolas a lump of ice standing in front of the Captain General's palace handing out @ bundle of these circulars to the passers-by. Could the force of cunning impudence any farther go? Oh! yes; the laborantes would like to see the poor Spaniards fight to the death, and beyond it, And now their little game isto force the issue. if you are quick to tell the DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CUBAN AND A SPANIARD, and the size of the foot is a most reliable gauge, you may notice one of these laborantes of an even- ing hike this, when the excitement is raging high and General Burriel and his staf are quar- tered over .at the Hotel ‘Tel¢grafo, ready to discharge martial iaw with a vengeance, should it be declared. You will notice, I was saying, one of the conspirators vehe- mently urging the fight and die theory to a group of open-mouthed Spaniards who believe in the ras- cal, he is so passionately in earnest. Sly dogs; but then they have been forced tobe sly. That ener- getic bear, Captain General Tacon, and his succes- sors, treated them with a merciless severity, His policy was to break the spirit of the Cubans so completely that they would never dare to conspire, never dare to think themselves in alltime tne equals of their Spanisn masters, Cumberland tried the same game on the Scotch highlanders, Crom- wellon the Irish, William the Conquerer on the Saxons, and history is full of the failures of such essays, It will be @ skd disappointment to the laborantes if no war should take place between America and Spain, not by any means because they love America, but becanse they hate Spain, and they know the large dimensions of Uncle Sam 80 completely overshadow the little dwarfed Cas- tilian that the latter is already whipped in antici- pation. ASININE WRITERS, There are some donkeys writing the Spanish cor- Tespondence trom New York for the Diario, La Le- gatidad, &c., who contribute their share to mislead the Spanish people here in regard to America. If they told the honest trath; if they told their readers that to court war with America would be the death knell of Spanish power im the West Indies; that America, though supine, is powerful and could throw 850,000 men ito this island in a week without moving a mus- cle of her governmental arm, they might spare us from seeing the volunteers of Havana cut such fan- tastic tricks before high heaven as make the ange! Nutter their wings with laughter. They who do not travel take what their scribes write for the truth, What wonder if the ignorant volunteers ; the light of Desdemona, is only a faint reminder of suppose on the basis of the statements furaished them that Americans are a nation of freebooters controlled by no law bat the law of force, and seizing On any pretext to pick a quarrel where they see the chance of stealing booty! Much as there is to be condemined in the conduct of the volunteers, I cannot but admire, with the lights they have to guide them, the genuinely sincere purpose of many of them to fight for the right, be- heving honestly it is the right in this question of the capture o! the Virginius. MINISTER SOLER came here with the most admirable intentions from Spain, at the request of President Castelar, fe was to reform abuses wherever they were found to exist. He was to try and find a remedy for the depreciated currency of the country, and establism specie payments. He was to look into the abnses wrought by the Council of Volunteers in their encroach+ ments upon the authority of the Captain General, and, above all, he was to try and bring about a satisfactory solution of the present trou- ble. Ata meeting to-day in the Palace, where he met, by invitation, the leading representatives of the Casino and of different branches of the govern- ment, he asked what their intentions were, and, finding that they would not unconditionally sub- mit to the authority of the central power at Madrid, he picked up his traps and forwarded his resigna- tion home. Poor Soler! no man ever came to Cuba on @ more thankless mission. BURRIEL IN HAVANA, I was just as curious to find out what brought General Burriel and his staff to Havana as to see the “hero” himse!f, You remember when Butler was ordered 10 New York to keep the unruly cle- ments of that city in decorum during the war, 4 Vague notion caught the fancy of timid people that he was about tocarry out the full rigors of martial law and decorate each individual lamp- post, from the Battery to his headquarters at the Fifth Avenue, with the body of an unrepentant copperhead, “What brought Burriel to Havana?” 1 inquired of a gentleman who had opportu- nities of knowing more than the average guest at the Hotel Telégrafé, where Burriel and his staf were quartered on arrival. ‘Well,” said he, ‘‘we had a lot of Americans stopping here, for the table is exceptionably good, and we wanted to get rid of them, so we sent for Burriel and now you can't find an American in the house nor anywhere near it, It is very pleasant, tor we bave a better chance at the salads and the pastry than we had before.” | Well, that was not seriously satisfactory, however good as a joke, 80 I proseented my inquiries further, aud met only with what 1 expected, mere suppositions. “He is afraid to stay in Santiago. He has heard of the American demands and wants to be in @ safer place, besides he can help the excitement here among the volunteers, and it would be just the thing for nim if they refused to give up the Virginius.” An- other suggestion was that the Captain General, finding himself driven to the wall by the volun- teers, determined on openly espousing the issue they presented. Resolving, therefore, to fight the Americans ratuer than surrender the Virginius, he SENT FOR BURRIEL to take command in Havana, as there is a large disaffected element here that would need to be held in check in case of war. Burriel could do this toa charm. I thought I would go and ask the General himself, in a pleasant way, if he intended returning to Santiago: and I shal do so on another occasion, I expect to find him a geniai sort of fellow, who can attend to the shooting of a dozen or so of men in the morning and take his matutinal meal with as Much composure as anybody. Very lew in town | Knew of Burriels arriva! the first night, and the | Only demonstration sown was acail made upon | him by 4 large number of army oticera, LU we are to have war Burnel will be king pin in this city. | God heip the Cuban laborantes and unprotected foreigners when he takes the reins of military government in his hands. dread eye of his now looking aronnd the city for a suitable slaughter house. Burriel should have a mitrailiense tor his own special use. Santiago is only a foretaste of what he anticipates in case the Opportunity offers. The eye of Saivini wien, as Othello, shaking With passion, be intends to put out the savage expression of Burriel. Butier and Burriel would be a lively team in a troublesome city during rebellious times. If that pair couldn’t pacify @ population there would be little use for anybody else essaying the job. VIEWS OF THE COUNTRY CASINOS. Your particular attention is called to the senti- ments of the country casinos, which are herewith translated. If that don’t mean war it means bosh. The views of the press also are well worth reading as showng the condition of thought at this junc” ture in the Spanish mind of Havana. The Diario dela Marina reproduces at length the telegram forwarded to the HERaLp, from tts special correspondent at Madrid, in which the terms of the ultimatum presented py Mr. Sickles on behalf of the United States are given, and has the following remarks op the matter, which J think are interesting enough to translate entire, THE ULTIMATUM. The correspondent of the New York HrKan at Madrid forwarded on the 26th ult. the following telegram :— * 8 ER CO reper: We have something to add and something to take from this version of the Henauy, respecting the demands pre- sented in the ultimatum to which it reters. We believe that the Washington government asked, first, the delivery of the Virginius, with the remainder of her surviving crew ; second, a salute to the American flag; third, the commencement of au inquiry to try be- fore the Spanish courts tie rexponsibility of those who have insulted the American flag: and, tourth, to snbmit tothe decision of arbitration the compensation due to the families of the American and British citizens who were shot in Santia go de Cuba. In the conditions we have jnst presented in our ac- | count the salute of the flag is not considered. ALL that relating to the indemnity is modified. ‘Those who inter- yened in the capture of the Virginius are to be sub- jected to trial by Spanish courts, and not @ word is said Fespecting guarantecs against future aggressions. The government at Washington, unable to seriously entertain the blamelessness of the Virginius, engages on its side, ilthe vessel had no RIGHE TO CARRY THE AMPRICAN FLAG, or it itis proved that it was armed to <ustain the insurrection, to give us satisfaction and reparation reserving to itself the power ot trying its own citizen: If the question be examined with the impar- Gaal due to it, if the investigation be made with the sincere desire of unveiling the truth, it would not cost the least effort to prove that the Vir- ginius traitorously carried the American flag, and that during three consecutive years it has been employed in sustaining and aiding the rebels of this island. With regard to this point, we would willingly submit ourselves to that whicb, as jurists, and eed lL 4 their memory and their ¢ science, President Grant and Secretary Fish would assert upon the holy Gospel, because we Lethe Sonn incapable of disregarding the ganc- tity 91 . The Pe evident rejected the mass of this ultimatum, and, as we know, in the most positive manner; and, as stated in pee neny afternoon's extra, stipulated for the delivery to the United hon of fi ae ae Virginius and of ite surviv- ing crew, leaving all other questions pending to be settled afterwards, bi emma The Untted States maintain their position rela- tive to the neg and the occupation of the Virginius, to which is united the duty of giving us reparation and satisfaction in the way they shall determine, In that case, a8 we have before sustained, it will ive place to no Kind of doubt on the ground of justice and good faith. It has appeared to us convenient and even nec- essary to nt the question entire, to put face to face with the demands o! the Washington gov- ernment, that the public may establish for itself the proper comparison, that it may juage with knowl of the case; to reflect with that manly tranquillity which ts proper to men capable of noble, loyal and glorious resolutions. In the agreement of the American eens Tespect- a on vee or the fi ane he occupation were ius we find a great argument in py initigeing th naerdiprsc y initiating this compromise the government at Washington recognizes the possibility—the probability, we should at least say—that the Vir- ion had no right to use the American flag; that it was fitted out to aid the rebellion at Yara; that it has rendered and was about to render, from the 23d to the Sist of October, new and important SERVICES TO, THE SAID REBELLION. And when once this confession is admitted, it is hard to believe that a government should perem| torily demand the delivery of a vessel which is con- sidered suspicious, The more we probe this question, ana the more We occupy ourselves with it, the clearer do we see the right of Spain; and just when we wish to be Most impassive, most reasonable and cool, so much more does the blood boli in eur veins, our hearts beat quicker; and, we own it without a blush, the heart rules the head and feeling mas- tore, Our reason. wr hot our friends doubt now er ever of ow loyalty, because they would be even criminally uo just; but we ourselves beg them to distrust the clearness of our intelligence; tor he cannot be a rudent counsellor who begins by Saying that his Me his head and jeeling o’ermasters his The folowing address wan published in all the | different Casinos of the island, and received the | to anyiuing debasing to tne journals yesterday. It is directea py tne Society of the National Integrity, wealthiest, most prominent and influential Span- jards, to the volunteers, of which organization the majority of the signers are also chief officers:— COMBADES—We have sworn to save the honor and the integrality of Spain, and we wit save it. IL itis necessary to die we will die; “for It is sweet and glorious to die jor one’s country. But we have also sworn to preserve order, obey and cause respect to the authority, and we should comply therewith, If our worthy Captain General, as prucent and noble as he is brave, with the purest and most elevated patriot- ism, asks of us confidence and a refective and calm attitude to save the dignity of the nation, which, like us, he loves more than life itself; if in him we admire justice, valor, Morality and all the other virtues which make us look to him as a father, love him as a friend and venerate him as a chief; if he is, in effect, with us without conditions, let us conquer the sentiment of We indignation which with irenzied enthusiasm alWays BURSTS FROM CASTILIAN BREASTS upon the slightest approach of @ blemish on national honor, and follow nis counsels. Let us wait, if he says we ought to walt, and execute hia will, recoliecting that we shall perhaps aor soon see shine at his side in the now gloomy horizon of Cuba the arch of peace and promise, and without him we shall find but chaos, and behind that per- dition and dishonor to that beloved country we shall ever adore, Should war break out let us seek @ glorious death, without counting the number of our enemies; but for the love to Spain, and in order not to disconcert the magnanimous design of aston- ishing the world with our heroism, let us await the orders of our Captain General. Implicit faith in his patriotism, confidence in his valor, obedience to his commands, calmness, union, firmness and moderation among ourselves, and the future is ours, But should fate still hold for us some painfal s@crifice reserved, some concession to wound our national pride, let us reflect that there is no nation, however great and heroic, which has not passed some time through the same bitterness; and let us have the sublime courage and abnegation of martyrs to save the integrity and the honor of Spain, and with the faith of sincere patriotism let us wait for better ried B. B, JIMENEZ, President, VICENTE LUIS FERRER, Vice President, G. YBANEZ, Secretary, and many others, Havana, Dee, 2, 1873, The following 18 from the Diario of yesterday :— MEETING. At half-past five yesterday afternoon His Excel- lency, the Minister of the Colonies, presided over @ meeting of authorities, which was also attended by the colonels of volunteers of this city, and @ few other persons invited to that effect. To the inquiry which His Excellency made,'several of those present replied with the greatest loyalty; and there were replies as nobie and worthy to figure at his side, as that of Mendez Nuilez:—‘Spain pre- Jers honor without ships to ships without honor.” ‘The citadel of Spanish patriotism, the Casino Espanol of this city, telegraphed as follows to the replies I hereafter translate :— ‘Telegrams from Madrid, of great importance, make it necessary for all good Spaniards to renew their pledges tothe government to preserve the honor of the nation in this Antille, even at the cost of our lives, Have confidence in us, as we have absolute confidence in that centre, All decisive measures Will be telegraphed immediately, ZULUETA. ‘The following answers were received :— CIENFUEGOS. ‘The people of Cienfuegos, in a meeting held this morning at nive o'clock, resolved to protest against the infamous demands of the American government and against any Spaniard so degraded as to listen to them calmiy. ‘fo demand and ac- cept war of that immoral people, offering their lives and property unconditibnaily to save their national honor; that they are ready to follow the path traced for them by their prothers of Sagunto and Numancia, RAMON DE LA GANDA! CLENPUEGOS. Received telegram from that Centre. Meeting called. Made known to volunteers. All unani- mously repudiate whatever is degrading, wherever it comes irom. Lives and property at the disposal of one holy cause, and ready to be prodigal of poth rather than to consent to any humiliation. Gen- erul entbustasm. Viva Espana! The President, SEBASTIAN P. GALOs, The good Spaniards of Cardenas are ever ready | to sacrifice lives anst property for the honor of tue country, They renew their pledge of uot yielding honor. President ENRIQUE TRUJILLO. REMEDIOS. Great excitement, due to telegrams of Associated Press, On the Virginius question. Your te: Excitement somewhat subsiding eof the patriotic efforts of that to which we adhere, taking all consequences, G ONZALEZ, 8. A OLARA, Received telegram. Decision of loya! ones her: Spain’s houwor above all, and at any cost. = —. TRINIDAD, Reeeived yesterday's teiegran. We conirm everything communicated bejore in regard to the matter. Thoreasing excitement, All swear to de- fend the honor of our country. SANTIAGO VALLE. Sacua. This Casino adheres in all to that Centre. De- cided to stand by our national honor. ALVERDI. PINAR DEL R10. This Centre shares the sae jeeling. Has offered, in union with volunteers, the sacrifice of lite and property to Captain General, VELEZ. Bemba. In answer to your telegram this Casino unani- mously renews its Ofer to sacrifice lite and prop- erty in favor of the nation. IGNACIO ALONZO. Puacera. Assembled this Centre and volunteers of Camug- nani and ali other good Spantards. Lassure you that honor and country is their motto. Lives and property wil be sacriticed, FORTUN. GUANAPAY. This Casino congratutates that Centre for its dig- nified attitude. Whatever be the events, life ant property will be considered but poor offerings for the maintenance 0) national honor, MANUEL MENENDEZ. Sanert Sprrirvs. Patriotic decision of your Centre finds an echo in our hearts, The good Spaniards thank you for your confidence and wish to offer their lives and prop- erty in defence of this Antille and national honor. JACINTO RAMON, MATANZA8. This committee associates itself to the patriotic sentiments of that Casino, awaiting the results of your offer. Counting upon the confidence your Casino inspires, CARDINAL, CUBAN MATTERS IN THE CITY. Specatation on the Action of the Span- ish Volunteers=Will They Resist the Home Government t—Their Fatare Power and the Continuance of Slavery Dependent on Their Course—The Com- ing Mass Mecting—The Freemasons in Action=—A Memorial—An Immense Con- course Anticipated. As it i8 generally admitted that the question of peace or war between this nation and Spain hangs | on the course to be pursued by the Spanish resi- dents of Cuba, represented by the Casino Espaiiol, relative to the surrender of the Virginius, the re- Jease of the survivors among the crew and passen- gers and indemnification to the families of those killed, what such course wiil be forms the chief topic of conversation among Cuban circles in this city. The telegrams from Havana and from Washington are so contradictory that no conclusion can be arrived at ‘rom them, and s0 speculations upon the probabilities are very rife. Among the especial friends of Cuba Libre two opinions, directly oppo- site, are entertained on this subject. One is, that the volunteers are composed of a lot of BLATANT COWARDS, who have found their bombast and braggadocio sufiicient to overawe the weak and ever-changing administrations in Madrid, and are ready enough to try their effect upon the United States, antici- pating an equally favoravie resuit; but that they will readily hey if Wael once realize that the Re- public of the North is determined to put forth its vast strength to maintain its rights and redress its wrongs. Such base their opinion on the fact that never, even in the darkest days of the Spanish cause in Cuba, has it been possible to send one ot them to the field. De Rodas, soon after his arrival in June, 1869, called upon the battalions to furnish 3,000 men to proceed to the seat of war, but not a man volunteered. Though 80 much given to boast of their numbers and powers, it is urged that they have ever been mere holiday soldiers, garrisoning forts, preserving the peace of cities and assisting at the customary massacres, whether by the mus- composed of the | [} ket or the garrote. On the other hand, itis argned that the Casino Espafiol, and throt hit she volunteers, 18 controlled by men who have staked their all upon THE PERPETUITY OF SLAVERY in the island, and that the power which has grown aoeatiitte bp lebentnad iy. lated to 0] change in the sondition of the blacks; that tt bas accomplished the original design tn being able to defy the action of the home administration and thwart its efforts toward the rreedom of the slaves and the establishment of liberal institutions; and now to succumb and yield to the control of the government in so important » matrer as the one under consideration, especially in view, of the ac- tion already taken by the Casino, would to sur- Fender jor ali time the power which nas been ob- tained after go great a struggle, and give to the hated republican administration of Castelar such strength and prestige a4 would enable it to carry out the reforms it desires, The volunteers cannot afford to yield, say the buMDOrters of this 3 view, for it will be to them a total surrender, an@ to a government, above all others, the most odious them, And so those who anticipate good to Cuba ta, grow out of these complications are confident thay hosttlities, either against Spain or her unruly sup- jects in the island, must follow. The course of the authorities in bar gra also causes nruch speca- lation, and the belie! is, that while keeping bacic information which, it is feared, would result in undue excitement, it inspires assurances of setties ment which are not justified by the facts. THE COMING MASS MEETING. Meanwnile the friends of Cuba Libre, ofall shades of opinion and color, are earnestly working for tho success of the great mass meeting to take place a& Cooper Institute on Friday evening next. The Freemasons, whose order Was taken advantage of by the Cubans in the island to advance their con- spleacy pelore the breaking out of the insurrecti: ahd Who are particularly obnoxious to Spaniards on this account, and because of enmity of the Church toward it, have been aroused) by @ report of the parbarities practised on the, lasons, their wives aud children in Santiago de Cuba, as published in the HERALD, and a8 citizens) wer ‘ng industriously in preparation for the’ ing. At a meeting held at the Hoffman House om Thursday last an Executive and a Memorial Com~ mittee were appointed to prepare for the contem- plated demonstration, Edward H. Kent being, cl in of the first and John W, Simons of the latter. A meeting of the General Committee wilk be held at the same place this evening, when the final preparations will be made. It was expected that Governor Dix would be present and preside, but @ telegram was received from bim yesterday saying he would not be able to attend. He will, however, address the meeting in a letter. The Rey. Dr, Tyne. Sr., will probably be called on to, reside, Dr. BAD worst, 8. B, Chittenden, William) Evarts and many other distinguished speakers will) be present. It is calculated that an immense number of people will be in attendance and the RAOOSAAED, preparations for outside meetings wild e made, NAVAL MATTERS. SHE EO eae Activity at the Brooklyn Navy Yard—~ The Arapiiles To Be Released from the Dry Dock This Week. ‘There is no falling offin the work at the Brooklym Navy Yard. Yesterday steam was up on the Florida andon the Roanoke. Riggers were en- gaged in putting the topmasts in place on the for-~ mer named vesgel, while her sides and decks were: black with caulkers, who were wadding in the: oakum in a manner which was really’ surprising for government yard mecbanics, who are not generally noticeable for rapidity of action, The “more days the more dollars” has ever been the motto of navy yard workmen, but if @ little extra activity on their part would accom- modate the Cuban annexationists just now they would be willing to exert themselves, The Gettysburg will leave the yard to-day with; stores for Washington. The Supply will ship stores for Key West. Master Schaefer, the first ward room officer yet reported, arrived for duty on the Minnesota yesterday. Mer topmasts are betng hoisted into position and a gang of riggers have a steady job fur’ the next three weeks in setting up her cordage. The boilers of the Swatara are expected shortly to arrive from Washington, where they are being constructed. The Tennessee, screw, 23 gung, a sister prio of the Florida, which has 4,220 feet displacement, hav- ing undergone the overhauling required to her machinery at Roache’s [ron Works, will be towed’ over to the Navy Yard on Thursday, when she will be taken in hnnd by the construction department and fitted out for commission. Two weeks Will suffice to place her in condition, and her officers will be ordered next week. The officers of the Spanish iron-claa Arapiles sti!) occupy an exaited position in the Navy Yard. Muci. to their chagrin and objection, their ship remains propped up on the dry dock, the gate of which is biockaded by the sunken coal barge Upland. No efforts have up to the present ung becn made to raise the 300 tons o1 coal which went down on the barge to “Davy Jones Locker” om Saturday morning last. The government officials are not, it must be understood, to blame for this state of afairs, though it has been intimated that the accident was iustigated for the purpose of locking up the Spaniard. The New York Coast Wrecking Company have been urged to raise mp barge and coai, but, having previous engagements, have not been able to comply with the requett. To-day, however, the wrecking company wih survey the ‘Kand commence operations look- ing to its remoyal. A drait of 50 satlors reached here from Erie, Pa., yesterday. The Fortune Intercepied and Ordered to Norfoik—List of Her Officers—Full Work atthe Yard—The Mauhattan Expected. Nonvoux, Va., Dec. 9, 187% Yesterday the United States steamer Fortune, 306 tons, from Washington, was intercepted by the United States tug Snowdrop, in the Chesapeake Bay, and ordered to Nortoix. So tar she lies here for orders. She was ordered to proceed to Key West, but since she was ordered here she stil awaits the word to proceed. The joliowing is @ list of her oMicers:— Lieutenant Commander, I. M. Greer; Lieutenant, Samuel Belden; Surgeon, J. E. Boyd; Paymaster, 3. E. Carne; Chief Engineer, W. F. Bathe; Midship- man, T. Bpencass Mates, H. Nelson, W. M. Ne)- son and Pattler; Captain’s Clerk, G. F. Wy- gate; Paymaster’s Clerk, c. W. Schmidt. ‘The force at the Navy Yard have been put upon full time, and everything is now being harried, not too quickly, but in good order, The Manhattan is looked for to-morrow, and when she leaves tis port she will reach Key Wess in good condition. The Manhattan to Sea. Lewes, Del., Dec, 9, 1873, The United States steamer Powhatan with the monitor Manhattan in tow, went to sea at eleven o’ciock this morning. The Kearsage in Commission at Mare Island, ‘WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 1873. A telegram from San Francisco to the Navy Department informs the Secretary that the Kear- bys went into commission at Mare Island yester- day. Naval Orders. WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 1873. Acting Assistant Surgeon James Phillips is ordered to the Norfolk Navy Yard and in connection with the receiving ship New Hampshire. Lieutenant Commander John R. Bartlett is ae- tached irom the Terror and ordered to resume his duties at the Boston Navy Yard. Lieutenant Commander Jonn F, MceGlensey is de- tached irom the Philadelphia Navy Yard aud ordered to the Terror as executive. Lieutenant Commander KE. T. Woodward is de- oe from the Saugus and placed on waiting orders. Master Frances H. Delano is detaches from the Aswuelot and piaced on waiting orders, MORMON BELIEF IN BURRIBL The Church Organ Justifies the Seizure ot the Virginius and the Exccation of the Captives. Sart Lake City, Dec, 9, 1873. The News, Mormon Church orggn, believes the law of nations justifiy the seizure of the Virginius, and putting the captain and otuers on board to death, even if the vessel rightiully carried the United States tag. JAY GOULD'S NEWPORT PROPERTY, NeEwrort, R, I., Dec, 9, 1873. To-day the Narragansett Steamship Company, which means Jay Gould, gave a warranty deed to Giovanni P. Morozina, of New York, of three estates, known as the Hunter, Murray and Maybery prop- erties, situated in Washington street, overlooking the harbor, with wharves and improvements thereon. The conditions are subject to a deed of trust of even date therewith, This document is avfay Gould also gavers mortgage deed to Benjatnin fay Gould also gave a mortgage Finch, of this city, on the tree parcels of land Mentioned above,’ upon condition that he: shail enter into certain stipulations and assume the liabilities of certain claims, id re- lease from arrest and ‘ts Tgp os th steamers belongin, to and Southern Tatroad Company, which have reported from time to time in the HERALD 98 ing lebelled, This important step is taken to pre- vent @ould’s property from being seize: ie the present livels are decided against the steamers, an’ Qoubtiess they will be, from present - ances, Various opinions are expressed at t action of to-day, and the meaning of which it is in vain to coniectnee. The price paid bi named ‘in the deeds, is $1 tions. It is also understood that a similar hag been taken with property in Fall River, Nw Haven, Dec. 9 1873, This morning an extra freight. train.on the New Haven and Northampton Raliroad ran into the Centreville stage, near Centreville, while crossing the track on its way to the city. Three of the horses attached to the s were killed, driver was thrown upon a of stones, ceived only severe bruises, There passengers in the coack, who escaped promptly leaping trom the vehicle. A : prevailing at the time prevented the driver eecing the train in time, in