The New York Herald Newspaper, December 26, 1873, Page 3

CUBA. The Spanish Press on the Situation. TERRIFIC ATTACK ON CASTELAR Journalistic Jeremiads Over the Virginius. The Diario Office Robbed of a Fortune. Havana, Dec, 20, 1873, Ht Beco de Cuda, a semi-monthly sheet, which purports to be a fortnightly review of the political and commercial situation of the country, and which is intensely devoted to the most conserva- tive and retrograde interests of the Spanish party in Cuba, and has a large circulation in old Spain, appears tn the last issue, of the 14th, with a border ef mourning, “an inky cloak of solemn black,” and again, like Hamlet, “has that within which passeth show.” The Eco, which is altogether a libel and attack on the head of the Spanish Republic, leads off its col- ums with the following piece of childishness -— We are no rebels, we can never be rebels, We respect and obey the principle of authority, and for this reason the Virginius let. the port of Havana, but our hearts are overwhelmed with deep grief; to-day all loyal hearts put on Pisined ati for Race the Eco de Cuba appears Wilh a black r. ‘Then follows the fortnightly review, couched in the following terms, which I give nearly in full, to show the rebellious spirit—in print, at least—of THE SPANISH PARTY in this island. The tone of the article indicates clearly that the surrender of the Virginins is not forgotten, that it still rankles in the Spanish heart, and that only a fitting opportunity is wanting to take revenge in some shape for what is believed to bea crime. The reiinquishment by the United States of the demand for a salute to the flag gives them great heart in Havana, Several spaniards were heard to say this merming, on reading this news:—‘We have won one point. All you have to do with these Yankees is to kill their men, put them to the expense of $5,000,000 or $6,000,000, return their ola ships and apologize. It has cost us about $300,000 to get our old guns mounted on our old iorts and to make the show of getting ready for war ; it has cost the Yankees millions. We have LOST NOTHING BUT THE OLD SHIP, and we could afford that.” This expression of sen- timent is pretty general, and once more the Span- ish mind 1s inflated with the notion that America is but a small potato Power anyhow, and “will stand the rubping in.” ‘The following are translations from the article of Hl Eco de Cuba—a misnomer, by the way—already referred to:— The steamer Vir; which had already before conducted, and ee conducting pera of war and officers and men to the caps of our enemy, leit the port of Havana, to be delivered to vessel of war of the United States, at three o'clock on the morning of the 12tn of December—a date to remain forever in the memory of all loyal Spaniards. Why should not the truth be spoken out, although THE BLUSH OF SHAME suffuses our cheek, and our hearts are torn by the deepest grief? What reproach and what ignominy! ‘What shame for the actual government oi the Pe- ninsula! What an eter curse of history for ‘those who have torn to tatters the holy mantle of the country! The just indignation which over- wers Us arrests OUr pen and takes away our tion. How can we remain quiet and calm, while the seal of dishonor is impressed on the brow of our mother? For to the loyal of Cuba there is no mother more beloved, more august and more holy than an idolized Spain, = 2 Re tnas AGd me, ane oe history forget with siren swee ¢ Man whom fate has placed in n> THE HIGHEST SEAT OF POWER of our country; but God cannot forgive him nor can history forget him. curse of God will fall on his head, as will the curse of more than 100,000 Spanish mothe! who have lost the ren of their bosoms in the present war, but gave them up to their country, consoled with the idea that their blood was shed in the holiest of causes—the cause of Spain in Cuba: and the man who has humiliated and disgraced us has made this blood most barren, has made our countless sacrifices barren, and has made barren four centuries of martyrdom and labors, The curse of history will accompany him in future ages; on his name will be the execration of our times—terrible times, grievous times—when the proud nation of the Catholic kings is forced to bow at the feet of a people of adventurers. In the name of the Spaniards of Cuba, insular and peninsular; in the name of all Spaniards who have not denied their blood, the Eco de Cuba pro- ‘vests against the protocol sgned in Washington on the 29th of November, 1873, between Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State of the tnited States Sefior Polo de Bérnabe, Spanish Rear Admir: Minister of Spain, at Washington, and approved by whe sgvernment ons the Republic. ‘The attitude taken by the Spanish ple of this province since the 29th of last November, on which Gay it became known that the government of the metropolis was in negotiation with that of Wash- ington on the basis 1 THE SURRENDER OF THE VIRG! ‘until the 12th of December, on which day the criti- cal surrender was made, could not have been more dignified or patriotic. “Think not of what may betall us, for we are ready to sacrifice our lives and Jortunes, but save the honor of the country,"” were the words addressed to Castelar by the colonels of ‘volunteers and the Casino Espafiol on the 29th of November, or a8 800! indeed, as news was received of the shameful compact concluded in Washington. But Castelar, who once said, 1n a memorable She awa speech which aided him to reach the seat he now occupies—that “he was a Spaniard before he was @ republican,” has proved that he was a party man before being a Spaniard; that, to prolong for a few days the existence of his ste. tle ublic, he has sacrificed the honor of Spain, he has destroyed the domination of our country in America, and he it is who has most crumbied away the august temple of the national integrity, he who once spoke to us of the immor- tal Gerona and the sacred Saragossa, With a number of very highly laudatory phrases to the Captain General, and the assertion that the ‘Virginius left Havana because General Jovellar or- dered it and because they (the Spaniards) cannot be rebels, the Aco continues its attack upon Cas- telar as follow: If Castelar believes that the signing of the tocol in Washington by his worthy representa- tive, Admiral Polo, the danger has terminated, he is very much mistaken; the question has only been ed, not settled, as what was said by Grant message concering Cuba but shows the perfidy, the bad eye en ptapialy. of the govern- ment of the United States which desires to inter- fere in Cuba. Perhaps this manifest intention has caused to be understood the magnitude of the con- flict which would arise by refusing to surrender the Virginius, which would have served as a pre- text for the Americans to interfere and in the name of Spain bombard our ports under the Spanish flag. What an immense triumph for the bas bg presided over by Sefior Castelar | PHRASROLOGY OF THE PROTOCOL is studied, it will be observed that the United States have obtained all the advantage, If Spain Proves the vessel not to be American, the salute will be omitted ; but Spain will have, at all events, to give satisfaction, declaring that she had no in- tention of offen the United States. Spain will have to prove the illegality of the ship’s papers to the satisiaction of the government of the United Btal which 18 equalto saying she can never inv ae Up to this time the government of the nited Sti a8 given very few instances of good faith in its relations to Spain, Should the United Btates (Ad alee ng be satisfied with the proofs pre- sented by Spain, whieh must be done before Christ- mas, the United St Will investigate the matter and . * & 3 and will establish legal procecdii ainst the vessel if it be town’ that it has violated any of the laws of the United states. That is to that tl will be done as has been done wits be aera, the trial of which was @ farce; and in regard to pro- ceedings against the persons who appear to be lity of illegal acts in connection with that vessel, lo not Jordan, Norton, Chauvean and many other filibusters walk about New York unharmed? It seems our authorities do not know the way justice is administered there, Legal proceedings are es- tablished, and that is all. In exchange the United States demands that 8) shall investigate the conduct of the authorities who have imiringed the Jaws or treaties of Spain, sad shall try them before pi ap courts, punishing those who are found guilty, And what does Wa obtain in exchange Jor the concessions made in this iniamous protocol? Nothing, and yet Spain ts the offended nation, for against her the expedition of the Virginius was directed. Should in show by evident proois that this vessel had jost all right to American na- tionality, why should she be jndged in the United States rather than in Spain? Who will keep the ‘vessel in this case ? The Untted States? Where- fore? Isita ter crime to ylolate the revenue Jaws of the United States than the national tnt rity of Spain? Will the slight punishment whic the violation of the former exact#.commensate for NEW YORK the Of the erime whieh constitutes the seeond * And if Spain proves that the Virginius ‘Was the property of insurgent Cubans, does not Spain have mare the jon of the ves- t to possesses sel than the tate? ‘hat reperason, does Spain obtam for this a mp apd here costs and charges occssioned by orit? “All these considerations,” says the Eco, ‘es caped the attentions of our representatives, and Minister Sickles got the best of THE WEAK AND FRIGHTENED EXECUTIVE OF UNFOR- ‘SUNATE SPAIN. The proposed delivery of the prisoners is thus re- ferred to:— That the United States should demand—and that there should be a Spanish government so weak a9 to accede to it—the surrender of the Virginius, tor the reason of not allowing the right of visitation, which ts equivalent to the most cynical protection of all kinds ot piracy, May be possible; but we nor no one else can understand, nor will history ever understand, that there should be a Spanish govern- ment which would surrender to a foreign govern- ment Spanish subjects confessedly guilty of the crime of treason against their country. To give up the British subjects and American citizens t pass; but to surrender Spanish citizens is to arrive at the pitch of dishonor and ignominy, against which we protest—dishonor and ignominy which will forever accompany the mers of the Washington protocol and the weak anti-Spanish government which sanctioned it. GOING FOR GRANT, It appears incredible that the Chief Magistrate Ofa nation of 36,000,000 of inhabitants, upon ad- dressing the representatives of the same, should express himself regarding another Power in the terms which Mr. Grant has made use oj—terms in- Jurious against the Spaniards of Cuba, and so un- worthy and calumnious as to draw a most ardent protest {rom all loyal ones. The Eco de Cuba concludes this article with the admission that the future of Spain in America pre_ sented itself very gloomy and obscure, and imvokes the curse of God and the Spanish people to punish those who have caused so much shame and dishonor and ignominy. Immense numbers of this issue, with its inflamma tory attack on Castelar, were sent to Spain by the last steamer, and it was said that the journal had been heavily fined by the government here, but 1 gee this rumor noticed and denied by the Voz de ‘The last named journal, which has been pretty generally accepted as the type of THE ROARING PATRIOTIC SPANISH sentiment, has a recent article, headed with a co- bundrum, rather dubious in character and noteasy to answer directly :—‘‘Are we ungovernable?” asks the Voz, and demands the proot. ‘This effusion commences with @ sarcastic refer- ence to the statement that as Grant and Sickles had declared us (the good Spaniards, of coarse) to be ep erent and had obtatned from the Madrid government all they wished, and begins to believe it was convenient for them to swallow the Island of Cuba, they had offered with the greatest amtability and disinterestedness the ald of the United States forces to put down our “intransi- geucia” and make us governable. ROBBERY OF A NEWSPAPER OFFICE. ‘The office of the Diarto de la Marina was entered night before last and robbed of $28,000. The rob- bers scaled the front balcony and made their way into the apartment of the administrator, whom they tied, and then proceeded to rifle the safe of its contents. They got away without attracting any notice, and to divert attention they let a rope drop from the balcony to the sidewalk, to make it appear as if that had furnisned the means of their escape. A Dumber of men in an adjoining balding were arrested on suspicion, but it is believed the Teal robbers have covered their tracks salely, THE CUBAN AGENCY. Carlos Del Castillo the Temporary Agent— General Quesada Relieved—Miguel Al- dama the Reported Permanent Agent, with Ample Powers. Mr. Carlos de! Castillo the associate of General Quesada in the Agency abroad of the Cuban Republic, showed to a representative of the HERALD & number of authentic communications and interesting documents which he had just re- ceived from the Executive in free Cuba. These papers covered a space of time between July 25 and the 1st of last month. They bore the signa- tures of Francisco Maceo, the new Secretary of State; Vicente Garcia, General Calvar, General Francisco J. Cespedes and other well known Cuban leaders, The communication from the Secretary of State orders the recognition of Carlos del Castillo as the sole Cuban agent abroad, for the time being, ana the separation of Don Manuel Quesada from the Position of-associate agent, which he has recently filled with efficacy and energy. Secretary Maceo then proceeds to aay:— The new administration has resolved to establish in New York the general and diplomatic agency abroad; ‘and until the government has resolved deiinitely who to name to these posts it expects that the patriotism of Mr. Carlos del Castillo will decide him to accept of the tem- jorary charge of affairs in the United States. General Quesada will cease to take partin the. business of the Seency, the government reserving to itself the utiliza. tion of his services in a manner that will be in keeping with his military character. ‘The new Executive also recalls General Fran- cisco V. Aguilera, the Vice President of the Cuban Republic, “so that he may return and resume the charge of the Vice Presidency; that being in the meantime filled by Salvador Cisneros, the Marquis of Santa Lucia, the former President of the Cham- ber of Deputies.” “Then,” asked the reporter, “if Mr. Aguilera Teturns to free Cuba, will he be placed at the head of the Executive 7” “Yes, The Cuban constitution provides that the Vice President takes the place of the President when the latter is disabled irom acting or cannot discharge the duties of his office. Had Mr. Agui- Jera been in the Cuban camp when Cespedes was deposed he would, as a matter of right, have taken the place of his out-going superior functionary. In the absence of the Vice President Mr. Cisneros, by virtue of his position as President of the Chamber of Deputies, assumes charge of the Executive until the return of Mr. Aguilera to his post.” “According to that there will be uo elections for President in ‘Cuba Lipre ??? “None. When the Vice President returns to the Republic, Cisneros, now at the head of the govern- ment, will deliver over the Executive to the higher official, as @ matter of course. There will be no trouble at all about this. There was none when Mr. Cespedes was declared out of offi Cubans are intimately acquainted with the laws which they themeelves have established. They always have duly obeyed them and they ever will.”” “Does Mr. Aguilera Know of these orders from your State Department?’ “He does, It became my duty to transmit to him @ copy of the communication which I have received from the Cuban Secretary of State, Mr. Francisco Maceo, who, by the way, I have heard, with great regret, is now dead. He is reported to have died some 18 days after accepting office.” “What position under the government does General Quesada retain ?”” “That of major general in the army. He may be considered now as in waiting tor orders, and might at any time be ordered on active service.’ “It has been ramored—even stated in the pea Mr. Aldama was CVNet Cuban gent abroad. Is there any truth in this report ?”” “None whatever, Here, you see, are the docu- ments appointing me sole agent for the time being. Icannot teli what the government may do in the future; but just now, according to these papers, I am its only authorized representative.”’ General Aguilera was found in the headquarters of the iriendsof Cuba, in Exchange place. This distinguished patriot, after regaling the HERALD man man with one of those prime old Regalias Which he knows so well how to appreciate, ex- oe his pleasure to meet any one from the ERALD—that paper which, above all others, he thought, has taken an eminently American and truly liberal view of Cuban matters generally, and Lhe the discussion connected with the irginius question. “it is al |, General, that you have been recalled to Cuba?’ was asked him. “That is perfectly correct. As Vice President of the Republic, it becomes my duty, in accordance with the provisions of our constitution, to assume the fanctions of President during the unexpired portion of the term for which Cespedes was elected.’ “May I ask if yon purpose returning to Cuba; gee if 80, what will be the effect of your presence ere.’ “T shall go back to free Cuba the very first op- portunity, and without delay enter upon the dis- charge my somewnat arduous functions. We have established a code of laws analagous to those of the United States. When the President cannot act the Vice President takes his place, and the presiding officer of the Chamber in such case acts as Vice dent as inthis instance. When I re- turn to Cuba the Marquis of Santa Lucia, now at the head of the government there, will go back to his distinguished place in the chair of the Chamber of Deputies.’? “What position will General Quesada now take ?" ba | do not know. He is major general in tne F arm: athe present agent of Cuba is, I believe, Mr. Cas- lo 9? One, Mr. Miguel Aldama is the only authorized agent abroad of the Cubap Republic. He has great power from the government and can appoint sub- agents anywhere that he pleases.” “But, General, I thought that Mr. Castillo is the accredited agent of the new government. Did he not receive the news of your recall to the island and transinit it to you!” “Mr. Uastillo was appointed agent pro tempore. Mr. Aldama has since been named as the perma- nent representative abroad of the Quban govern- ment, appointment bears date of November 2d. cisco Maceo, who was called to the head State Department by Cisneros, died eightcen days al ooesaion to office, and the sub-Secretary, Mr. Jurtado del Valle, has been pro- moted to take the piace of his deceased superior.” CUBAN SLAVERY. INTERVIEW WITH SENOR ZULUETA. The Views on Slavery of a Mighty Slaveowner. HIS PLAN OF EMANCIPATION. Slaveholders Recognizing the Ne- cessity of Abolition. PLEA FOR THE VOLUNTEERS. The Insurrection a Flash in the Pan. Havana, Dec, 20, 1873, After we had exhausted Minister Soler’s special fund of information on the slavery question we wended our way to the residence of His Excellency Don Julian de Zulueta, President of the Casino Espafiol of Havana, Colonel of the Second battalion of volunteers, President of the Junta de la Deuaa (Treasury debt), President of the Colonization So- Ciety, Cabellero of the Grand Cross of Isabei la Catolica and possessor of various other titles, too numerous for the space of the HeRALD. The house where this famous man, the owner of 2,500 slaves, dwells had nothing pretentious either in its ex- ternal or internal appearance, but report says that away from here, in the quiet retirement of Mari- anao he has a villa that Tiberius might have en- vied for its luxurious appointments, minus the particular attraction which made the Capuan retreat of the Roman Emperor s0 especially attractive. The powerful Colonel of the volunteers, whose influence outweighs that of the Captain General, was not at home. The languid guardian of the porte cochere informed us that His Excellency was not likely to be found at home during the remainder of the day, but that in the early morning we might succeed in meeting him at his office. It was at the entrance of the court yard, at one side of which several carriages were drawn up, while in the centre three chestnut- brown horses pawed the pavement, that we sat smoking our cigars in the cool and eariy morning, awaiting the great man’s appearance in his recep- tion chamber. The signal given we ascended to the first story, and, passing through a low-roofed room and over a bridge that spanned the entrance, found ourselves in the presence of the mighty slaveowner and the principal inspiration of the Casino, Talk as people may, the Spaniards have some excellent traits of character. There is a hospital- ity in their address that the stranger feels in the tenderest fibres of his heart, and what could be more generous than that full offer of Kindly wel- come, “Aft casa esta d su disposicion”’ (my house is at your aisposal). APPEARANCE OP HIS’ EXCELLENCY. Sefior Zulueta 1s a man of about 60 years, some- what tall, and though a colonel of volunteers, bears nothing of @ military appearance. He came from Spain many years ago, and worked himself up to his present high position of wealth and in- fluence. He isatrifie like Ben Wood, sallow in complexion, with a silver-colored moustache and large eyelids that shade his vision almost en- trely. He is @ sensible-looking man, who might be the father of a large family and the proprietor of a conservative hotel. This rich man, rich as your Stewarts or Vander- bilts, had no external indications of his wealth. His dress was a simple suit of white linen, and the furniture of the room was of the most ordinary character, He was affable and communicative, and, the storm over that shook this city like an earthquake, he spoke with an absence of passion and prejudice that was alike remarkable and un- looked for. He recognized your resident corre- spondent with a smile, and when the three of us were seated the conversation which follows was begun and continued in Spanish with a fluency and fulness that left nothing to be desired on the score of abundant enlightenment. THE INTERVIEW. CORRESPONDENT—Recognizing you as the most important member of the Casino, we have calied to inquire, for the HERALD, what your views are in regard to slavery and on the present state of af- fairs in Cuba. Sefior ZULUETA—I am sensible of the importance of this question of slavery, and I can afford to say Iam as deeply interested in it as any man on the island. The principal slaveholders of Cuba recog- nize the fact, as 1 do, that the abolition of slavery must come sooner or later, and we are prepared to meet the question in a practical and conviliatory spirit. Of course there are a few who shut their eyes to this necessity, and will not tolerate men- tion of the abolition of slavery, but, in the long run, they must be governed by the sense of the majonty. Iam involved to the extent of several millions of dollara, and the sacrifice I should be called upon to make would naturally place me ih antagonism to the policy of the government; but I amas much disposed as any man can be to adopta plan that will rid us of the odium of slavery, while, at the same time, affording us some measure of relief from the embarrassment that would neces- sarily follow THE COMPLETE EMANCIPATION of our slaves. You must bear in mind that we can expect no indemnity from Spain, as Spain is not in @ condition to afford it. The loss to us would be very great, not so much in the forfeiture of the slave property as m the tremendous decrease of production which would foilow the abolition of slavery. There is an immense amount of capita; invested in this island in sugar and tobacco plant- ing. What it would yield under another form of labor is apparent to anybody. It would necessarily furnish a smaller percentage of profit; but, even so, there 1s a majority of the slavenolders, as I am in a position to know, who are willing to forego the profits to attain the position of being re moved from the reproaches of civilized coun- tries. The thing to be deplored is that those who have to legislate for this island Know 80 little of tne slavery question. In the pas- sage of the Moret Jaw the home government struck out the provision that negroes over 60 years of age should be maintained, dressed and assisted in sickness until their death, either by their former owners, if they desired to remain with them, or others who chose to take charge of them. Now we were periectly willing to accept this provision, We knew what the opinion of the civilized world would say if we decreed emancipation and gave it only the FEATURES OF INHUMANITY. ‘The other day a deputation of slaveholders from Santiago de Cuba came here to propose the neces- sity of establishing @ hospital at the expense of the State for negroes over 60 years, Had that provision been adopted there would be no occasion for establishing hospitals, The owners would have seen to the protection of the slaves after they had passed the limit of 60 years, Thus it 1s that in the discussion of this question in Madrid the gracticai points to be ob- served are more or less ignored, To handle the question properly there should be some acquaint- ance with the actual workings of the slave system ‘on this island. However much I may see the ne- cessity and morality of its abolition, 1 cannot claim to represent the sentiments of others, though my conviction is that a great many feel as I do, PLAN OF ABOLITION, CORRESPONDENT—AS you are one of the most deeply interested, what might be the plan, if any, you have in contemplation for the abolition ot slavery ? Seflor ZuLuRTA—On a former occasion we dis- cussed this matter over. Lately we had a meeting, in response to the call of Minister Soler, at which, however, there wert Only 37 slaveholders present, @nd nothing definitive was accomplished, The plan you inquire about, when thrown into form, would be this. Let the slavee be declared eman- cipated subject to these conditions:—They shall Pass from slavery to the nate or care of their owners for @ period of 10 years; the patronate to Yemain in force for that period, but to be renannced for reasonable cause. The patronate shall havé the right to use the labor of the emanctpados with these obligations—to maintain and clothe them, to assist them in case of sickness, to pay them monthly such @sum of money as the law may determine, and to feed, clothe and aid in sickness the chilaren that may be born to them. It should be stipulated that the patronate of the freedmen cannot be transferred except with the minor children under 12 years of age, whether natural or legitimate. The monthly allowance which we discussed at @ meeting held some ume ago should be to the emancipados of 12 to 18 years of age $2 per month, pe to their parents, or, there being no parents, their sponsors (padrinos), and from 18 to 60 years of age $4 a montn to the males and $3 a month to the females, The patronate should cease im these ways: first, by the expiration of the 10 years fixed upon as its duration; second, by mu- ual agreement of the patron and his ward without the intervention of any one; third, by the re- nouncement for just cause of the patron’s obliga- tions, and lastly, for abuses proved against the patron. Under these provisions, showd the patronate cease the ema remain un- der the protection of the state. Should it termi- nate by mutual agreement the emancipado enters into the general condition of those who are sub- por Ee regulations of free labor. The law of oret would explain and govern the rest—that all those born of slave mothers ani all over 60 years are free from the time of the enactment of the statute, WHERE THE OPPOSITION COMES FROM. CORRESPONDENT—What opposition is there to this scheme? Sefhor ZULUETA—With the exception of the peo- ple of the Cinco Villas, there is @ general disposi- tion to take some effective ste ps towards emanci- ation, In the Cinco Villas they declare the law of oret, passed in July, 1870, covers the whole ground. Ivis good enough for them. They argue that in 20 years from now, under the operation of tnis act, and with tne consideration that the importation of slaves has ceased, there must be anend to slavery, Twenty years is time enough ior them, and they deem the law safficiently etfec- tual to carry out the object. But under the pres- sure of circumstances and opinion we consider bere that a more rapid scheme of emancipation, which will convince in its details that we are in earnest in this question, should be adopted. CORRESPONDENT—W hat disturbance do you ap- prehend of the business of the island consequent upon emancipation ? Seiior ZULUETA—Not a greatdeal. The time al- lowea for emancipation would enable us to bring in other labor irom Asia, China and Japan (!) This consideration, however, 18 not so effective with other slaveholders, who apprenend that the present relations once disturbed will lead to dis- organization. From my Enowledge of the slave people Iam not alarmed at the future. They will work with less effect, perhaps, but they will work nevertheless, and the apprehension of disorder and vagrancy is imaginary. THE INSURGENTS TWO-THIRDS NEGRO. CoRRESPONDENT—Do you regard the insurrection a8 O1 serious Moment to the stability of Spanish power in Cuba? Sefior ZuLvera—The insurrection would. have been ended long ago if there had been anything like a settled government im Spain. The present one gives no confidence and only excites the hopes of the insurrectionists, As for its endangering the stability of the government here I am disposed to think we can stand it quite as long as they can. ‘The insurrection derives its main support now from the hope that Spain is too perlonay, copied, at home to put forrh any effort to crush it. But these insurgeuts are two-thirds negroes who have run away irom their masters, and the insurrection at the best has neither strength nor character. CORRESPONDENT—How is, it then, you have failed to put it down? Seiior ZuLveTA—Many things haye happened. There has been a great deal of venality in the con- duct of the war. There are men making money oat of the present state Of affairs who have in- fluence enough to prolong a war that might have been ended long ago if there was a serious effort made. General Portilla, who was so successtul in pacttying the Cinco Vitlas, will go down in a few days [rom now to take command, and we expect satisfactory results to follow. We have quite ENOUGH OF SOLDIERS, somewhere over 30,000, and they are well equipped and more than able to dispose of this insurrection, What is wanted is adirecting head. Heretofore they have been badly handied and there was always a@ Jack of skill in the operations against the insurrectionists, but we have great faith in Gen- eral Portilla and he will do everything by arms and diplomacy to bring about an end to the trouble. CORRESPONDENT—Was there anything like a dis- position On the part of the volunteers to quarrel with America on the question ol tne Virginius? Sefior ZuLUEBTA—Some there were who did. In all large bodies of men you may be sure to fina some intractable spirits. “Tnere were such among the volunteers. They were ready to fight, regard- less 01 consequences, but the majority of them were prepared to give @ ready obedience to the orders of the government, and the sequel shows you they acted in the interest of law and order. ‘There aré different classes of people in the ranks of the volunteers, Some are ignorant and head- strong, and their acts at times bring a certain kind of disrepute on the whole body; but you will find the mags of them are orderly and intelligent, and execute the duty entrusted to them, which is not paid for, with a Cheerful seli-sacrifice you will find by no means common. Here we took our leave of Sefior Zulueta, whose urbanity and communicativeness were in very agreeable contrast to our anticipations. THE PRESS IN FREE CUBA. The Mambi Journal, the “War Bulle- tin,” on the Progress of the Struggle— Letter of Condolence to General Agra- monte’s Wite. Some time ago the HgraLp published a Cuban oficial account of the capture of Santa Cruz by the patriots. The document was taken from the Mambi organ, El Boletin de la Guerra, of October 10, which, a8 was then stated, arrived by the underground railroad. Two more numbers of this little newspaper, published in the wilds of Cuba by the hardy sons of freedom who guard their native soil, have come to hand, They bear date of Sep- tember 21 and 23 respectively. ‘From them the fol- lowing interesting news items are taken:— General Maximo Gomez reports to the Secretary of War his having assumed command of the Cuban forces in Camaguey, and the giving o! orders for a general concentration of them in Anton de Guanoa, for inspection, A flying column of 300 horses, and one oi 600 infantry was then detailed jor service in offensive operations against the enemy. Several skirmishes were soon had with the Spaniards of Las Yegnas, Atadero and Santa Ana, the enemy not during to leave their camps to meet the Cubans in the fleid, The results of these operations were 69 Spaniards killed and 2 pris- oners, 14 horses and 36 rifles captured, The Cubans lost 7 killed and 18 wounded. Maxuno Gomez, after detailing to the Secretary of War his combmations that led to the weil re- membered attuck and occupation of Nuevietas, proceeds to give his official account o! that achieve- ment in these words :— “rhe enemy made little resistance. They used their artillery. and, in vain, by the aid of rockets, asked assistance from the gunboat Neptune. The city was Cas Jad an hour and a half by us, The public establishments were opened i the sap- pers, and & magnificent booty was taken from them, consisting of clothing, provisions, and other valuable effects. The enemy had some losses in Kitied, although the number is unknown, and 6 arms with ammunition were taken, Our forces retired without being molested. Our losses were 2 soldiers Killed and 1 officer and 4 soidiers wounded.” £ Gomez then proceeds to give an account of desultory actions with outlying forces, in all of which the Spaniards lost 25 killed, and 35 horses and 32 rifles captured, The following letter of condolence has been ad- dressed to the wite of the late Major General Ignacio Agramonte, and “is from the oletin dela Guerra:— SeNORA AMALIA SimONT DE AGRAMONTE » you the hope of ever joining your ill the great day of our country’s triam Deep must be your bitterness, as the pain experienced by the people of suffering Cuba is great for the irreparable loss of the citizen deserving well ot his country, who has his generous blood in Jimaguaya. And it'a rare coincidence, A strange combination of circumst: hero of the last houor tributed to th mitung his remains to the earth warriors gathered together when the unfortunate tidings were circulated, and, even still enveloped in the smoke ot battle, they did not keep back the tear of sorrow and of indignation that rolied down their cheeks. The incomparabie chief had fallen forever; the master of ail in war, the model of valor and’ constancy; he to whose qualities us a Warrior and a patriotavere united the accomplishments of a gentleman: he who was re- spected as a leader and loved asatriend. There, in that soleinn act, all wept, it is true, but it was not that unfruit- ful wail of taint heartedness or desperation, it was the manly weeping of our country’s soldiers, It was that con- 1 the duty of honoring the s heroes in war should be honored. 'Y, madam, wil be honored who did not vainly consecrate to his'country years of labors and a thousand hardships crowned by a glorious death. His eminent teachings, and his great exai le Will be as finperishable as the iinmortal naine of Ignacio Agramonte y Loynaz. ‘Allow, madame, the expression of sorrowful mourning that, in the name of the army, the subalterns and com- panions of your illusirtous husband send you. Major General Maximo Gomez, J. del D. C.; Major General Julio Sancuily, second \n command; Colonel Dr. Antonio Lueces, J. de 5, M.; Liswenent Oplonel Rafel Rodriguez, K. M.; Comte Enrique L. Mola, E, Captain Ration Bosa, k.'M.; Lieutenant Elpidio L. Mola, Francisco Satichez Belancourt, Representative of uay. bs Heanquartens 1x Nasasa, Camagvuay, July 9, The law reguiating the new military organization had been promulgated, Lieutenant Cownel Henry Reeve has been pro- moted to the fuli rank oi colonel. Francisco Menilus Padilio, a Spaniard, rho had passed over to the Cubans, has been commisstoned a8 second heutenant, The new arms taken to the island by the Vir- ten on her last successful trip had been received Camaguay- HERALD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1873. THE STATE LEGISLATURE. The Approaching Session of the New York Senate and Assembly. —-——_ THE QUESTION OF THE SPEAKERSHIP, The Interest of the Lobby in the Struggle and the Cause of Their Activity, AFine Prospect for a Rebellion in the Republican Camp. The session of the Legislature of this State which will opeu on the 6th of next month bids fair, judg- ing from present indications, to be quite an active one, Of course it is mot an easy matter to fore- cast with any degree of certainty at any time the general policy, 80 to speak, for good or evil, of an Albany Senate or Assembly; for of all the unrelia- bie things on earth an Albany Legislature is cer- tainly the most unreliable. This fact has been ex- emplfied more than once during the past under extraordinary as well as the most ordinary of cir- cumstances, and the knowing ones, who have of jJate years in the early winter been bold enough to Stake their reputation as prophets on an attempt to tell by the shuffle of the political cards tn Jan- uary what would be trumps in May, have almost invariably been compeilec to hide their diminished heads when the actual result was made a part of Albany history at the close of the session. How- ever, it 18 by no means an attempt at @ political prophecy to state. that events point to an active session; for the ac- tivity employed by politicians previous to @ session is not always a sure indication of what the general policy of a majority may be. First and loremost, the first indication just now is the strug- gle that is going On for the Speakership, and sec- ond, the activity manifested by the lobbyists in organizing their forces for the coming campaign. Jt may be that in some respects the latter may have a great deal to do with the final result of the former, but to what extent or to what side the pernicious influence of these infamvuus rascals, who make a winter livelihood by bribery and cor- ruption, will eventually be thrown is @ question that has yet to be answered. Nevertheless, it is a fact thatno one dare deny, who knows anything about THE INS AND OUTS OF ALBANY LEGISLATION, that the lobby has alwaysin the past, with but a few notable instances, bad altogether too much to do not only with the annual contests for the honors of the Speakership, but afterward with the snap- ing o1 the important committees which it was the privilege of the Speaker to appoint. The fact that they bave already begun to lay their wires and to canvass for the coming struggle ought to be enough to place honest members on their guard against the wolves in sheeps’ clothing whom they are doubtless encountering now, and whom they will continue to encounter until the first day of the ses- sion, The struggle this year is to be, apparently, a bitter one, and the various incongruous elements which are being brougnt together as a support by some of the small fry candidates show quite plainly that there is at the bottom of not a few of the little plans already set on foot tor the further- ance of this and that man’s chances a gread deal that smacks of JOBBERY AND THIRD HOUSE PRESSURE. The lobbymen who have so far come to the surface in the canvassing have not dared to proclaim themselves openly the ultra champions of any par. ticular one of the four or six candiviates already in the field, but the way they are working indicates that they will in the long run go for any man who promises them the most in return, or from whom, at least, they have good reabon to suppose that great favors can be expected, provided they induce some as yet undecided friend or two to vote all right. It is gratilying to know that up to the present time these contemptibie creatures have not shown a preference Jor either of the two most prominent candidates, and have contented themselves with calculating the odds against the other aspirants and as to which one would stand the best show as @ compromise candidate if one should be necessary. This policy is a shrewd one; but it is not so covert that the parties of the sec- ond part most concerned cannot see through it. The fact is that if the fight is narrowed down to two men, as it seems to be already, it becomes a great question who the other aspirants are, so as to get the right kind of committees to suit the views and desires of the gen- tiemen of the Third House, and this in @ nut-shell is the prize the lobbymen are after. If certain committees can be controlled by certain men, the Speakership question, 80 far as the less prominent candidates are concerned, will not be a bone of contention among them, and all will go along as merrily as a marriage bell. Just at pres- ent the two real candidates for the Speakershi are James H. Husted, of Westchester, aud L. Brad- ford Prince, of Queens. These two gentlemen were candidates in a certain way last year beiore the session opened, and neither of them was elected by reason o1 the simple fact that the Custom House clique at the time controlled the slate makers, and that quite another man had been booked for the position, Everybody knows how Prince was treated when he finally withdrew from the contest the night of the republican causus, and how Husted was treated—the one being made chairman oj the Judiciary Committee and the other laid on the sheif asa figurehead for an insignificant commit- tee. Ail that could be dope by the Custom House party was done to humiliate Husted, and at one time it looked as though he would BREAK OUT OF THE PARTY TRACES and fight on his own hook, regardless of the plans of the majority. But be did not. He remained throughout a steadfast partv man, an out-and-out republican, and before the session closed he had the Satisfaction of finding the “leaders,” who had en- deavored to turn him adrift, imploring him to come to their assistance against @ powerful com- bination that had suddenly been made against them. For his services during the session, which were invaluable at the time they were given to the men Who most needed them, he was promised the Custom House support this year for the Speaker- ship, and it is upon this promise his most enthusi- astic friends are building their strongest hopes for his final success. But Mr. Husted has more than once in the past listened to promises that were broken to the ear aiterward, and it may be that the year 1874 may not have in store for him an ex- ceptional fate. If it should not, the ‘io, as to whether he can aay longer ford to be snubbed by the party which he has served for seven years in the House will doubtless become @ grave one, at least for himself. His opponent, Mr. Prince, has been in the Assembly three years, and during the last two he has been considered one of the leading members of his party; and though, as has already been mentioned, he has been @ standing candidate for Speaker, and at the same time ever ready to fall back gratetully upon the chairmanship of either one of the two most prominent commitiees, he Is this time a candidate for the Speakersnip and nothing else. His claims for it are his past ser- vices in the House to the party in power and to the patriotic way in which he withdrew from the contest last year, aiter Alberger and Fort and others had done the same thing with the same ends in view. Both he and Mr. Husted have been, oi late, hard at work among the members of the House throughout the State, and, of course, the friends of each say that each 18 ahead in the race. Some four weeks ago Prince’s star was ap- parently in the ascendant, the rumor that the Custom House was to go for him to a man, “under orders irom headguarters,” having considerable weight with some of the country members, who, though they hold no office now, are patriotic enough to expect to hold one betore the session is over, This rumor, however, has not been verified, ana the iact, besides, having leaked out that Tom Murphy ts dead against hira, has had avery de- pressing effect upon his chances; 80 much so, in- deed, that Mr. Husted is now generally conceded to be on the inside track, But it is just here thata serious dilemma presents itself, and which has jaced both candidates in rather a ticklish position, Bacn is anxious, as a Matter Of course, to CURRY FAVOR WITH ANY POLITICAL POWER withia the party lines which will, a8 the situation 1s generally understood, give him an advantage over the other, Now it so happens (according to report) that several of the old members of the Honse whose recollections of the whipping in they got last year by the Custom House at the begin- ning of the session are not at all of the most agree. able character, have been talking the coming “season” over among themselves and have as a result laid plans by which, it is said, no matter which way the Custom House throws its influence, it will be beaten, To make this combination effective it will be necessary to go outside the party, but the very act of going out- side of it to secure the ends they have in view they claim is entirely justifiable in view of the fact that they cede nothing of serious importance to the enemy. The republicans have a majority of 20 votes only in the House, and it will thus be seen that 21 republicans, by acting with the democrats in the support of an “independent” candidate—a man not classed with either party—will hold the balance of power. It is the mere probability of this contingency that is sorely puzzling both Husted’s and Prince's friends; ior, if it 18 made @ certainty, whoever secures THE CUSTOM HOUSE VOTR, hoping thereby to be the stronzer man of the two, 3 will really be the loser in the struggle. These are hard things, absolutely essential, however, to make this independent movement a success, it being taken jor granted that there are 21 republicans ‘Who are wil to go just whichever way the Cus. tom House jl not go—namely, first, an inde- pendent candidate, and, second, the co-opera- ton of the democrats. The latter, it is claimed, would like nothing better than to defeat the Cus- tom House by join! e hands. with republicans who would guarantee them @ Speaker who would a 4 be @ non-party man, and aiso a fair showing on the important committees; for at best they know they cannot elect a Speaker themselves un- aided, por, can they fare any worse on the commit. tees assisting in the independent movement than if they do not. And who is the independent candidate? There are several pronounced liberals in the House, it is trae, but none of them are ac- ceptable to the would-be independent republicans, and so the man who himself claims to be an “in- dependent” is Thomas G. Alvord, who was nom- inated by the liberals of his district and endorsed by the democrats, but who was elected without giv- ing any pleages—in fact, without having formally accepted the nomination. If the democrats are Willing to take him, and the anti-Custom House republicans give him their support, all will be ap With Husted and Prince. It is said that the repub- licans will not invite Alvord to thetr caucus, th ruling against him as a penubiicas. and that tl democrats will not invite him, ThisJs just what enigma) wants, for by this action ,le will be ealty A NO-PARTY MAN, just the man for the combination to fall back upon when Husted and Prince shall have developea their strength in caucus. Yet against all the prob- abilities a8 to the republican combination and the willingness of the democrats to joininit, there comes the story that Aivord will not be @ candi- date against Husted under any circumstances, and that he made a pledye to that effect to the “Bald Hagle” the winter beiore last, when the lat- ter nominated the old man in caucus against Smith, who was finally elected, and who made such a laughing stock of hims:ifas Speaker after- wards. If this pledge waa realiy made, and Alvord stands by it, the combination will, in all probability, give up its plan, and Husted wih, of course, oe the gainer; because the Custom House party would have in self-defence to nominate him, knowin, that if he withdrew from the fleld (if they refuse him support) Alvord would be certain to come to the tront and win the day against them, Be that a8 it may, if the republicans who now talk anti- Custom are really in earnest, and the jocrats, like Barkis, are “willin’ ” to join them, even though Alvord should refuse to run against Husted, an- other “sndependent” might e¢: be found to take his place. The Custom House men, combina- tion or no combination, will doubtless do their level best to come out ahead, if they really mean to make a fight, and if they do succeed in converting the anti-Custom House republicans to their way of thinking, their plan will doubtless the old one of making the party fight in ceucus eo bitter and so evenly balanced as between Husted and Prince that a third man Will have to be taken up. In sucha contingency, »: taking up as their new candidate some man they know to be all right with the anti- Custom House republicans they will not only break up the combination itself, but come out of the contest—on the surface, at least—a glorious victor. The third man, in all probability, if that ts to be the ena of tne struggle, will be General Batcheller, Of Saratoga. Looking over the fleld, however, and calculating the chances as to the probability of a combination against the administration republi- cans among republicans and all the rest, the fates look favorable for Husted’s ultimate success. If elected he will make the best Speaker the As- sembly will have had for many years, for in pomt of legislative experience and general fitness for the position he has no equal 1n the State. ANOTHER PRIZE FIGHT. Jim Turner, of Brooklyn, and John Gallagher, ef New York, Meet in a Room Near Fort Hamilton—They Fight for a Purse of $50—Gallagher With- draws at the Twentieth Round—The Police Looking After the Principals. Brooklyn seems to be the haven of the demoral- ized rough nowadays, or rather it is the place from which such miserable specimens of men sprung that within the past few weeks broke the peace and outrageously violated the laws of the community around about us, Or, in other words, the boasted quiet City of Churches, despite its vaunted police, has among its residents certain disreputable people wno, having neither the fear of the law nor the clubs of Folk's officers to their minds, conceived and carried into execution two prize fights within 10 days past. True, the fighting was poor and the men of no account, but that 1s of litule consequence in lessening the guilt of the parties or shielding the detective character of Brooklyn's Police Department, The last brutal exhibition came off yesterday morning, about three o'clock, at 8 point on Long Island near Fort Hamilton, easily reacned by carriage, ana by wluch conveyance all the parties leit Brooklyn for the rendezvous. The principals were John Gallagher, of tne Fourth ward of New York, and Jim Turner, of Brooklyn. The former is but 21 years of age; weighed, when stripped 130 pounds; while Turner is an “old man,’ and will tip the scales at 170 pounds, It was Gallagher’s first appearance in the “ring,” and, without doubt, he is now aware Chat it is not pest to put one’s trust in what the men who conceive these exhibitions say. Two ails ol Water Were brought into the room selected ‘or the fight, the men took their places, and, with their seconds—whose names, with the releree’s, are purposely yd aed oy the work of pre- paration. In @ moment “time’’ was called and they advanced to the centre of the room, shook hands, and began the work of smashing each other's faces. The character of the fight and its abrupt terml- nation does not call for an extended report oi the rounds. Gallagher was the taller of tne two, and in the better condition, yet the betting was in favor ol Turner, Gallagher weot to work in earnest, and from the commencement had the best of it. In the third round he skinned Turner’s nose and drew blood, the first of the evening. The rounds were short but quite stubborn, and on the twelfth Tur- ner’s head began to swell, and from this time Gal- Jagher’s lew friends looked upon him as a sure win- ner. Turner's friends now began 60 be noisy, and bets were offered of 50 to 5 on “the ola man,” which “mouthings” had their effect and began to weaken Gallagher’s confideace in himself. In the fifteenth, sixteenth, seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth rounds Turner went down to avoid punishment, and on the twentieth and last Galla- gher went up to Turner, and, smashing him under the left eye, there ensued a livel exchange, with the punishment equally divided, when, to the astonishment of all present, Gallagher would no longer figut. The only reason he attri- buted for his refusing to go on Was that the major- ay of the party Was against him, and even if he did whip his man there was no show of IMs getting the decision in his favor or of obtaining a cent o1 the little purse, believed to be about $50. Tne party then adjourned to the bar, where there was @ reat deal of drinking and much obscenity. The ighting lasted 27 minutes. shortly after four o’clock the crowd left for Brooklyn, and on the way to the Fulton ferry one of the carriages, containing a lew of “the boys!? and one of the principals, was stopped by @ squad of police, Who, with drawn revoivers, detained it tuly half an hour, | ‘just until the Sergeant comes up from below,” said they. This oficial had gone on an inspecting tour, but was late, or, in the intelligent languege of one of the company, he “was not in time for Lanigan’s ball.” The carriage was at last allowed to pro- ceed, and the Sergeant and his men thereby let slip achance, perhaps, of performing a creditable duty. The charge that Gallagher is a ‘looking. glass fighter’? may or may not be true, but belore his Fourth and Sixth ward triends condemn hin he should have another chance, where, with good Loiay he may know there would be fair play all around. ESSEX MARKET POLIOE COURT. Before Justice Otterbourg. Too Free with His Pistol. George Snyder, of No, 164 Ludlow street, was committed in default of $1,000 bail, charged with firing apistol at William Martin, of No, 90 Willett street. The evidence shows that the offence was committed on last lection Day. It bed phe Martin was biinging a friend up to the polls to vote and Snyder tried to induce the man to vote a diderent ticket than he intended, Snyder and Martun had some hot words, and, meeting later in the even- ing, had a fight. Snyder drew a revolver and fired, but missed Martin, He ran off and has been “out of town” ever siuce. He was arrested yester- terday by OMmecer O'Connor, of the Eleventh pre- gnow who has been looking for him since Election i A Brutal Scoundrel. Abraham Strauss, of No. 27 Orchard street, was committed on a charge of outraging a little girl, aged five years, named Bertha Weinberg. The Outrage was perpetrated last evening. COURT CALENDARS—THIS DAY. Supreme CourT—GENERAL TERM.—Adjourned uns til Monday. ‘SU & CouRT—CHAMBERS—Held by Judge y.—NO8. 86, 74, 87, 92, 99, 103, 12234, 165, 176, 182, 187, 202, 204, 209, 210, 211, 213, 217. SupREMB CoURT—CrRcUIT — Part 1.—Reguiar term adjourned for the term. Part 2—Adjourned Term—Held by Judge Van Brant—Short Causes.— Nos. 27645, 1345, 1456, 2710, 2898, 8116, 2664, 1656, 2256, 2794, 2938, 2058, 3200 iy, S22d, SASIg, 952, 1284, 3142, 8216, 3218, 8223, 3260, SureRIOnR CouRT—TRIAL TreRM—Part 1,—Ad- icarnes jor the term. Part 2.—Adjourned for tue erm, OouRT OF CoMMON PLRAS —TRIAL TERM—Part 1,— Adjourned for the term, Part 2.—Adjourned for oy term. Equity Term adjourned until Decem- er 20, MARINE CoURT—TRIAL TeRM—Part 1.—Adjourned for the term. Part 2.—Adjourned for the term, Part 3—Held by Judge Joachimsen,—Noa, 3067, 8200, UOURT OF GENERAL SEssions,—Adjourned until Monday.